I own a 2014 2wd Jeep Patriot
. I did a lot of research prior to purchase to attempt to get the real picture, and I still bought one
. My "personal" mechanic's day job is professional mechanic at a Jeep dealer and I learned a lot from him.
It is a very inexpensive, econo box entry level vehicle with the trim and appointments that reflect this. The early generation 2008-2011 reflect the bankrupt state Chrysler was in: major front suspension problems and sun roof leaks were prevalent. FCA just issued an extended warranty for subframe corrosion of some vehicles (2008-2012). There was a makeover in 201l and later years which "seem" to have fixed most of the early problems. The reputation of the early models lives on, though.
The 6 speed Hyundai PowerTech 6F24 transmission (mine) seems to have a solid background in the many other vehicles it is used in. With a drain plug, fluid change is diy possible. The manual transmission has had some issues: some complain of gear noise and a some have had premature clutch failure. The Jatco CVT is mismatched in this application (IMO) and has been very hit or miss. FCA has an agreement not to rebuild them. Replacement only. Jatco has had problems with their CVTs in any vehicle they are used in.
The engine is built in Dundee Michigan and is nearly bullet proof. You get zero hits when googling GEMA engine problems (try that with Subaru). It is a "tractor" engine of sorts and lacks refinement, does not quite get the power it should, nor the MPG it should (boxy, non aerodynamic vehicle). It is a bit "buzzy" in a vehicle that doesn't have a lot of noise insulation. I get upper 20's mpg and the oil dipstick level doesn't budge at 7K OCI's. Very easy to work on. Reliable-yes, refined-no. A few have had problems with the throttle body, $250 and easy diy replacement.
The front suspension problems don't seem to happening in the post 2011 models, so far.
I had a warranty repair for a broken plastic seat trim. Thats about it at 4 years and 50K miles. I would not recommend the vehicle to anyone who wants refinement or tends to be hard on vehicles. I find the 2.4l engine to have more than enough power, but I owned three 4 cyl. Caravans previously (all very low ownership costs), so that reflects my driving needs and wants. I tend to drive my vehicles until they are rusting and falling apart, so depreciation is not so much of a factor for me. I only paid $18K out the door to start out anyway, and I was able to pay cash, saving even more. Insurance is cheap. All this adds up when considering ownership cost.
Many Patriot owners love the classic styling vs. all the other look alike SUV's. It has very moderate off road capabilities and almost no towing capacity (only 2,000lb. with the upgrade package).
It is what it is. I tend to take care of my vehicles and diy as much as feasible, which I believe contributes to ownership satisfaction. I bought mine in spite of the negative reviews and have no regrets. I also looked at Foresters (oil consumption concerns at the time) and the Honda CRV (would not budge of price).