The 2008 Jeep Patriot offers the full Jeep experience at an accessible price point, with typical listing prices starting in the low $5,000 range. It’s not the most versatile, dependable, or fuel-efficient SUV on the road… but it’s a Jeep.
Is the 2008 Jeep Patriot a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The Patriot is mediocre in more ways than not, but delivers above average off-road performance, and that may be all you’re really looking for in a Jeep.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 –Jeeps are notoriously uncomfortable, but the Patriot is at least a little roomier than a Wrangler.
- Reliability 7/10 – Premature corrosion may shave years off of a Patriot’s life expectancy, but a coating of anti-rust spray might get you to 200,000 miles.
- Safety 6/10 – Onboard safety features are adequate but crash test scores are middling at best.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The Patriot’s one-speed transmission brings the average fuel economy up to 23/28 miles to the gallon, which isn’t bad for a Jeep.
- Value 7/10 – This is the best deal you’re going to get on a 2008 Jeep. It’s not nearly the best deal you’re going to get on a 2008 compact SUV, though.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Consumer Reports found the 2008 Jeep Patriot to be surprisingly underpowered as an off-roader, struggling to make it up a rock hill in their test drive. They note that the interior has been improved over previous models, with less road noise and higher quality trim, but ultimately the SUV is a pretty mediocre all-terrain SUV.
Kelley Blue Book were impressed with the Patriot’s rugged, handsome exterior styling, and they found the SUV to be competent at off-road performance. They note that the SUV isn’t worth buying if you’re mostly going to be driving on paved roads.
Edmunds praised the Patriot as a more affordable alternative to the expensive Wrangler, combining classic Jeep styling with a spacious interior and above-average all-terrain capability. They note that the CVT is an odd fit for the SUV, cargo space could be more generous, and interior trim materials feel cheap.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot Have?
The 2008 Patriot has generated 442 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Suspension and structural complaints take the lead here at 110 and 88 reports, respectively, with drivers experiencing excessive corrosion in the frame and in the shocks and struts.
53 steering complaints point to “crunching and cracking” sounds when turning in either direction. In more cases than not, this is likely another instance of excessive rust and corrosion eating its way through the vehicle. Once the rust settles in like this, there’s not much you can do with the car but scrap it.
A number of engine and powertrain complaints point to engine stall and overheating. This generally seems to be an issue with the SUV’s one-speed transmission.
The 2008 Jeep Patriot has only been recalled once, for an aftermarket seat cover that could block airbag deployment.
How Long Will the 2008 Jeep Patriot Last?
Jeep Patriot drivers typically report a lifespan of around 200,000 miles. You might be able to squeeze another 50,00 to 100,000 miles out of the original transmission, but the expensive repairs usually start to pile up after the first 200k.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of $523, which isn’t bad for a Jeep. New AC evaporators and fuel sensors list among the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $990 and $720 respectively.
It is very reliable. The one that I have does not have any major problems nor did it ever. The only thing that I do not like about mine is that it does not have a tow hitch. Other than that, no complaints whatsoever.
Transmission and undercarriage made it hard to pass inspection a two years in a row. Currently has 121000 miles.
I mean every car can have problems. I've had to get a new battery and a new alternator but nothing that couldn't happen to any other car.
As I said in my last answer my main issue has been with my breaks. No matter how often I fix them they continue to squeak. I've replaced the brake pads multiple times.
This Jeep is dependable, and if taken care of is an extremely reliable vehicle. It starts up easily, runs smoothly and is fairly quiet running.
Yes, as previously described. It has been a very reliable car other than cluster panel going bad and left front end control arm collapsing.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Patriot is adequate. CD/MP3 players with auxiliary input and 4 speakers come standard, and that’s pretty much all you get.
Safety technology is good for 2008. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and full airbags all come standard.
Is the 2008 Jeep Patriot a Good Value?
The 2008 Jeep Patriot is a decent value. The entry level model typically lists for around $5,173, while the high-end Limited model goes for around $6,293.
No matter how you slice it, a Jeep Patriot isn’t the most practical option. It’s less reliable than a CR-V, it’s not as roomy as a Sienna, and it isn’t as versatile as an Explorer. Pretty much no Jeep makes sense as a daily driver. But, Jeeps have their own appeal as rugged off-roaders, and a Patriot is cheaper than a Wrangler.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
The 2008 Jeep Patriot is available in two trim levels being the base Sport and the high-end Limited edition.
With the entry-level Sport you’re getting:
- Anti-lock brakes and stability control
- Manual air conditioning
- CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input and
- 4 speakers
- Vinyl seating
- Remote keyless entry
The top-of-the-line Limited adds:
- Leather seating
- Heated front seats
- Heated mirrors
- Fog lights
What Engines Come In the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
- The 2008 Patriot comes packed with a 2.4L V6 engine delivering 172 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 1-speed CVT in front/four wheel drive, and it averages 23/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The Patriot isn’t built for pulling, unfortunately, with towing capacity maxing out at just 1,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
In classic Jeep fashion, the 2008 Patriot isn’t very comfortable. The back row isn’t too cramped, stretching a decent 51 inches across at the hip, but interior trim quality is fairly cheap and suspension is rigid. Add that to the potential for premature corrosion in the undercarriage and you’ve got a rickety ride ahead of you.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot Have?
The Patriot offers up 23 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, 54 with the seats down. This puts it on the smaller end of the spectrum, but you’ve still got plenty of space for a few coolers and a tackle box for a trip down to the lake.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2008 Jeep Patriot was the second model year in the nameplate’s sole generation, running from 2007 to 2017.
2007: The 2007 Jeep Patriot debuted as a one-speed CVT in front and four wheel drive.
2008: Manual air conditioning was made standard for 2008, and the CVT got an AutoStick manual shifting option.
2009: Some minor interior changes included padded armrests and improved sound insulation.
2010: Active head restraints were the biggest changes for 2010.
How Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot Compare to the Competition?
On paper, the 2008 Jeep Patriot compares pretty poorly to just about every other compact SUV on the market for its model year.
The 2008 Honda CR-V tends to list for a couple grand more than the Patriot, but it’s more comfortable, more fuel efficient, more versatile, and may last twice as long as a Patriot.
If you’re specifically looking for an off-road capable SUV at a budget-friendly price, the 2008 Subaru Forester does pretty much everything the Patriot does, but better, for the same price.
What the Patriot has to offer that those SUVs don’t is that it’s a Jeep. What that means to you will vary from driver to driver.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
Yes it is. It has 4 wheel drive which is great. It also has a small 4 cylinder engine which saves on fuel traveling a lot back and forth from work.
I enjoyed the room inside and it was a comfortable ride for us but it needed a new transmission and undercarriage and those repairs were too costly.
Yes. I think the 2008 Jeep Patriot is a good vehicle. I've had it for 5 years now and it’s gotten me through a lot of driving
Yes I enjoy my vehicle. Although it does not ride as smoothly as I would like. I have had to change the brake pads multiple times due to them squeezing constantly
Yes, it is a very low maintenance vehicle that is reliable. It gets great gas mileage, and is comfortable for long distance rides. It is spacious for a smaller vehicle and is very versatile.
It's alright. Mine has 155,000 miles on it, so in that sense it has been a good vehicle. However, I have had a couple of issues with it. Both front end control arms have deteriorated, one replaced after the left wheel collapsed. Also, had to pay $600 to fix cluster panel. It's not a very smooth riding vehicle.
