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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 2
MPG: 22-23/27-28 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.4L I4 172HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 3.6
Exterior: 4.4
Interior: 3.8
Overall: 3.8
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2008 Jeep Patriot
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2008 Jeep Patriot
1. Traditional boxy Jeep style
2. Good gas mileage
3. CVT
4. Roomy interior
5. Road handling
Top 5 Cons of 2008 Jeep Patriot
1. Beefier engine
2. Engine and road noise
3. Good price
4. Nicer interior material
5. Longer warranty
2008 Jeep Patriot Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By smartin
Submitted Jan 13, 2012, 03:07pm
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
None really......
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
The tranny is terrible - been told it needs replacement
It's absolutely gutless up hill, in fact it will NOT drive over 40 mph uphill now. I spent almost $2,000 on trying to fix the problem, fixed all kinds of things.....but it still doesn't drive over hills. It's unsafe - I will not go anywhere with my children in the car. I have replaced the front ball joints, a solenoid valve in the engine, a leaky windshield, fuel pump, some wiring harness and still can't drive it appropriately. It's a piece of crap & out of warranty of course. The pleather seating is worn and torn and it's only 4 years old. I did not buy it new, the dealer got it off auction....gee I wonder why someone wanted to get rid of it?!
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
Horrible experience with the vehicle. Previously only a 2007 Dodge 1500 Sport Package pickup (loved it), 2005 Dodge Magnum ( has a few kinds in it but the dealer handled those for me). This vehicle is crap - owe a ton of money on it, it's worth nothing & I certainly can't afford to replace the transmission!
By Woodrow_Morgan
Submitted Aug 22, 2011, 04:22pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
The only pro with this model was that I wanted a mid size SUV. It's interior is spacious.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
The Jeep Patriot needs a stronger engine. Wait to you get to 50,000 miles and the problems get big. I had to have my transmission replaced. WOW, if that isn't poor performance I don't know what is. My steering wheel is loose, it no longer locks when car is off. I have brought in my Patriot 3 times for the shift getting stuck in "park." I still have the problem, the shift will not move until I take off a cap by the passengers front seat and move a small white lever forward. I had to have the window motors replaced after only 2 yrs. The Patriot is only 3 years old and I replaced shocks, front ball joints, transmission, tires, gear shift and window motors. Most of my mileage is I-95 mileage from NY to FL. Patriot never really had enough power for getting on highway. Engine is too small for model.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
This has been the first Jeep I have ever purchased. Either they failed trying to make a smaller SUV or their latest products don't stand up to older Jeep models. I am very disappointed in my Patriot with numerous problems after only 3 years, either I brought a lemon or they just aren't making them like they use to make Jeep models. I can't see myself buying another Jeep product after this disaster.
By GUEST
Submitted Jun 18, 2011, 01:19pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
It is nice looking and the interior seems comfortable. Hopefully it will hold up to Jeep reputation as in the old 'Willeys' and last for more than 10 years covering all aspects being; tough rugged reliable low maintenance.
My sister owns a 2008 4.0 automatic 4-dr w hatch back for rear storage space (trunk area) SUV Patriot.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Who designed and what is the purpose of the
CVT tranny? (Don't know if I am using the correct terms.) I do not like the way the tranny shifts, it feels like it does not catch up to the engine, like it drags. Doesn't seem to have much power. It takes a min to build it up even on a straight run. It doesn't seem to get good gas mileage either. Hopefully that is all of the negatives of the performance, engine & tranny.
And the idiot lights in the dash - are they dependable in that, they DON'T come on when it is too late, & do come on for preventative maintenance.
The luggage rack on top doesn't have a rim in front or back just on the sides.
Just driving it for 2days up here in Mt Shasta, CA I personally would not buy one of these. I wouldn't want to get stuck out in the woods if the tranny failed, in which it feels like it would just by driving this vehicle on the streets and Freeway here.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
1st of all, I would buy a 4wheel dr with a 5 speed manual transmission. Like I commented in the CON section, I don't like the tranny in this vehicle - the way it runs & don't trust its reliability. Trannys are way too expensive to replace, repair &/or maintain. The engine seems sluggish not enough ump to it, this may be due to the 4 cyl instead of a 6. So why make a 4 with no guts?
By GUEST
Submitted Mar 10, 2011, 03:08pm
Performance:
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Love the 'Classic' Jeep look.
Drives very well. I love how the Patriot handles, I am quite impressed with the overall performance of this vehicle for the value.
Parks easy, maneuvers very well. It's an SUV that drives like a car.
Solid & Safe.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
I would absolutely prefer a Manual Transmission. I'm not a fan of the Auto/Stick as I accidentally switch from Auto to manual all too easily.
The leaking and tranny problems worry me, although I've had ZERO problems with my 2008 Patriot.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
Overall, this is a GREAT little SUV. You get a lot of bang for your buck, and most importantly, it feels solid and safe!
