Auto Extreme

At first glance, the Patriot looks like it’s about six years late to its own party, because it’s such a faithful evolution of Jeep’s Cherokee. It even shares the Cherokee’s boxy bluffness, a big part of that vehicle’s charm. But back in 2001, the Cherokee was replaced by the Liberty instead, a more gently curved, doe-eyed Jeep-on-Prozac.

The Patriot shares its platform with the Compass, Jeep’s attempt to satisfy a perceived demand for a car with Jeep styling cues. Or a Jeep with car styling cues, depending on the salesman’s reading of your inclination.

Like the Compass, the Patriot gets a 2.4-liter four that generates 165 lb-ft of torque at a high 4400 rpm. Mated to the standard five-speed manual, it provides lively, if vocal, performance. The optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) is less work but also less amusing. More baffling is the optional 2.0-liter four–CVTOnly–whose only claim to fame is that it’s slightly more fuel efficient, according to the EPA, than the CVT-equipped 2.4-liter. With a manual gearbox, the 2.4 gets the same fuel economy rating as the 2.0-liter.

The Patriot competes with the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. In this company, the Jeep looks far more like a tough-guy off-roader than its curvaceous urbanite rivals. Inside, the Patriot’s upright dash and flat expanse of hood make you feel as though you’re in something substantial–more truck than minivan–and the simple controls are logically laid out.

And while it isn’t particularly fun to drive on-road, this Jeep offers good ride quality and competitive dynamics that are miles ahead of the Wrangler and the Cherokee before it.

2008 Jeep Patriot Introduction

The Trail-Rated Jeep Patriot claims to be the most capable 4×4 in the compact crossover sport utility vehicle segment, thanks to its available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

The Patriot is based off the same small-SUV platform as the Compass but offers an off-road capability its sibling doesn’t. It is available in front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel-drive system which utilizes a “lock” mode to enhance traction in inclement weather. The four-wheel drive system and optional FDII package has a continuously variable transaxle with a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. The package also features hill-descent control, brake lock differential, and an extra inch of ground clearance. Standard safety features include front and side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes, electronic stability program, and tire pressure monitoring. All trims are standard with a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission; A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional. A 158-hp 2.0L engine with only the CVT can be had on the FWD Sport trim.

The Jeep Patriot was brand new in 2007 and carries over into 2008.

2008 Jeep Patriot Full Specifications

Performance & Efficiency

• 2,360 cc 2.4 liters in-line 4 front engine with 88.0 mm bore, 97.0 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder ED3
• Unleaded fuel 87
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 13.6 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 11.3
• Power: 128 kW , 172 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 165 ft lb , 224 Nm @ 4,400 rpm

Handling, Ride & Braking

• Four-wheel ABS
• 4.120:1 axle ratio
• Brake assist system
• Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
• Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
• Immobilizer
• Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
• Stability control
• Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

Exterior & Aerodynamics

• Body color front and rear bumpers
• Chrome/bright trim on side of body
• Day time running lights
• Driver and passenger power black door mirrors
• External dimensions: overall length (inches): 173.6, overall width (inches): 69.1, overall height (inches): 65.7, ground clearance (inches): 8.1, wheelbase (inches): 103.7, front track (inches): 59.8, rear track (inches): 59.8 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 35.6
• Front fog lights
• Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
• Luxury trim alloy look on gearknob, alloy look on doors and alloy look on dashboard
• Pearl paint
• Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent
• Roof rails
• Rear platform step
• Tinted glass on cabin, rear and side
• Underbody protection for engine
• Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,168 and gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 1,000
• Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

Interior

• 12v power outlet: front and 1
• Air conditioning
• Fixed mast antenna
• Peripheral anti-theft protection
• Audio system with satellite and CD player
• Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf
• Cargo area dimensions: front width (inches): 38.9, width between arches (inches): 38.0, height (inches): 25.9 and loading floor height (inches): 30.7
• Cargo area light
• Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 54.2 and all seats in place (cu ft): 23.0
• Clock
• Coming home device
• Computer with range for remaining fuel
• Full dashboard console with open storage box, full floor console with covered storage box
• Delayed/fade courtesy lights
• Cruise control
• Front seats and rear seats cup holders fixed
• Door ajar warning
• Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
• External temperature
• Floor mats
• Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
• Bucket heated driver seat with height adjustment and lumbar adjustment, bucket heated passenger seat
• Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
• Front seat center armrest
• Garage door opener
• Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats, two head restraints on rear seats
• Illuminated entry system
• Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 41.0, rear headroom (inches): 39.3, front hip room (inches): 52.3, rear hip room (inches): 51.0, front leg room (inches): 40.6, rear leg room (inches): 39.4, front shoulder room (inches): 54.6, rear shoulder room (inches): 54.0 and interior volume (cu ft): 101.7
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch and speed sensing
• Power steering
• Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows
• Front reading lights
• 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
• Three asymmetrical bench front facing reclining rear seats with zero adjustments
• Automatic operation rear view mirror
• Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
• Front and rear side curtain airbag
• Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
• Seating: five seats
• Four speaker(s)
• Leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment
• Tachometer
• Driver and passenger vanity mirror
• Ventilation system

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