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AWDReport.com - A Buyer's Guide to All Wheel Drive Cars, Wagons and Crossovers
Under $20,000 | $19 - $21,000 | $20 - $23,000 | $22 - $25,000 | $24 - $27,000 | $26 - $29,000 |
      $28 - $30,000 | $29 - $31,000 | $30 - $33,000 | $31 - $34,000 | $32 - $35,000 | $34 - $38,000 |
           $36 - $40,000 | $39 - $42,000 | $41 - $44,000 | $42 - $45,000 | $44 - $47,000 | $45 - $48,000 |
               $46 - $51,000 | $49 - $53,000 | $51 - $57,000 | $55 - $60,000 | $60 - $69,000 |
                        $66 - $73,000 | $69 - $79,000 | $78 - $92,000 | $88 - $125,000 | More than $120,000 |

  All Wheel Drive Report

CarsDirect.com
2008 Patriot Ltd

JEEP

The Jeep Compass is based on the same platform as the Dodge Caliber, and provides a new entry point for AWD buyers with an affinity for Jeep's legendary off road prowess. Although Jeep markets the Compass as an affordable SUV, and its styling is more off-roadish than most, there is no getting around its crossover status. It is not built for the same kind of off-road punishment other Jeeps soak up. There is a more traditionally styled Jeep, the Patriot, shown here, that also uses this platform, so technically, it too is a crossover, but it's chunky styling is pure SUV. Look for both to get interior upgrades this autumn, with the Dodge Caliber following shortly thereafter.

JEEP AWD Choices

Dodge's Neon replacement, the Caliber, traded size and performance for utility and economy. Since the Jeep Compass and Patriot are based on the same platform as the Caliber, they perform similarly. These are Jeep's first front wheel drive based vehicles, and the AWD versions are available in either Sport or Limited trim. Powered by the 170hp 2.4L DOHC 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed manual gearbox, the "Freedom Drive 1" AWD option engages the rear wheels when the front ones slip. Note that Jeep's "build it" feature pricing includes destination charges and available discounts. I show only the base MSRP for the AWD equipped versions. The Patriot was all new for 2007, and similar to Compass in construction and powertrain. Patriot is definitely 1st time buyer material, but also offers a "Rock Climber" option with appropriate equipment.

2008 Patriot Ltd The Jeep Patriot is available in either Sport or Limited trim levels. Sharing the same platform as the Compass, Patriot nevertheless succeeds in looking like a Jeep should. A CVT transmission is optional, as is an off road package, but test drive one first. Prices on the bare bones Patriot Sport with the AWD option jumped about a grand for 2008, but still start at just
$18,815
2008 Compass Ltd The Jeep Compass is also available in either Sport or Limited trim levels. There is an optional CVT automatic transmission, and all Sports come with 17” aluminum wheels & fog lamps. The Limited adds leather heated seats and 18" wheels. But it's still god-awful ugly. Gimme a Caliber. Prices on the Compass Sport with the AWD option start at
$18,225

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