2008 Jeep Patriot Test Drive

Based on the Jeep Patriot concept first introduced at the 2005 International Auto Show in Frankfurt , Germany , the 2007 Jeep Patriot is a modern interpretation of classic Jeep styling. It combines the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup.

Jeep Patriot is also loaded with many standard safety features including side-curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, all adding to the Patriot’s tremendous value.

Patriot also treads into new territory with all-new Jeep technology that gives this compact SUV more capability than any other vehicle it its class. The Patriot is available in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode), and the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with low ratio that provides true Jeep 4X4 Trail Rated capability). The Freedom II includes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with low ratio (CVT2L), 17in. all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The package is designed for challenging grades, occasional wheel lift and moderate rock or log climbing. The CVT2L has best in class 19:1 low ratio which is ideal for crawling over obstacles. Off-road Brake Traction Control maintains forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction. Hill-decent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure with out driver intervention, providing downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Three mode ESP and off-road ABS also add to the Patriot’s inherent off-road capability. This Trail Rated Jeep sits 1in. higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance, including 9in. of ground clearance, a 29.6-degree approach angle, a 34.2-degree departure angle and a 23.3-degree breakover angle. This version of the Patriot also has additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19in. water fording ability. All Patriot Jeeps models come standard with Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, electronic roll mitigation, and ABS with rough-road detection. Strong and capable, the 2007 Patriot is unmistakably Jeep, designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want classic Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability.

Jeep Patriot is built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Patriot’s face is classic Jeep, featuring the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, robust bumper and round headlamps. A stiff windshield and upright backlight combine to create Patriot’s easily identifiable side view. Classic Jeep design cures include 17in. aluminum wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires and housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. Jeep Patriot’s high beltline completes the vehicle’s protective side profile.

The rear of the Patriot features an upright backlight, step-up bumper, and a liftgate providing easy access to the rear cargo.

The 2007 Jeep Patriot’s powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable, entry-level price.

Under the hood is the standard 2.4 liter, DOHC, dual VVT, all-aluminum, inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 172hp and 165lb.ft. of torque. When coupled with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the Patriot gets about 26mpg/city and 30mpg/highway. With the available CVT2 transaxle, you can expect 26mpg/city and 30mpg/highway. Now that’s not bad for a Jeep 4X4X4.

Driving the all-new Patriot over pavement or off-road trails is more precise and comfortable than ever before with the new four-wheel independent suspension guided by a rack & pinion steering system with hydraulic power assist.

Up front are MacPherson struts, coil springs over gas-charged shocks and stabilizer bar. The independent rear is a multi-link setup with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar and gas-charged shock absorbers. The turning diameter is a very good 36.6ft., which helps when changing directions, especially when traveling off-road.

Quickly and safely slowing the Patriot down from speed on pavement, or when chasing your off-road dreams, are big, power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes. Up front are 11.5in. vented discs and in the rear are 10.3in. solid discs. As mentioned before, the Patriot comes with standard ABS and Brake Assist to enhance braking power and control.

Jeep Patriot’s flexible interior gives consumers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the-road seating position gives the driver an added feeling of control. Jeep Patriot has 39.4in. of rear leg room, 54.2cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat, and 62.7cu.ft. of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat. That’s plenty of room for an 8ft. ladder, skis or two-by-fours from the lumber yard.

Standard interior features in the Limited Edition include an auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connection on the standard AM-FM/CD stereo radio with four speakers, a sliding center armrest that moves forward 3in. and includes a unique flip pocket for storing cell phone or an MP3 player, standard 60/40 rear seats that fold flat and have an available recline feature, YES Essential Fabric-an easy-car, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors, and discoloration, power windows/door locks, power fold-away mirrors, cruise-control, remote keyless entry, security alarm, Daytime Running Lamps, interior removable/rechargeable lamp, illuminated entry, rear window defroster, front wipers/washers, rear window wiper/washer, auxiliary 115-volt power outlet, power accessory delay, passenger assist handles, A/C, heated front seats, height-adjustable driver seat with manual lumbar adjust, outside temperature display in odometer, ultra-floor vinyl load floor cover, steering wheel mounted audio controls, leather wrapped/tilting steering wheel, satin silver instrument panel bezel, floor console, fog lamps, halogen headlamps, adjustable roof rail system and deep-tint sunscreen glass.

Options include a 458-watt nine-speaker Boston Acoustic Premium Sound System, a Jeep navigation system, leather trimmed seats, tire pressure monitor, premium front/rear floor mats, automatic self-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information center, garage door opener and outside temperature/compass direction.

Safety features include front/rear side-curtain airbags, 3-point safety belts for all passengers and front load limiters/pretentioners, advanced multi-stage front airbags, roll-mitigation system, LATCH system for child seats, front/rear crush zones, and side impact beams in each door.

The trend in sport utility vehicles is toward smaller, compact versions with a more car-like ride coming with more standard and optional creature comforts and goodies to make you trip to shop or search for adventure even more fun and enjoyable. The all-new Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4 has it all, and is the most capable off-road compact sport utility.

The base price of the Patriot Limited 4X4 is just $21,430.00 and $23,780.00 for a nicely loaded model that I tested and thoroughly enjoyed.

ALL NEW 2007 JEEP PATRIOT 4X4 LIMITED
“SMALL SIZE WITH LOTS OF ABILITIES”

COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ - EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS

Price MSRP: $21,555 Invoice: $20,095

Type: Compact SUV
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 173.6 in.	Width: 69.1 in.
Height: 65.6 in.	Wheel Base: 103.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 8.1 in.	Curb Weight: 3326 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 41 in.	Front Hip Room: 52.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54.6 in.	Rear Head Room: 39.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54 in.	Rear Hip Room: 51 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.6 in.	Rear Leg Room: 39.4 in.
Luggage Capacity: 23 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 63 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4	Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4	Horsepower: 172 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm	Torque: 165 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm	Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
Drive Type: 4WD	Turning Circle: 35.6 ft.

Fuel Data