The 2007 Jeep Patriot
By Evander Klum
"There is only one Jeep" - For years, Chrysler used this advertising tag line.
But because of the benefits of platform sharing, the Chrysler Group now substantially gets three vehicles for the price of one: the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and now the Jeep Patriot.
Two are small, car-based SUVs like the Subaru Forester. The tall hatchback is the Caliber. Other than their underpinnings, and probably Jeep parts accessory, they share most powertrains, including a standard 5-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission. The boxy Patriot, latest addition to the family, echoes a successor to the old Jeep Cherokee that inspired a loyal patronizing among off-road enthusiasts and loved many suburban driveways back in the 1980s.
The Patriot is available with a 158-hp, 2.0-liter or a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and either front- or all-wheel drive. Its two trim lines are the basic Sport and the fancier Limited, with the base price starting around $15,000.
Consumer Reports' initial impressions are that it promises a contemporary take on a popular, pioneering classic SUV. On the negative side, however, the Website finds that the Patriot disappoints much like the cars with its platform. According to the Website, they share similar weaknesses in powertrain, interior fit and finish.
The publisher of consumer products and services reviews and comparisons based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory claims that the Patriot handles soundly but not agile. The ride is considerably absorbent, and stability control is standard. But a rough and noisy engine greets you during the first few feet of driving. The CVT allows the engine to run fast with screaming-high revs before delivering significant push. The Website also claims that the Patriot lacks punch and requires 10.8 seconds to sprint to 60 mph--longer than its corporate cousins. It also said the combination of the unpleasant powertrain with a cheap interior decked with hard plastics, sharp edges, and exposed wires, and any remaining Jeep appeal are really devastating.
A narrow feel is provided by broad door sills and an intrusive center console inside the cabin.
Moreover, some of the Consumer Report staff finds that the steering wheel too far forward and the rearview mirror take a long reach to adjust. They have also observed that the weak detents let the doors bounce back at you if you open them when parked uphill faced. But the Website acknowledges that the rear is spacious enough for two pre-teens, however, cramped for adults. The seats are flat and quite squishy. In summary, "Consumer Reports" says that the Patriot might be a bit better than its Caliber and Compass siblings but it's still far behind other vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Forester. In short, it concluded that the Patriot is underdeveloped.
About the Author:
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Article courtesy of www.goarticles.com.
