2008-2009 Jeep Patriot

Here's another Jeep...this one isn't that much different from the Compass.


Introduction: The Jeep Patriot is another cross-over built by Chrysler like the Compass used the same Caliber platform. Introduced in 2007 at the same time as the Caliber and its sibling the Compass. Unlike the Compass the Patriot does have the Trail rated badge meaning its supposed to satisfy Chrysler's testing criteria for off-roading.

Yeah the Jeep Patriot isn't really much different from the Compass other than supposedly being able to go off-road and if it fails...that's Chrysler's problem.


Performance: The Patriot uses the exact same engine and exact same transmission as the Compass. The same 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp and 165 lb.ft of torque. Its still gutless and unpleasant. The Patriot's 0-100 km/h time is about 9.5 seconds marginally slower than the Compass.

My Score: 2/10 - Engine is slow, noisy and not very fuel efficient.

Handling: The Patriot drives so similar to the Compass despite its supposed ability to go off-road. It still handles pretty badly and the steering is just as numb. However as a vehicle that can go off-road the suspension is more understandably not all that comfortable.

My Score: 3/10 - Same pathetic handling ability, the good news...the suspension is justifiably harder for off-roading.


Interior: The 2009s were given an interior update...you know the interior of the previous 2007 models were very bad when Chrysler had to update them so soon. That said its still a horrible interior. Much of the disgusting plastic that's in every Chrysler is still present. It really didn't improve all that much frankly. Unlike Hyundai, Chrysler even when they know their mistake can't seem to correct it...probably because they spent all the money on the 2009 Ram.

My Score: 2/10 - Its still terrible, they clearly didn't try hard enough.

Styling: The Patriot is a little bit better than the Compass with styling but they ruin it with the cheap looking plastic bits on the bumpers. While it does look more like an SUV compared to the Compass which is a blob with a Jeep grille, its still not pretty and doesn't look like its an off-roader. Once again it takes the Wrangler's styling in an attempt to pretend its something its not.

My Score: 3/10 - Better than the Compass thanks to it looking like an SUV, not very creative though.

Value for Money: Well the Patriot...is cheaper than the Compass. It makes no sense, I couldn't believe the Compass goes for more than the Patriot when the Patriot does a little bit more and had an ounce more effort put into it. Its the least expensive 4WD vehicle out there which does count for something when its supposed to have some off-roading capabilities so its not a complete waste like the Compass.

My Score: 4/10 - It does more than a Compass, and its the cheapest 4WD SUV designed to go off-road.

Overall: 14/50 - Its still a horrible SUV but unlike the Compass its not a total crock it at least does a slight bit more for frankly less money. The name however is pretty stupid, you'd probably be a better American patriot if you bought a good American product.