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tech
Jeep Patriot
Test Drive and Review
We took an
opportunity to run a new Jeep Patriot through it's paces
(well street paces anyway). When our friends at
Sands
Auto Group Jeep in Quakertown contacted us to say they had
received a few new Patriots it wasn't long til' we were
there.
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First, some quick
details about the Patriot.
 Based on
the Jeep Patriot concept first introduced at the 2005
International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep
Patriot is a modern interpretation of traditional Jeep
styling. Jeep Patriot combines the packaging and interior
flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel
economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Safety
features, such as standard side-curtain air bags and
standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), add to Jeep
Patriot’s tremendous value.
All-new
Jeep technology gives Patriot more capability than any other
vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot will be available in the
United States and Canada in three drive configurations:
front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I™ (a full-time,
active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode) and
Freedom Drive II™ Off-Road Package (a full-time, active
four-wheel-drive system with low range that provides true
Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated capability).
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It's not
quite a modern-day version of the 1984 to 2002
Cherokee, but it comes close. What sets it
apart from the Compass, though, is the optional
Trail Rated Freedom Drive II all-wheel-drive system.
Like the Compass, the Patriot is front-drive
standard, with optional Freedom Drive I and its
electronically controlled coupling (ECC) to the rear
differential, transmitting torque through a
two-clutch system. The driver can lock the center
differential with a T-handle to ensure up to
60-percent torque to the rear wheels.
The
Patriot was almost "cute", quite a bit smaller than was
expected but not as small as a Compass. It's
appearance resembles a mini Commander or more a classic
84-01 Cherokee. Keeping in mind that this Jeep will
never be a serious off-road vehicle but will be a fun Jeep
for those who leave the pavement but stay on the beaten
path. |
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2007 Jeep
Patriot |
| Base
Price |
$14,985 -
$21,785 |
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Vehicle Layout |
Front
engine, FWD or 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
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Engine |
2.0L/158-hp/141-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4;
2.4/172-hp/165-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
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Transmission |
5-speed
manual; continuously variable auto
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| Curb
Weight |
3100-3300 lb
(mfr) |
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Wheelbase |
103.7 in
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Length x Width x Height
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173.6 x 69.1
x 64.4 - 65.6 in |
| 0-60
MPH |
9.3 sec (MT
est) |
| EPA
City/HWY Econ |
12-16/23-30
mpg |
| On
Sale In U.S. |
Currently
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The interior is nice, not too
cramped, and functional. There are several variations
on seating choices. The front passenger seat can fold
completely flat and the split rear seat can be folded to
keep room for one or two rear passengers. Both front
and rear seats recline.
rear seats folded up |
rear seats - both down |
front seat folded down |
rear seat recline |
 The instrument panel is
nicely laid out and the tire pressure monitoring system was
a nice gimmick. On road performance was good.
The engine provided plenty of power with a bit more engine
noise than expected. The CVT transmission is something
to get used to for those of us that notice the absence of a
shifting transmission.
Conclusion This is a
fun vehicle, perhaps a good start for those new to the Jeep
community. Good fuel mileage and ample cargo space
make this little Jeep a winner.
For more information and pricing
visit
www.jeep.com and/or contact
Sands Auto Group
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