Hello! My name's Don, I'm a newbie to this website. I am a previous Jeep Cherokee Owner (2001 sport, and an 1989 limited prior to that). I currently am driving a 2006 Honda Civic (great on gas - 30/40mpg) and am looking to either trade-in or buy a 2nd vehicle (most likely buy a 2nd vehicle), that vehicle being the 2007 Jeep Patriot. Ok, introduction over... here is what I was hoping and am hoping will be options available for the 2007 Jeep Patriot:

*note - don't kill me because of my poor grammer which I am about to use. I can't sleep and it's 5:56am and I'm a bit tired!

#1. The Dodge Caliber has: Chill Zone (which is an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included with air conditioning) Why does the Patriot not include this? I'm anxiously looking forward to the Patriot release but am quite sad that this option didn't make it into any pictures on the site. I think that it is a very neat option to have, especially for road trips. It'd be neat to store some 20oz water bottles in there in case you ever get thirsty.

#2. It looks like aftermarket stereo integration is going to be quite difficult based on the pictures of the center consol. It doesn't directly affect me because I'd be happy with the OEM system, but I think not making an easy aftermarket installation for stereo equipment is just a bad move and bad marketing deciision by any car company.

#3. Power seats would be very nice.

#4. Locking gas cap!

#5. Diesel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (hm or dare I say.. hybrid... hey gas at 3+ dollars per gallon... they better start releasing something that's GREAT on gas! heck, the ford escape even has a hybrid version.)
Hmm..btw anyone know yet what the MPG may be on the vehicle, I can't find it anywhere.

#5. Cupholders! Cupholders! Cupholders! The dodge caliber has 2 in the front and from pictures I've seen so far it looks like the Patriot only has 1. WTF. Cupholders are a big issue for me because I and my passengers almost always have a beverage (I do a lot of road trips!) It'd be nice to have cupholders in the rear seat as well. My 2006 civic coupe has 2 cupholders in the front (that fit any sized cup) and 2 on the sides in the rear - I think all vehicles should be like this. If you haven't seen the cupholders in the 2006 honda civic, you should check them out because THAT'S what I'm talking about! All car companies should do a similar layout.

#6. Navigation... I have this in my 2006 Civic as well. Touchscreen too. I hope the Patriot will offer it as well.

#7. Side curtain air bags. Not sure if it will be offered, but it should be standard.

Alright, for now, that is all. :)

-Don

I can confirm some things. First, you should take a look at the press release here:
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18


1. Heated leather seats will be an option on the Limited. A power driver’s seat is not mentioned in the Jeep specifications. http://www.jeep.com/en/07patriot/

2. The diesel will be a Europe-model only. Jeep hopes to increase sales in countries like the UK and Spain, where SUV's are very expensive and are taxed heavily.

3. As far as I know, a locking gas cap door will not be available. True to its truck roots, the door is manually opened only.

4. GPS navigation will not be an option on the first year of production. I am yet to see navigation available on a vehicle that starts under $20K. The Camry and Altima have it beginning around $26K. The Acura TSX has it at $29K.

5. Side curtain air bags will be standard.

I am yet to see navigation available on a vehicle that starts under $20K. The Camry and Altima have it beginning around $26K. The Acura TSX has it at $29K.

Ok, check out honda.com - 2006 Honda Civic EX Coupe - Though it was slightly over $20K the car has a lower starting price that is under $20K for LX and DX models (and for EX without navigation). I paid 21,360 back in October of 2005 (which was msrp at the time) for my car with touchscreen/voice/steeringwheel controls factory navigation.

Looks like I'll be waiting for the 2008's... or longer... argh.

Hello! My name's Don
Hi Don...

I'll try to answer your questions based on what I have picked up so far...

#1. The Dodge Caliber has: Chill Zone (which is an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included with air conditioning) Why does the Patriot not include this?
No idea why they didn't go with this option. I think that if there is sufficient room in the dash, someone will create a way to mod the dash on their own and get it in there! Sounds like something I wouldn't mind trying to copy after someone works out the basics of it.

#2. It looks like aftermarket stereo integration is going to be quite difficult based on the pictures of the center consol....
Probably not a huge deal there. Most aftermarket stereo companies will make adapter plates. Any custom stereo shop worth their salt can do an install that looks factory or better. (based on some of the custom shows I've walked thru)

#3. Power seats would be very nice.
Yep, But I would rather give them up for a lower base price.

#4. Locking gas cap!
How much of a problem is this anymore? I heard that the newer gas intakes are very hard to syphon from. Not like the old cars of the 70s and 80's

#5. Diesel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're preaching to the choir on this one too! I would love to get it in a diesel. There are several places already selling bio-diesel out in this town.

#5. Cupholders!
Looks like there are two in the front of the Patriot, too. HERE's (http://www.motorportal.com/jeep/images/JP007_016PA.jpg) a better angle to see them. The arm rest partially covers one in this shot. I would like cup holders that actually held coffee cups so they didn't fall over when off-roading!

#6. Navigation...
I prefer after market stuff here. More customization. More software flexability. I want to use USGS Topo maps, as well as, road maps. Not many road maps cover the Jeep trails


#7. Side curtain air bags. Not sure if it will be offered, but it should be standard.
Standard from what the press release says

Hope that helps some.