Just got my reply from Dr. Z regarding some questions on the Patriot...

...Thanks for contacting Dr.Z regarding the Jeep Patriot Concept vehicle.
Your message has been forwarded to us for response.
Unfortunately, because this vehicle is still in the concept stage, there
is no pricing or production data available.

To find out more on the Jeep Patriot Concept, please follow the link
below:

http://www.jeep.com/jeep_life/news/jeep/patriot_compass.html

To sign up for information on the Jeep Patriot Concept vehicle, please
visit the following link:

http://www.jeep.com/signup/?hr=patriot&src=patriot

That's the basics of the reply. They still consider it a "concept vehicle". If there is a plant gearing up to start cranking these out... is it really still a "concept vehicle"?? Is it only after the first one literally rolls of the line that it is no longer a concept?!?!?

It is kind of brutal how they aren't doing more to get the public geared up for the arrival of the Patriot. I've sent questions, but I was referred to my local dealership....they answered mine fairly well.

On the other hand, I don't think anyone wants to go into too much detail until these puppies are street ready. A lot of internal testing goes on even after they have been released (for example, the Toyota FJ Cruiser was discovered to have a flaw in the spare tire system after its release, by the toyota people). The point being, I bet they are unwilling to provide specifics because they don't even know they themselves.

You have to test a statistically significant amount of product before you can make a valid statement about it...I'm sure they are waiting until production starts cranking some of those bad boys thru the system before they conduct final tests and then address the public with commercials and such.

However, I feel your frustration....if it was me, I'd be releasing all kinds of pictures and updates and give-aways, etc to get people really stoked about this SUV.

I've read Dr. Z's replies on other topics, and he seems pretty much worthless. He does nothing but reiterate stuff that anyone can find on any one of Chrysler's websites with minimal searching.

Of course it makes sense, because I doubt Chrysler would leak any proprietary information (such schedules and pricing) for reasons unclejjg just stated.

That being said, I think Dr Z. is a great idea -- for Chrysler.
I have a feeling that Chrysler has Dr. Z to make the consumer THINK they can get information from Chrysler that isn't already out there. But the underlying motivation is to collect data about interest in different vehicles and technologies. I'm not considering this a bad thing.

I'm probably totally over-analyzing things, but thats my two cents.

I do like the TV commercials. Now, all they have to do is pair up Dr. Z with Dr. I(accoca). Wouldn't that be a trip:-))

I do like the TV commercials. Now, all they have to do is pair up Dr. Z with Dr. I(accoca). Wouldn't that be a trip:-))

That would be pretty sweet....:o