[Gramps]

I felt the same way about the first AAR Cuda that I sat in while it was being prepped. After all it wasn't a Hemi, just a small block, and then we actually started it up, took it for a test drive and the whole world changed. The sales "gimmick" on those was to put a $100 bill on the dash and tell the passenger "if you can touch it, you can have it". No money was ever lost on this sales campaign.

Everybody has different criteria for what they feel is performance. Whether it's wheeling, camping, 1/4 mile, road racing, a safe drive to and from where ever in lousy weather or a combination of any of these. The Mk's fit very nicely for those on a smaller budget but still need a grocery getter too. Sometimes reality is involved with making decisions such as 90% of Jeeps never go off the road anyway and the FWD or AWD/4WD is all they'll ever need. The FD II package fills the need for those who do plan on making frequent trips off-roading. Jeep has covered a lot of territory with the MK but still, they're not for everybody.

I don't need 35" on a Wrangler to go camping with the kids, unless it would be to get away for some privacy.

Here are some links to other opinions, even the FD I on Rock Crawler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2stIOe9QJg

http://www.expeditionwest.com/equipment/reviews/patriot/index.htm

http://www.rockcrawler.com/reviews/jeep/patriot_2007/first_drive/page4.asp

http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=24751

http://www.gmtoday.com/news/auto/topnews32.htm

[snochic]

Well, I drove the Patriot this weekend. It is comfy and feels good - even in the back seat... but it is a dog. I really doesn't have much pick up - it needs a 6 cyl. also - the tailgate doesn't lift up enough to clear your head. I am 5' 6" and i walk right into it ... sorry to say - they need to work on this a little more.

[CoriolisSTORM]

Are you sure it was up all the way? I have no problem with it at 5'9 on the Caliber (A far lower vehicle!)

[madrabbitt]

thats one thing i forgot to check when i drove it.

and i've noticed, that the power is there when you need it, just have to figure out how to get it.

stabbing the gas pedal doesnt give you a downshift and a rush of torque like on a regular automatic. it gives you a steady increase in power.

you have to do quite the opposite, firm increasing pressure on the gas will give you the power.

its like you have to unlearn everything you've learned about driving an auto.

[snochic]

The lift gate goes up high - but the part right next the the hinges is the problem. the plastic trim hangs down and you walk right into it.

As for the power. Perhaps not flooring it would work, but i was going 50 and went to pass a semi and it took a long, long, long time to get around... granted I am used to my mustang GT... It was just a little dissapointing and I worry how that power would be after it has 50k miles on it.

[Gramps]

Originally Posted by snochic

The lift gate goes up high - but the part right next the the hinges is the problem. the plastic trim hangs down and you walk right into it.

.

I'll have to leave that one for the Patriot owners. I'm confused as to what plastic trim may be hanging down. I was going to post some pics of the Compass but decided not to corrupt this thread.

Originally Posted by snochic

As for the power. Perhaps not flooring it would work, but i was going 50 and went to pass a semi and it took a long, long, long time to get around... granted I am used to my mustang GT... It was just a little disappointing and I worry how that power would be after it has 50k miles on it.

Floor it off the line does not seem to accomplish much. Once your up to 25 - 30 you can give it FULL THROTTLE and there is a detent that takes you up to 6K and gives the appropriate gear ratio for max acceleration. I tried it today for fun at 30, 40 and at 50, works every time. Most people (or at least the dealers) don't want to have their test driver nailed to the floor without having some break in mileage (300) on them. Part throttle won't get you to the detent where it will drop down on the ratios. With the AutoStick rumored to be available on the '08 Patriots you can drop it down yourself like on the Compass with that option. Right now the FD II needs the "L" gate to allow the crawl ratio and other off-road features to engage, so don't expect to see the AutoStick on the FD II, but things may change.

I've got 17K on mine and it rocks and rolls pretty good. Still looking to add the K&N set up latter on too. What kind of mpg do you get on your Mustang GT? My Challenger gets about 13 on Av gas.

[snochic]

The GT gets 25 mpg on the highway going 80-85 mph over passes... in town it gets around 20 - not to bad... but the tires need to be replaced a lot I am actually selling it because I need another 4wd and can't afford to keep both.

[jeffarcher401]

Originally Posted by sublime600

almost forgot to add the Hurricane

2 Hemi engines lol

ahahhahaa i bet that Asian guy is thinking..."Hey i could to that to my Honda Civic"

[AZmtnmedicXJ]

Some off road Patriot Pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Wymtnmedic/20090126JAN09DesotoMineTrail1?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/Wymtnmedic/KraigAndKoraBreakTheJeepIn?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/Wymtnmedic/YLWInstalled?feat=directlink

And Some Vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYv5eVV4m60&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InfiudL9Q_E&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23eJmGh5xRk&feature=player_embedded

[somers]

I am new to the forum so expect errors .
I want to up grade my tires to A/T
but can find any that will fit . can some one guide me guide me ref my Patriot 2010 with 215 / 60 /17