Dear Jeep Dealers

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
12/31/2014 at 15:33 • Filed to: None

I understand the Patriot isn't really a Jeep, but why the hell would you only stock one or two 4-wheel drive models, then 20+ FWD models?

I would've guessed people buy a somewhat mediocre Jeep like the Patriot solely because it's cheap and available with 4-wheel drive. But I guess that isn't the case.

As for why I'm looking at Patriots, I'm one of probably very few who like the thing. In 4WD form, it kinda reminds me of what Blazers and Jimmys were. Small, somewhat under powered SUVs with 4-wheel drive and not much more.

DISCUSSION (27)

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:34

Probably saving them all up for rental car companies and Pre-K teachers.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680
12/31/2014 at 15:36

Funny story, the lady that lives behind me drives a Compass and is a teacher.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:37

Haha, I know a teacher who drives one. With 2wd and base model steelies.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680
12/31/2014 at 15:39

I think hers is actually 4wd, and some level above base, because no steelies.

TheHondaBro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:40

WTF are there seriously FWD models?

That's a massive disappointment.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > TheHondaBro
12/31/2014 at 15:41

The Patriot, Compass, and Cherokee are all sold in FWD versions.

BigBlock440 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:42

So they can advertise a ridiculously low price and say they have a lot in stock at that price? I also kinda like the Patriot and think it's worthy of being a jeep when it has real 4wd. 2wd though, GTFO.

Kinja'd!!!

TheHondaBro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:43

Why doesn't Jeep just stahp?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:44

I think it looks good, it's almost like an evolution of the XJ Cherokee's styling.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BigBlock440
12/31/2014 at 15:45

That would be a good reason, but this dealer I'm looking at right now for example has 2 out of 35 that are under $22,000.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
12/31/2014 at 15:46

One time I saw a Patriot and XJ at a stop light next to each other and had that exact thought. They look surprisingly similar.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:46

Kinja'd!!!

Because Jeep's like this, with the FWD models, whereas they're like this

Kinja'd!!!

With the AWDs. Simple profit margins.

Gyroswag > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 15:58

If I'm remember right, Patriot's the cheapest crossover. I didn't think it sold on the basis that it was 4WD and inexpensive, but rather it was an 'SUV' for the price of a Ford Focus.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 16:10

They don't really sit any higher than a car, do they?

Textured Soy Protein > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 16:15

Unless you get a ridiculous discount, why would you buy a brand new Patriot when it's about to be replaced by the Renegade?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/31/2014 at 16:19

I'm pretty sure they do. Id hope so.

and 100 more > TheHondaBro
12/31/2014 at 16:22

Because, 2 reasons:

1) sweet, sweet profits

2) the little "Jeeps" raise the overall brand's EPA rating, allowing them to still make gas guzzlers and sell them with a straight face

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Textured Soy Protein
12/31/2014 at 16:22

Isnt the Renegade smaller? Plus when that comes out the discounts on Patriots will be ridiculous.

Textured Soy Protein > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 16:30

The Renegade is 7.2 inches shorter front-to-back than the Patriot, but more efficiently packaged on the inside. Probably a big improvement in gas mileage.

I just would hesitate to buy a brand new Patriot on account of even with discounts the resale value will be shit. If you really want a Patriot, a used one sounds like the way to go.

and 100 more > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 16:33

Hi, Acutal Patriot owner here!

I would've guessed people buy a somewhat mediocre Jeep like the Patriot solely because it's cheap and available with 4-wheel drive. But I guess that isn't the case.

Well, you're half right... It's because they're cheap and plentiful. Really the only reason.

I see a lot of Patriots around these parts, and most of the drivers are middle-aged white women and college students. The Patriot is dirt cheap, and its firmly in "second car" status for most. It's also fairly capable offroad or in bad weather, even in 2WD form, but that's not why people buy it. People buy it because it can haul a lot of stuff, it's fairly miserly on fuel, and they can be had for not much. A Forester would be more fun; a larger SUV would haul more stuff; and a Wrangler would do more offroad. The Patriot is more of a jack-of-all.

I don't think there are too many people who "take pride" in owning a Patriot. There are some. But not many.

I like my Patriot. I'm not gonna spout off about how fantastic it is; it's got a lot of compromises. But it's reasonably solid, reasonably dependable, and reasonable cheap. It's the let's-get-shit-done Jeep.

and 100 more > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 16:38

Yes, Renegade will be smaller. Also, probably not likely to ever receive a lift kit. At least the Patriot gets a 2-inch kit...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > and 100 more
12/31/2014 at 16:39

That last paragraph sounds like you're describing a Blazer. My point stands on that front then.

I could see myself driving a Patriot though. It's seems like a good daily driver that has the ability to actually get through harsh weather, at least with 4WD.

and 100 more > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/31/2014 at 16:39

2WD models have about 8 inches of clearance; FDII 4WD models have about 9" clearance.

Not huge, but respectable.

and 100 more > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 16:47

I speak with many other owners on a Patriot forum; very many of them gush daily about how good they are in bad weather. Tire selection is the big thing; the 4WD system is definitely up to the task.

I've heard nothing but praise about the new 6-speed automatic, as well. Before 2014, they could only be had with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. I've heard a lot of complaints about the CVT, but then a lot of people just learn to love it as well. The manual, in my experience, has been problematic, though most people have great experiences with it.

It really is like the Blazer (I had a 2001 LT for awhile) in a lot of ways. It's the result of a lot of compromises, but overall I'd say it hits above average.

and 100 more > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 17:02

Worse comes to worse, you could always be like this guy:

Kinja'd!!!

That's a static drop, btw, not bags. And he's only 1 of 2 Patriots State-side with a Euro-spec bumper. He has put a LOT of work into his ride.

shop-teacher > jkm7680
12/31/2014 at 17:13

There is a Patriot and a Compass among my coworkers' vehicles. Both black, sometimes parked next to each other. The mediocrity is strong in our lot. We also have four or five Cobalts.

shop-teacher > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/31/2014 at 17:17

I do agree that the Patriot looks pretty good, but as a vehicle it is not good. Why so many FWD models? Be honest about who is buying them, 99% of them don't care, they just want a cheep "Jeep".