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Compact SUV; Built in USA
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $4,200 – $20,900*


2007 Jeep Patriot


2007 Jeep Patriot


2007 Jeep Patriot


2007 Jeep Patriot


2007 Jeep Patriot

Pros:
  • Cargo room
  • Control layout/materials
  • Ride (except Off road Group)
  • Seat comfort (front)
Cons:
  • Acceleration
  • Build quality (interior details)
  • Road noise (Off Raod Group)

Compared to the mechanically similar Jeep Compass, Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep. Both models lack the on-road polish and cabin refinement of other vehicles in this class, but Patriot compensates somewhat with impressive available off-road capabilities. Most shoppers would be better served by a more street-oriented truck, such as the Honda CR-V or Suzuki Grand Vitara-the latter rivaling Patriot’s off-road prowess. Still, as a daily driver that’s ready for the occasional off-road foray, a properly-equipped Patriot makes some sense.

Overview

Jeep rolled out a compact companion to its new Compass car-type sport-utility vehicle for 2007, but gave it more traditional Jeep styling and enhanced available off-road capability. Patriot exhibited a more square profile than the Compass on which it was based, but the two were virtually identical in size.

Sport and uplevel Limited trim levels were offered. Both seated five, had a rear liftgate, and came with split folding rear seats. A 172-horsepower four-cylinder engine was standard, mating with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A 158-hp four-cylinder was available as a credit option for the 2WD Sport, and came only with the CVT. Patriots were available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latter without low-range gearing. An optional off-road-oriented system included low-range gearing and hill descent control. With that option, the Patriot qualified as “Trail Rated,” like most other Jeep products. Both of Patriot’s AWD systems featured a console switch to lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split below 10 mph.

Standard on all models were curtain side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Available features included fold-down tailgate speakers, a navigation system, leather upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, and heated front seats. With the Patriot, Jeep competed against such compact models as the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Yearly Updates

2008 Patriot
Air conditioning became standard on all Patriots, as did a tire-pressure monitor. The CVT now included Auto Stick manual selection of virtual “gears.” Otherwise, changes for 2008 were minor.
2009 Patriot
The 2009 Jeep Patriot got an upgraded interior with revised instrument panel, door trim panels, and center console to go along with chrome accents, a removable carpeted load floor, and illuminated cupholders. Also new for 2009 was Chrysler’s uconnect multimedia suite, which could include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.
2010 Patriot
The 2010 Jeep Patriot saw no major changes.
2011 Patriot
The 2011 Jeep Patriot got slightly freshened exterior and interior styling as well as a revised model lineup. The base Sport trim returned, but the top-end Limited was replaced by new Latitude and Latitude X trim levels.
2012 Patriot
A Limited trim level replaced the Latitude X in the model lineup for the 2012 Jeep Patriot, but there were no other changes of note.
2013 Patriot
Aside from a few new paint colors, not much has changed for Patriot in 2013.
2014 Patriot
The Jeep Patriot got an available 6-speed automatic transmission for 2014.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Developing 172 horsepower, the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder Patriot engine works with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For 2014, an optional six-speed automatic was available. A 158-hp engine was a credit option only on the 2WD Sport model. A Patriot may have front-drive or all-wheel drive.

dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/122
Engine HP 158
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 141
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
CVT automatic

 23/27
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 172
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 165
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
CVT automatic
6-speed automatic		 22/27
21/24
21/27		 21.1

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Acceleration is on the sluggish side. Patriot is most spry with the manual transmission, though no model is quick. Expect adequate pull from a stop with either transmission, though models with the CVT struggle in passing and merging. The 158-hp is likely to be marginal at best.

Fuel economy isn’t bad for an SUV. An AWD Sport with the CVT averaged 21.1 mpg. Patriots use regular-grade gasoline.

Patriots are comfortable and stable on the road. Some floatiness may be noted over larger dips, along with jiggling over highway expansion joints. The Off Road Group includes stiffer springs and all-terrain tires, yet has only modest impact on ride quality.

