FWD or 4x4 2011 jeep patriot

srtdodge05 · 01-19-2011, 02:32 PM

It's been awhile since i posted here and im in the market for a new jeep. Right now i have a 2007 chrysler aspen limited. Im looking at getting a 2011 patriot. Im not sure if i should go with FWD or 4x4 model. what would be the best choice? Im looking at getting the base latitude with the cvt trans.

bseblfrk09 · 01-19-2011, 04:03 PM

It all depends on what you need out of you drivetrain. Being in Michigan I would imagine you get a lot of heavy snow. In my opinion, the FWD does just fine in the snow. If I could have a 4x4 I would take it, but I have had mine for 3 years and have never been stuck in the Colorado rockies. If you like to do some wheeling, a 4x4 is the way to go. If you don't wanna hear it from friends about not having a 4x4 jeep then go 4x4. What exactly is the purpose for the car?

srtdodge05 · 01-19-2011, 05:21 PM

I love my Aspen but the gas is killing driving to work and vacations. I like the patriot for the options and price. gas mileage is real good and its a cheaper payment. I priced a Latitude 4x4 with no options but cvt trans. with EP discount and rebates and $1,000 down its $334. If i go with the FWD ill save like a $1,000 or so can that will either drop my payment or add more options then the 4x4. I never good off road so thats not a issue. This year the most snow we got was 5in at one time.

srtdodge05 · 01-19-2011, 06:54 PM

I just noticed that the FWD had drum in the rear and the 4x4 is disc all around. is that issue?

Ledge · 01-19-2011, 07:50 PM

I have the FWD in Michigan and do a lot of driving in Northern MI. The Pat is by far the best handling vehicle in the snow I've ever driven. The FWD Pat handles far better than my 4x4 Ram Extended cab for roads and hwy driving in winter weather. I personally went with the FWD because I needed it mainly for a daily driver for work and I figured I would get better gas mileage and fewer repairs than the 4wd.

That being said, I still take the Ram ice fishing where I might find deep snow drifts on the unplowed access roads.

It really comes down to how you'll use it. Either way your getting a good winter driver.

bseblfrk09 · 01-19-2011, 09:25 PM

They actually put drums on the rear of the FWD's for safety reasons. They did originally have rear discs, but with no power going to those wheels they locked up way too easy. Like I said, my compass has never been stuck, and that can be in a foot of snow. Honestly if you want the security of having a 4x4 then go for it, but if you want to save money or get those extra luxuries a FWD will do just fine for you. In my opinion, it is the best FWD (traction and handling wise) on the market.

Urr · 01-19-2011, 11:24 PM

Jeep should always be 4x4...

**Gramps** · 01-20-2011, 05:52 AM

Personally I'm a 4x4 fan but I've heard NO ill reports on the FWD versions. The ESP always seems to do it's job and with the feedback that I've read in this post and others. If its just going to be a dd, you drive on good roads and with gas with gas prices going up again I would go with the FWD and not worry about it.

No matter what you get, see if you can talk the dealer in to some better tires! The ones that come from the factory are pretty sad. Better to get some trade in on them now when they're new than later.

armystrong68w · 01-20-2011, 08:08 AM

I agree with Gramps, I have the 4x4 sport the only add on is the leather seats, power nothing!! and i rarely use the 4x4 lock, FWD does more then fine in even 20" of snow! the only times i use 4x4 is if im in completely unplowed roads, or offroading! (cant wait for my RRO lift kit to come in)

Since its a DD and you wont be offroad, i say dont get the 4x4 and save the money for other things you want.

The only downsides (IMO) is the lack of power due to the ESP coming on (i cant turn mine off) and the lack of ground clearance!!

But on the good side, it was plenty of power for what you need as a DD and the MPG are great for a 4400lbs SUV, I average around 23mpg for a tank!

srtdodge05 · 01-20-2011, 11:29 AM

Well i traded in my aspen and bought a 2011 Patriot Latitude X FDW. I got a demo version with 800miles on and they dropped the price another $500.

I got a black one with black heated leather seats. It has the added bluetooth and the mygiga radio with nav. for some reason you cant get remote starter in the latitude x so i had my viper alarm removed from my aspen and installed into the patriot for $50. I should be able to drive it home tomorrow sometime.

armystrong68w · 01-20-2011, 01:09 PM

Congrats, You will love it!!

racer114 · 01-21-2011, 05:39 PM

I agree with Edge. I have a FWD 2010 Patriot and I've now driven in the ice twice, which is a work of art here in Texas with the nuts who have never done so in the past. It is far better than anything I've owned for a long time in these conditions. I thought about the 4WD, but the two times a year I really would use it wasn't worth the extra $4K, considering I need maximum mileage and minimum maintenance. You really can't go wrong either way.