Jeep Patriot: first sewing-machine-powered off-road vehicle

The Patriot is a real off-roader, though, with some claiming it's as good as the popular Jeep Cherokee, thanks to electronic wizardry, new four wheel drive systems, and attention to clearance. The Patriot is styled like the Cherokee, and is almost exactly the same size, but the 2.4 liter World Engine sounds buzzy when revved, like a cross between a gas-powered leafblower and a sewing machine; and to make any real power, it needs to be revved high.
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EnnNorak - 5/17/2007 2:31:26 PM

+4 Boost

Too bad Chrysler simply dropped its venerable in-line six Jeep engine instead of developing it into a modern DOHC powerhouse. It was a great engine with iron block and iron heads but was allowed to become obsolete.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/17/2007 3:39:00 PM

+2 Boost

Recent products of the late DCX marriage are utterly underwhelming...

r_driver04 - 5/17/2007 5:36:59 PM

+3 Boost

And you bought this why??? How could possibly look good driving this ugly arse of a vehicle?

kurtismac - 5/18/2007 3:16:35 AM

0 Boost

Pitty they didn't pay attention to how it looks..how many of these have they actually sold?

truckmen - 5/18/2007 4:42:32 AM

0 Boost

A real off roader? Maybe if you smoke crack! The only Jeep I would consider or tolerate is the jeep Rubicon! And that is ok at best! Then again nobody makes off road vehicles anymore exept the Hummer H-1 and the Unimog. An all wheel drive minivan could possibly out 4x4 this jeep! sad and its all the soccer moms that buy these POS that support stupidity is why we have no other inteligently made 4x4 choices! Yes it makes me angry that they would call a caliber a real off roader!

UPshift - 5/20/2007 1:33:29 PM

+2 Boost

Jeep has lost it.

The only thing needed for off-road is TORQUE. All present Jeep engines' power curves are too high for serious off-roading. Even the venerable Wrangler. Throw the 3.7 out and bring back the straight six 4 liter! No Hemi, either -- too heavy.

Jeeps have become "trendy" on-road vehicles to show off and drive to the grocery store, similar to Hummer. They have become a parody, or cartoon image of themselves. Sad. Very sad.

truckmen - 5/22/2007 6:29:28 AM

+1 Boost

UPshift! Atlast someone that understands 4x4s! I have heard that the Hemi is only 50lbs more than the I-6? Can anyone verify this? Maybe I misread it? Although I like the new Rubicon. I said liked, not loved! The engine does suck as upshift has pointed out and the tires are too small! The oil pan on the rubicon is so low to the ground in a vulnerable position! The jeep rubicon would benifit from 285/75-16 inch tires and three inches of lift! And yes the Hummer H-2
and H-3 sucks even worse than the Jeep by far! The Jeep Rubicon is still one of the best off road vehicle that you can buy stock, behind the Unimog and H-1.

davert - 9/2/2007 9:54:17 AM

+1 Boost

With the manual transmission it's much better... and did truckmen ever actually DRIVE one of these offroad? If not, why is he yammering?