Handling mirrors that of the Compass, led by accurate, natural-feeling steering and good composure at highway speeds. Body lean is moderate in corners. Brakes deliver reassuring pedal feel.

Generally well hushed, the Patriot exhibits somewhat more wind noise than the Compass. Some road noise is invariably present, elevated further with the Off Road Group’s more aggressively treaded tires. In models tested, engine sounds always were present-especially intrusive while accelerating.

Gauges are large and easy to read. Controls are generally handy and logically positioned. In contrast, overall cabin quality falls below the class norm. Switchgear lacks precision feel, and hard, unyielding plastic dominates the decor. Still, some test-drivers felt the interior decor is appropriate to the Patriot’s rugged pretense.

Front headroom is ample, and high-mounted seats contribute to generous legroom. The fold-out digital media holder in the center console is a nice touch; but when used, it renders the armrest useless and obscures the shifter. Visibility is good all around.

Backseat occupants get adult-size headroom and legroom. However, the flat and too-soft seat lacks support, and may prove uncomfortable on longer drives. Narrow door openings hamper entry/exit.

Cargo volume is enhanced by the available flat-folding passenger seat (if installed). Rear seats fold completely flat. The hard-rubber floor is easy to clean-ideal for carrying dirty, messy cargo. Limited interior storage includes a small center console and door map pockets are tiny.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Patriot AWD Sport w/CVT

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 5
50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 5
50%

Total: 54

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
103.7 173.6 69.1 65.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
62.7 13.5 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 39.9 40.6 39.4
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Patriot 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: In cold weather, the A/C compressor can get damaged from liquid refrigerant slugging requiring replacement of the compressor with one that has a larger diameter drive pulley. (2007)
Air conditioner
Description: A/C compressor may rattle due to slugging with liquid refrigerant during spirited driving requiring improved compressor, condenser, accumulator, lines, etc. (2007)
Keyless entry
Description: The remote start feature may not work intermittently and commands from the remote keyless entry may work intermittently on vehicles fitted with a remote start kit at the dealership. (2007)
Keyless entry
Description: The engine may not crank (nor start) and the remote keyless entry may not work due to a damaged wireless control module in the vehicle caused by static electricity discharge when the key is inserted into the ignition. (2007-08)
Manual transmission
Description: Gears that are difficult to shift may require replacing synchronizer rings. (2008)
Audio system
Description: The Hard Drive radio may lock up with only volume control function requiring reflash. (2009-10)
Audio system
Description: An audio system that mutes itself when the engine is started, that loses its EQ setting after leaving hands-free mode, and other problems requires software upgrade. (2009)
Suspension problems
Description: Lower control arm crossmember mounting bolts might have been properly tightened. (2007-09)
Suspension problems
Description: Some vehicles have a hub flange that does not match specifications. The steering knuckle assembly might require replacement. (2010)
None
Description: May handle poorly, ride rough and may have leaking front struts which must be replaced along with new jounce bumpers. (2007-09)
None
Description: In salt-belt regions, corroded front or rear crossmembers might need replacement. (2007)

Recall History

2007 4×4 w/rear disc brakes
Description: Length of rear wheel hub mounting bolts on some vehicles may prevent actuation of parking brake.
2007-10 Patriot with aftermarket Marathon seat covers
Description: Aftermarket Marathon seatcovers may prevent the side airbags from deploying properly in a crash.
2009 Patriot
Description: A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break. This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge.
2010-12 Patriot
Description: Faulty software may cause delayed or non-deployment of seatbelt pretensioners or side airbags in a rollover.
2011 Patriot
Description: Vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. This could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash. Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge.
2012 Patriot
Description: Some vehicles may have a damaged rollover valve in the fuel-tank assembly, which can cause a leak and possibly a fire.
2012 Patriot
Description: Incorrectly manufactures transfer tube could interrupt fuel flow from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank and could cause the engine to stall.
2014 Patriot
Description: Debris in balance shafts may cause loss of oil pressure and result in engine stalling or failure.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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