I'm very happy with my Patriot.
By justin349
Submitted Feb 1, 2011, 11:43pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Looks like a Jeep.
Decent offroad ability with Trail Rated package.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Leaked like a sieve.
TERRIBLE dealer service and parts availability.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
My Pat leaked like a sieve. Water would pour through the front dome light after heavy rains, soaking me and dumping all over the electronics. Dealer had the car multiple times, kept it weeks, never fixed the leak and damaged the roof liner and sunroof while they had the car. They then put it back together with no wind deflector in the sunroof! Parts availability was terrible and the service dept was always backed up. Even though I had a service plan, warranty, and the car was less than 18 months old, I finally gave up and traded in. No more Jeeps for me, ever.
By RGL
Submitted Jan 3, 2011, 05:04pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
I was first attracted by the boxy style with the distinctive front and rear fascia. Having owned it for 2 1/2 yrs, I still like it very much.
I also like: cargo space (though you do have to take up rear passenger capacity to carry a lot); fuel mileage; interior design (though replacement of hard plastic on the 2011 model is welcome); aluminum wheels are better than most custom wheels I could buy in the aftermarket.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
The 2011 improvements are good examples of what needed to be done. The interior is much higher quality, but they've maintained the nice layout. I also like what they've done to improve the front fascia.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
Overall, I really like the Patriot and won't hesitate to replace my 2008 with a 2013 if I decide to trade up after five years and about 120,000 miles.
By GUEST
Submitted Nov 16, 2010, 02:09am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
2.4l 5 Speed - The fly by wire throttle can be overcome with the manual transmission. The Jeep pulls 70MPH uphill in the Rockies when you push it. That world engine will really put out.
The great safety ratings are based on incredible results from the electronics in this little Jeep. High speed maneuvers are available.
Wicked fast and safe.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Better six gear manual and/or auto shift transmission.
Enabling the rear door to carry a 4' wide load.
Skid plates for sports.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
The Patriot is great small SUV. Serious off roading is available with CVT II. The 5 speed 4x4 goes through deep snow, mud and sand.
It reminds me of the original little Jeep. Basic and square and built to follow the heavy units, except that the Patriot can travel at interstate speeds. (With the expected impact on fuel usage.)
Jeep should continue production of units. Nimble, with a good engine, the body style works.
By ruth410
Submitted Aug 10, 2010, 08:21am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
I bought a 2008 demo, the windows are not wanting to roll down or up and this will be my second trip to dealer who supposed to have fixed the problem in the first place. Dealer says the windows have been an issue with this Jeep as well as trans.
A 4-cell should at least get better gas mileage than a 6, this Jeep sucks gas.
The engine wants to bog down when I take off from a full stop and it has no pick up power to get up and go quickly out in traffic. I have to turn air conditioner off to get on HWY so I can get pick up.
Once it is on the HWY it hauls ass on a straight drive. It handles fine on high speed runs. It has a good turn radius and is easy to drive. Brakes smoothly, but don't like the way it handles when you slam on the breaks for ER stop.
The engine has a skip in it and it has been doing this since I bought it and they Blame it on the transmission? Has a strange trans.
It is the engine that is skipping, not the trans.
I am not real happy with this purchase or attitude with dealership pertaining to this vehicle.
But if they can't fix the problems give me a new car.
The seating in the rear is uncomfortable for adult riders and should at least recline enough to get comfortable. Better soft seats would be a nice improvement.
Needs a hide away trunk, because the back area is very small and not enough room for much at all if you take a vacation, yes I use the top racks too.
I guess it was not made for family car or road trips.
By Julie_Trifiletti
Submitted May 22, 2010, 09:40am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Drives nice.
Cute looking.
Roomy.
Affordable.
Tinted back windows.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
V6 engine would improve overall power.
Better gas mileage.
Daytime driving lights should be standard.
Autolocking doors should be standard.
Poor headrests.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
I love my Jeep. I would like it to have more power and better gas mileage. But overall I do like it.
By RBEASLEY
Submitted Jan 25, 2010, 12:18pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Comfortable seats.
Design.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Noisy engine.
CVT tranny is not my cup of tea, if you like a regular auto tranny you might not like the CVT. When you let off the gas the car slows down fast like something is dragging, which is the CVT tranny.
LEAKS, the sunroof leaked and the rear dome light is still leaking after 5 trips to the dealer. Check it out online, and search for water leaks.
Poor gas mileage. Reason I say this is because my 07 Sebring with same engine but different tranny gets 38 MFG highway. The Jeep is lucky to get 25 MPG highway.
2008 Jeep Patriot Review:
Much better vehicles out there. I test drove a 2010 Chevy Equinox, a far better SUV than Patriot. Would not buy another one, period.
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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