Jeep Patriot NEW FOR 2007!

Impressions: There's a flurry of activity at Jeep dealerships this year with several new products hitting the trails, plus a redesigned Wrangler. Brand expansion is what it's all about for 2007 as the Patriot, which slots in between the Liberty and the entry-level Compass, tips its styling hat to the long-gone but obviously not-forgotten Cherokee. Riding on the same platform as the new Jeep Compass, which is Dodge Caliber based, the upright and boxy looking Patriot should be considered a more off-road worthy version of its Jeep brother. Where the Compass is really intended to be an on-road machine with its standard front-wheel-drive arrangement and optional four-wheel drive, the Patriot earns the "Trail Rated" tag for its off-road ability thanks in part to an additional (and optional) four-wheel-drive system with a low range for extra rock-crawling torque. The Trail Rated Patriot (a special off-road grouping needs to be ordered to get it) sits one-inch higher than other versions with its 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. It also includes skid plates to protect the undercarriage. The Compass and Patriot share basic drivetrains that include the Dodge Caliber's 172-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to five-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable unit, the only transmission available in Trail Rated Patriots. Jeep claims that the CVT is more fuel efficient than a traditional automatic transmission by six to eight percent. As with the Compass, the Patriot seats five. In fact, both have similar interiors. Patriot comes in base and Limited, both of which can be specified as Trail Rated. Standard equipment includes side-impact airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, a slide-out load floor that can handle 250 pounds (thus saving your poor old back) and manual windows and door looks. The Limited includes air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows/locks/mirrors and tire-pressure monitoring. Many of the Limited's standard features are optional on base models, however notable options on the Limited include leather seats, sunroof heated cloth (or leather) seats. Base price: $16,800 (est.) Type: Four-door sport-utility vehicle Base engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I4 (172) Optional engine: None Layout: Front-engine, front-/four-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed manual; continuously variable (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): 17/21 (4x4, CVT) Safety: Front airbags; side-curtain airbags; side-impact airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control. Weight (lb.): 3,200 (est.) Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: jeep.com