The 2009 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot might disappoint ardent off-roaders, though it's more rugged than the company's Compass and appears tightly made. Its capabilities on tamer surfaces are more appealing for the average driver while it is Jeep "Trail Rated."

External dimensions are similar to those of the Jeep Cherokee, which was supplanted by the Liberty for 2002, except that the Patriot is longer, and its windshield is more upright. Even the back window is almost vertical.

Trapezoidal wheel flares help give Patriots some contemporary "attitude," according to marketers. So does the "signature" seven-slot Jeep grille. When the Patriot debuted, Jeep executives noted its "simple, rugged, but timeless design."

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine develops 172 horsepower, driving either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-drive Patriots may instead have a milder, 158-hp 2.0-liter engine, offered only with the CVT. That version gets a fuel-economy estimate of 23/27 mpg in city/highway driving, versus 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for a 2.4-liter Patriot with the CVT. With manual shift and either front- or all-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter Patriot gets a 23/28 mpg estimate.

Because the Patriot is intended for at least moderate off-road chores, two full-time four-wheel-drive systems are available with the 2.4-liter engine: Freedom Drive I, or Freedom Drive II. The second version uses a different gearset, to provide a lower simulated "first-gear" ratio in the CVT.

Jeep boasts that the Patriot's approach, departure and breakover angles are "best in class." Tow hooks and Hill Descent Control, for assistance in rougher terrain, are available in the Freedom Drive II Off-Road option package. Sport models ride on 16-inch steel wheels, while the Limited gets 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Five passengers fit inside the Patriot. Curtain-type airbags with electronic roll mitigation are standard, along with antilock braking, and an Electronic Stability Program. Simple to drive, the Patriot maneuvers well enough. Though quick-reacting, with a rather tight turning circle, the appropriately-assisted steering gets a bit vague at times, Still, little correction is needed on the highway.

Although the CVT-equipped Patriot performs acceptably, it emits quite a lot of engine noise, making it less refined than some rivals. Acceleration is adequate from a standstill, but rather feeble when you need to pass or merge, despite the engine's immediate revving to high rpm. Move the CVT's shift lever to the left and you're in Sport mode, selecting "gears" like a manual transmission. Ratio changes occur instantly. Even if the "gears" aren't real, they make a big difference in performance.

Sometimes, at low speed, the CVT actually tries to slow you down, as if it's clawing at the pavement. Now and then, when slowing, then trying to start picking up speed again, the CVT may react with a nasty jerk. Push the gas pedal at 40-45 mph, and you can anticipate a second's "dead spot" before much happens. Mounted on the forward console, the manual-shift lever for non-CVT Patriots is somewhat vague, but that gearbox yields more spirited responses.

Overall, the Patriot behaves and handles more like a car, but it does have a bit of truck-like sound. Telltale noises, slight but reminiscent of older Chrysler products, signal that insulation could be better. There's definite stiffness to the suspension, which helps a Patriot react immediately (if curtly) to bumps, while maintaining control. Trouble spots pass before you know it, even if some jolting results. Hill Descent Control works effectively off-road, though it can become annoyingly overactive.

Entry/exit is easy, front and rear; though the doorsill is rather tall. Reasonably long front seat bottoms and soft seatbacks offer comfortable accommodations. The far-off windshield helps make the interior seem more spacious. Headroom is quite ample with plenty of elbow space for the driver. The backseat is comfortable for two and passable for a third, except for the need to straddle the cupholder console. Hollowed-out front seatbacks help rear leg space, and toe room is huge. Wide B- and C-pillars don't impair over-shoulder views, and the relatively tall hood is welcome as a guide to the road ahead.

Patriot prices start at $18,170 (destination charge included) for a front-drive Sport model. The Limited stickers for $22,860. All-wheel drive adds $1,750, and the CVT costs as much as $1,100 extra. A Rocky Mountain Edition option package for 2009 includes a sunroof and monochrome paint.

autoMedia.com, with their team of leading automotive experts, has been providing auto shoppers, car enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers automotive advice they can trust for over 10 years. Enjoy reading more of their popular car reviews and road tests plus learn more about the 2009 Jeep Patriot, including the latest pricing, rebates and incentives, safety features, photo galleries and more, along with details on all Jeep Models.

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The Honda S2000

It has not been not long since Honda announced that production would cease on the Honda S2000. The news was declared in January after poor sales continued to get worse.

The main and most successful marketplace for the S2000 was in America where it enjoyed great success in the early years. It was originally launched in 1999 to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary. However, sales of the roadster began to dramatically fall in 2006 and the trend continued year on year.

Although poor sales justify the news from Honda, many believe that the S2000 is still one of the most entertaining and fun-to-drive roadsters around.

In particular the handing on the S2000 was often praised for being perfectly balanced. The little roadster almost gripped the road because of its fine balance. This little car was definitely designed to please the driver!
Honda are set to use the money saved from the S2000 to produce some more mainstream products. Rivals of the S2000 will be pleased production has ceased as the car was favored by many -- so if you're after a fun little roadster what do you go for now?

The Nissan 350z is an obvious choice. However, your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Nissan 350Z than the Honda because of its bigger tank -- so you wont be saving money at the pumps. Taller drivers will also far prefer the extra head room in the Nissan 350Z compared to the Honda -- which will make for a more comfortable ride.

Another down point on the Nissan is that it is massively more bulky than the S2000, which some people may dislike. Another contender is the slightly more pricey Porsche Boxster. The Boxster is a true sportscar with excellent horsepower. The Porsche certainly packs a punch and beats the Honda is this particular battle. On the down side, cars with more horsepower often qualify for higher insurance premiums.

Hondas are renowned for their reliability which is definitely a good thing to know if you're looking for a used Honda S2000 as you can rest assured knowing that its likely to keep running for years to come.

So if like lots of motorists across the world, you're disappointed that there wont be any new models being produced anymore you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of used Honda S2000s available in used car dealerships across the country.

Lucy Penn is an online marketer and researcher who is currently researching used Honda S2000 in Northampton at http://www.carshop.co.uk/car-guides/view/50/used-honda

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