So I'll have my 2011 Patriot for a year this week and thought it might be appropriate to share a one-year report.
When I pulled into the driveway this evening it had 8,240 miles. That sounds low however I was sidelined for two months after rotator cuff surgery over the winter. I typically drive around 10,000 miles per year. The Jeep sat parked for six weeks without being started. It fired right up.
We drove the Jeep on a 1450 mile round trip to Canada and back last August. We averaged 24 mpg while pulling my 15' fishing boat. There was plenty of power and I only had to drop into fourth gear a couple times on long hills. It was a comfortable trip.
Overall fuel economy has been good. I have had a high average of 29 mpg and a low of 22. Combined driving stays in the 24 to 25 mpg range.
I have had it in twice for warranty work. The first time was for a warped brake rotor. The dealer ground it at first and then replaced it. The second time was for a leak around the windshield. They had a specialist come in and remove and reseal it. I have no complaints with the dealer at all. I have yet to pay for an oil change.
What I like: My Patriot is smooth riding and easy to drive. The interior is comfortable and easy to keep clean. There is plenty of cargo room. The fuel mileage is excellent for a CUV. There is plenty of power for a small vehicle, more than I will ever use. It is a nice looking vehicle and best of all it's a Jeep.
What I don't like: Rear visibility is awful, especially when compared to my XJ. It is difficult to back the vehicle and launch my boat while looking between the rear seat head rests. This brings me to the front seat headrests. They do not stay in place and I constantly have to lower them. The stock radio speakers are generic and will eventually be replaced.
What would I do differently? First of all I would have gotten a CVT rather than a 5 speed. The CVT is nearly bulletproof. I was ignorant regarding the reliability of the CVT before purchasing my Jeep. I would have wanted the better radio. I would have had the dealer install the trailer hitch rather then U-Haul.
So how do I feel about my Jeep after one year? I still love it. And I also intend on keeping my Jeep for 10 years. I'm happy with the vehicle and have no complaints with the overall performance or relibility of my Patriot. There is absolutely no buyers’ remorse.
Would I buy another Patriot? Absolutely.
When I pulled into the driveway this evening it had 8,240 miles. That sounds low however I was sidelined for two months after rotator cuff surgery over the winter. I typically drive around 10,000 miles per year. The Jeep sat parked for six weeks without being started. It fired right up.
We drove the Jeep on a 1450 mile round trip to Canada and back last August. We averaged 24 mpg while pulling my 15' fishing boat. There was plenty of power and I only had to drop into fourth gear a couple times on long hills. It was a comfortable trip.
Overall fuel economy has been good. I have had a high average of 29 mpg and a low of 22. Combined driving stays in the 24 to 25 mpg range.
I have had it in twice for warranty work. The first time was for a warped brake rotor. The dealer ground it at first and then replaced it. The second time was for a leak around the windshield. They had a specialist come in and remove and reseal it. I have no complaints with the dealer at all. I have yet to pay for an oil change.
What I like: My Patriot is smooth riding and easy to drive. The interior is comfortable and easy to keep clean. There is plenty of cargo room. The fuel mileage is excellent for a CUV. There is plenty of power for a small vehicle, more than I will ever use. It is a nice looking vehicle and best of all it's a Jeep.
What I don't like: Rear visibility is awful, especially when compared to my XJ. It is difficult to back the vehicle and launch my boat while looking between the rear seat head rests. This brings me to the front seat headrests. They do not stay in place and I constantly have to lower them. The stock radio speakers are generic and will eventually be replaced.
What would I do differently? First of all I would have gotten a CVT rather than a 5 speed. The CVT is nearly bulletproof. I was ignorant regarding the reliability of the CVT before purchasing my Jeep. I would have wanted the better radio. I would have had the dealer install the trailer hitch rather then U-Haul.
So how do I feel about my Jeep after one year? I still love it. And I also intend on keeping my Jeep for 10 years. I'm happy with the vehicle and have no complaints with the overall performance or relibility of my Patriot. There is absolutely no buyers’ remorse.
Would I buy another Patriot? Absolutely.
