Editorial: Jeep Patriot Motor Trend Article

by Larry
(Texas)

Frank Markus, writing for the Motor Trend website, complained about a Jeep Patriot test vehicle he used on New Years eve.

He stated that he was upset with the lower than expected fuel economy, getting around 17.6 mpg (EPA rated at 21/24 mpg) overall on a trip from Detroit to New York City.

The article was kind of funny coming from a "car guy" writing for a very popular automotive magazine's website. The fact that he drove through hilly parts of Pennsylvania, as well as through snow storms, in all wheel drive with the lockers on for around 6 hours of the trip...seems pretty good to get the 17.6 figure, in my opinion.

I would think that most folks who understand even the basics of how an automobile works would be able to see how ridiculous the premise of this article appeared.

If Mr. Markus simply didn't like the Patriot then he should have stated that up front, but he went on to say that both the ride and function were acceptable...even though the fuel economy was not to his liking.

Although the Patriot is not my favorite Jeep, I don't think it got a fair shake in this article. I would have much rather heard about this particular trip being made in a rag top JK Wrangler.

Now that would have been a fun read!

Larry H. Morton
www.4-the-love-of-jeeps.com