2008 Jeep Patriot Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2008 Jeep Patriot has a lot to offer at an affordable price. Launched into an ever-shifting SUV segment that is in disarray due to...
The 2008 Jeep Patriot has a lot to offer at an affordable price. Launched into an ever-shifting SUV segment that is in disarray due to volatile gas prices, the Patriot is priced at about the same level as a compact sedan, yet comes with such standard features as antilock brakes, traction control, an electronic roll-mitigation system and side-curtain airbags, as well as all that typical SUV interior space, all delivered in a rugged-looking package that hearkens back to Jeeps of an earlier era while remaining contemporary for today's buyers.
Of course, to achieve its affordable price, something had to give, and in this case it's a standard 4-wheel-drive system. The base Patriot, called the Sport, is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with a 2.4-liter, double-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard.
The base Sport comes with a stripped-down list of standard features, but still includes bucket seats, a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player, a tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers, an anti-theft system, rack-and-pinion steering, halogen headlights and brake assist, which provides maximum braking in emergencies.
As far as that front-wheel-drive system is concerned, research shows that only a small percentage of today's SUV drivers actually go off-road (according to Jeep), so off-road capabilities aren't required in a typical suburban SUV. But for those who seek a less traveled route, the Patriot is available with a choice of two optional 4-wheel-drive systems. The Freedom-Drive I, designed for light off-road capability, is a full-time 4-wheel-drive system with a lock mode, which can handle deep snow, sand or other difficult surfaces at speeds under 10 miles per hour. The Trail-Rated Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group is an off-road package that merges 4-wheel-drive capability with an optimized engine and transmission for rock crawling, as well as such features as hill descent control, brake lock differentials, a 1-inch higher ground clearance, a heavy-duty cooling system and body sealing for water-fording capability.
For better fuel efficiency, the Patriot is available with an optional 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. It's available only in the Sport 4x2 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for maximum efficiency. However, drivers and reviewers have noted that while it's efficient, the CVT can be noisy in aggressive motoring situations, such as when accelerating rapidly or ascending a steep slope.
In addition to the Sport 4x2 and 4x4 models, the Patriot is available in more feature-laden Limited 4x2 and 4x4 versions.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers seem to appreciate the 2008 Jeep Patriot for its fuel efficiency, roomy interior, and off-road capability, particularly in snow. Many enjoyed the practical cargo space and the vehicle's ability to handle well in various conditions. However, some owners noted that acceleration can be sluggish, especially with the CVT transmission, and that the interior could use a few more refined features. The vehicle's basic model lacks certain amenities like a sunroof or additional options, which some found disappointing."
She's on her last leg at 18 yrs & 155k miles. Engine still runs like it did at 5 yrs. Tranny hanging in there. I love my Jeep and I think I've got my money's worth. I would buy again.
April 15, 2025If you're looking for an SUV that works well on the road and off, gets great mileage and has that traditional Jeep appeal--all at a great price--this car may be for you. I was also impressed with the technology in this lower priced model: from wireless sensors that tell you when your tires are low to a built-in flashlight. It's not as refined an interior as some of the comparable Japanese rivals (RAV 4, Forester) but it drives better than either.
September 18, 2007There is nothing particular that I dislike about this car. I think that for the price it is a great vehicle and pretty good equipped too. I love Jeeps. And Patriot is the most affordable option. I consider this vehicle the best value among the small SUV segment. The cargo area, when the seats are fold down is surprisingly big. It provides great fuel economy with very decent performance. The vehicle handles really well on snow or rain.
March 10, 2014What owners say
She's on her last leg at 18 yrs & 155k miles. Engine still runs like it did at 5 yrs. Tranny hanging in there. I love my Jeep and I think I've got my money's worth. I would buy again.
April 15, 2025If you're looking for an SUV that works well on the road and off, gets great mileage and has that traditional Jeep appeal--all at a great price--this car may be for you. I was also impressed with the technology in this lower priced model: from wireless sensors that tell you when your tires are low to a built-in flashlight. It's not as refined an interior as some of the comparable Japanese rivals (RAV 4, Forester) but it drives better than either.
September 18, 2007There is nothing particular that I dislike about this car. I think that for the price it is a great vehicle and pretty good equipped too. I love Jeeps. And Patriot is the most affordable option. I consider this vehicle the best value among the small SUV segment. The cargo area, when the seats are fold down is surprisingly big. It provides great fuel economy with very decent performance. The vehicle handles really well on snow or rain.
March 10, 2014handling is great- accelerates quickly, can move into busy traffic without worries, brakes respond very well! no repairs needed other than routine maintenance! although I love the look, we chose a blue that really looks grey to me, I would prefer an offering of a bluer blue, not the bright garish blue that was offered. interior is almost perfect, but could be darker so dirt doesn't show as easily. it is an automatic and I would adjust how it shifts because it is too easy to shift into low instead of drive. for long term travel the seats could be a little more plush, but for short trips and around town it is great. gas mileage has been fantastic in these high expense times, usually 25-29 in town and past 30 on trips at times. I would definitely recommend the Jeep Patriot and have many times since we have owned it!
December 4, 2008Fuel efficient on two wheel drive and its 4 wheel drive is good enough to drive around in winter. Acceleration is terrible. The only reason why I didn't rate performance terrible is because i beat my cousins accent by 1 1/2 meters. But it has enough power to drive around the city and runs smoothly on highway. Exterior and interior are not bad. Colours : Ext. Green/Int. Sand. The only fun factor is in winter when you see people shoveling for 30 minutes when i just put it on 4 wheel drive and drive off.
September 3, 2008Great performing 4 cylinder Jeep. Great on gas and very nice to drive. Put on new chrome 18" Platinum Snyper wheels and P225/50R18 Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread tires. This makes it look alot better than with the stock steel wheels. Over all this is an exceptional vehicle. Would recommend it to anyone.
August 24, 2008The accelleration is a little bit slower than you might think because of the CVT transmission, but I'm getting close to 31 mpg on the highway! Its solid, has enough room for my friends and all of our stuff, and wasn't that expensive either. I would suggest it to anyone.
September 18, 2008I bought this vehicle from the executive lot brand spanking new in 2008. It has style, comfort, spacious seating and cargo space, great gas mileage, 4x4, great control and stability. I would definitely prefer owning another in the near future. Wish we hadn't had been involved in a 4 car pile up on the expressway...
February 28, 2014This is a great vehicle. Although its a front wheel drive, this thing is almost unstoppable in snow. The high ground clearance is great in heavy snow. The only thing I am not a big fan of is the lack of forward motion when hitting passing gear in AUTO. Makes alot of noise but doesnt go anywhere. However I find if you run it in the autostick mode, it has tons of get up and go. Engine is phenominal.
December 18, 2008It still stands up to the outdoors and yields what you would expect from a Jeep, but the fuel mileage, especially for a 4x4, is amazing. Here's a small SUV that gets the same mileage as a mid-size car. It's a reliable vehicle, that suits the urban lifestyle, yet lets you get out and rip it up on weekends.
January 17, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $21,945 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 172 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 23.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $15,475 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 172 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 23.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,195 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 172 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 23.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,225 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 172 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 23.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
