it resume pretty well what this vehicule is all about. good evaluation.

 

Since I prefer the original interior, which he hates, I can't get behind that part of the review. However the rest of it is fair. The loaded Patriot is not a good value unless you get a screaming, end of the year, deal on last years model. I think FD1 has more ability than he gives it credit for. His CVT comment tells me he test drives lots of vehicles but has never taken time to really get used to a CVT.

 

Overall, a pretty fair review. It's nice to see a fair review for a change.

 

Original dash/interior never bothered me at all. Durable and easy to clean, especially with kids and a large dog. It is a Jeep model after all. Soft-touch controls look like poo after a few years of wear and tear after that rubber coating starts to peel off. And how often do you poke your finger into the dash, armrest etc. to feel its how soft it is?

CVT can be a PITA in some traffic situations but doesn't detract from overall driving experience. Engine noise? Doesn't bother me either, I have a stereo...

As for poor value on the top-end model there was nothing that came close to the capabilities (and factory incentives) for 30K when I was shopping around last month, at least in my country. Honda, Toyota are overpriced mall runners, and Hyundai wasn't even on my list.

I'll give the reviewer a B- because to me he comes across as an import snob...

 

Import snob???? Aren't just about all of them? If all the american hardware is so bad why don't we see more import taxis and squad cars? When it comes to full size trucks Toyota had it covered there too. Milage sucks and the frames rust away. Ric

 

Yeah, that writer is an import snob. Yawn. Aren't they all? Seriously understates the fuel economy, too. As for the $30,000 figure, you'd have to check every expensive option and ignore the rebates. One can purchase a very typical Patriot for around $20,000 -- just give me something solid and simple.:smiley_thumbs_up:

 

I find it strange that they complain about mall parking:

"In mall parking lots, Patriot required lots of backing and forthing to park or unpark."

I have no issues parking my Patriot. I can actually see more in the Patriot than I can in my MINI. I also like that I can just drive over a snow bank to get in/out of an empty space that hasn't been fully cleared of snow.

 

Being that my other vehicle is a Dodge Ram, I have no problem parking the Patriot, I've fit it into some pretty tight spaces in fact. However it does have some pretty bad blindspots.

 

What's a "Partriot"????? :icon_rolleyes:

 

He's definitely got this right:

•The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder delivered good scoot, and the optional CVT continuously variable automatic had a useful, snappy manual mode. But the engine sounded like a farm tractor at idle, worse when cold, which it was a lot during the test.

The CVT, supposedly refined, wasn't very. It still jerked a bit. And, sigh, it had the rev-mania sound and rubber-band feel inherent to most CVTs.

CVTs are supposed to boost fuel economy and performance because they, theoretically, pick a just-right gear ratio for any situation, instead of being limited to the few fixed ratios in a conventional automatic. If there's really a CVT benefit — we remain skeptical — it ain't worth the rackety-clackety, ricky-ticky feel. Switch to well-designed and properly tuned five- or six-speed automatic gearboxes and we'd all live happily ever after.

 

The Patriot CVT definitely takes some getting used too. I don't expect any reviewer to say they like it unless it's a long term test drive (like some of the 4x4 magazines do). If the Patriot had a regular automatic, I don't think it would be getting as good a gas mileage as it currently does. Speaking of which, the reviewer also posted getting sub-20 mpg on the test, but we all know how the Patriot doesn't achieve 20+ mpg until it's well broken in (3000 + miles on the drive train). I don't care what any reviewer says, you can't get this much vehicle and capability for the $20k mark from any other manufacturer.

 

I have one of the more loaded Patriots- FDI, Limited, moonroof, there isn't much mine doesn't have. It was priced right at $25K, not $30K- unless they've raised the price rather considerably I'm wondering where he got that figure.

I fully agree with the author about the interior; the new interior is far better than the old, and the rear cupholder is a rather stupid design- it trades two cups for middle passenger comfort.

As for the CVT and engine, they aren't that refined. If you want to try refined, try a Honda Accord. That's refined. The Patriot's engine is thrashier and noisier, but that's the character of the vehicle. The CVT has some pluses and minuses- worse on highways, superior around town, the end all be all of transmissions in hilly back roads.

Ideal vehicle? Not really. Darn good one? Yes. you just have to be willing to accept its flaws if you want its features.

 

All the reviews I have read they totally miss what one is getting for the money. I have the north edition and other models can't touch it for 10 grand more. Like someone already said most reviewers are import snobs. I don't get his parking lot criticism, I find the Pat very manuverable.

 

I'm confused, I test drove a 2010 5 speed manual and then bought a 2007 5 speed manual. The only difference I can notice is the center console controls are different as well as the air vents. Otherwise road noise, and "refinement" I don't see as any different. My 07 is pretty quiet on the road and handles well. Just like the 2010 I test drove....I do agree though that there is room for improvement, it definitely lacks the refined feel you get in the present generation non-american vehicles....

 

How come i never hear reviewers complain about the Nissan CVT's? Both made by Jatco. No idea what he means by rickety.

 

Because the Nissan CVT seems to work better with their engine. We have a 2009 Nissan Sentra and it is very smooth. All the Nissan's are. I however still think it works good in the Patriot.

 

i can't believe they are complaining about engine noise. it's a friggin' Jeep...not a $28-$30K Nissan Murano. the base vehicle with all of the powertrain specs will run you the $20K base price like he says, and anything else you throw on it is not going to improve that. it's just throwing on bells and whistles. if he really wanted a refined vehicle, he should have shot for a base-priced $30K Crossover.

and he's complaining about the CVT? a CVT is a CVT...it's going to feel like a rubber-band. don't give poor reviews to a vehicle with a CVT b/c you aren't familiar with it. i am wondering if this guy will have the same complaints about the 2010 Subaru Outback CVT....my bet is that he will praise the CVT yada-yada-yada.



yawn :doh: