Jeep Patriot Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Jeep Patriot vs. Dodge Caliber: Considering Space & Winter Safety for a Family

Jump to Latest
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
J

Jiovact

· Registered
Joined
·
2 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
We own a 2011 Dodge Caliber that we love. That car is sooooo cool!!
But now that my husband got I job in another city and it is a full time job, we wants to get another car. We are from Florida and we are moving up to Boston, that's why my husband tought about a Jeep Patriot first. He will feel safer knowing that we go around with a car that doesn't have problems with the winter season up there.
My father in law is against jeep and he said having one is a waste of money. Could you explain me why? When I ask him he answer because they are junk.
I'm not a good with cars but I do have couple of questions...
1. How's the rear view? Is it easy to see?
2. Whe have a baby and we need more space than what the dodge has to offer... Stroller, groceries, baby bag.... Those things need space..

Is the compass better than the patriot?

Sorry if this is not the right area to post my questions..
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum! The rear window visibility is adequate. I don't have any problems. That's why mirrors exist :D. Compass is pretty much the same vehicle but more feminine IMO. Because of the rounded rear it loses some precious cargo room. So other than exterior panels both vehicles are identical, same interior, same parts, same problems.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App
 
#3 ·
as far as the baby stuff goes, take it all to the dealer, and shove it in, make sure it fits. I've done this with several cars, and the dealers have had no issue with me doing that (as long as its clean and doesn't dirty the car) and make sure it fits. Strollers and all that are of all shapes and sizes, so its hard to say if it will work for you.

The engine, transmission and most of the drivetrain etc are the same between the caliber and the patriot/compass, they are based off the same platform, but it was beefed up a bit for the jeep application (specifically the FDII package)

Patriot and compas are basically exactly the same car, besides styling. for us the fact that the sloped back of the compass eating some of the storage back there was a deal breaker for us and we only looked at the patriot.

Most people hate a car/brand becasue of a bad expereince they had with a dealership or getting an issue fixed on a car, or worse, when they buy a used car that was not well maintained by the previous owner and has issues, and they blame it on the car make. The patriot/compass has been extreamly reliable, and is now in its 6th or 7th year of production, so, like most cars, the kinks have been worked out and should provide very reliable in the long term.

if you're gonna be in snow, make sure to get one with 4x4.
 
#4 ·
I have been a Jeep guy for years, and have to say that they are not junk. They are as good, if not better, than any other American made vehicle. Is your father-in-law an "import guy?" There are lots of people out there that think a vehicle has to say Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. on it for it to be a good vehicle. That way of thinking is unfortunate.

The Patriot has a great view out the rear, and lots of cargo space, which would be good for a stroller, etc. The added 4WD would be a bonus for the rough New England winters.
 
#5 ·
I suppose it depends on who you ask for the rear visibility. I have no issue seeing while backing up. My wife on the other hand absolutely hates backing it up, but I suppose it's subjective. She drives a '09 Versa hatch which is like a fish bowl with all the huge windows and small pillars. Before we bought the Versa we tested a Caliber and we both thought that car had a lot of blind spots.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Well, about my father-in-law we do not really care about what he says sometimes because he likes only ford and Kia.
I will bring all the baby stuff to the dealer and see if they fit. I will go try the patriot as soon as I can so i can decide if the view is ok. Thank you for your help guys.
 
#7 ·
I like Fords. But KIA?!!!.. :doh: We had a KIA Sedona that we traded for a Chrysler 200. I wasn't really impressed with it. The interior didn't seem to "wear" well, and we had several transmission sensors go out ($500+ worth). Good luck to you with trying out a Patriot!
 
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
About this Discussion
6 Replies
5 Participants
Last post:
08MKinKY
Jeep Patriot Forums
posts
678K
members
55K
Since
2006
Join our community to discuss the Jeep Patriot & Jeep Compass. Find answers to all your Jeep Patriot technical questions.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Jeep Patriot General Discussion Engine and Drivetrain Newbie Check-In Suspension and Tires Electrical and Audio