Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come!
2011 Jeep Phoenix Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.
As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It's also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.
Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
leftlaneabuse 3:26PM (11/04/2009)
And how is this better?
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snark mcgee 3:37PM (11/04/2009)
I rented a Fiat Panda while overseas. It was a great little car.
No idea if it is better than the patriot, since I have never driven one.
Chazz 3:50PM (11/04/2009)
Ah come one fellas give the company a break. You are predicting the car's furture based on a first glance???
leftlaneabuse 4:06PM (11/04/2009)
The Fiat probably is better, but will Americans warm up to a Jeep made by Fiat? The Jeep is an iconic brand that gets people waving flags.
tuna 3:56PM (11/04/2009)
Well if you've ever seen an episode of Top Gear where the Panda was featured, or read a UK car mag review, you'd know that the Panda is actually a pretty decent compact CUV.
Once again, the Jeep die-hards will scream bloody-murder. But, perhaps as many as 98% of Jeep buyers never go rock crawling or ford streams? A dirt road is probably about as extreme as their off-road excursions go. Like it or not, for Jeep to be profitable, it can't produce only cars that can tame the Rubicon. Most who are in love with the rugged outdoor image, probably consider car-camping as "roughing it".
If true, I see the Panda as a welcome addition to the Jeep brand.
some1 4:28PM (11/04/2009)
Fiat better not mess with the wrangler... I hope they know what their getting into with that.
James 5:33PM (11/04/2009)
Fiat Panda...makes me think of orange flavored chicken (aka Panda Express). :p
Dave 6:20PM (11/04/2009)
This certainly would explain how they are cutting the Patriot's weight by 600 lbs (according to autobloggreen)
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-cut-weight-of-next-gen-jeep-liberty-by-600-pounds/
rooster 6:27PM (11/04/2009)
bye bye, so long farewell...the jeep brand is in trouble if Fiat keeps this up.
Joey Mazz 8:20PM (11/04/2009)
I agree that the Panda is a capable and well designed little car but I'm not sure it will make the best compass/patriot replacement. Personally I actually kinda like the patriot, it probably has more off-road ability than a rav4 or escape. The compass must die either way.
cyanide 3:29PM (11/04/2009)
Love has left the building.
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Russell 4:16PM (11/04/2009)
I love marketing people lol... as if that fiat could scale that "mountain" its on hahah. Looks to me like they just rotated the image
http://s467.photobucket.com/albums/rr34/jrussell1987/?action=view¤t=1035164_f520copy.jpg
Slav 4:54PM (11/04/2009)
Thank you for pointing that out. It's all about the angle of the photo. I keep finding Land Rover photos where all trees in the background grow at a 45 degree angle... and yet the Land Rover in question is scaling almost a straight wall.
Gruv 3:28PM (11/04/2009)
Geo Tracker 2.0?
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Dab 3:28PM (11/04/2009)
At least it has a manual transmission...
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Bubba 7:00AM (11/07/2009)
@Dab: "At least it has a manual transmission..."
So does the Compass.
MikeofLA 3:29PM (11/04/2009)
Ugly Little Bastard
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Shiftright 9:04PM (11/04/2009)
I think it's cool looking, but not sure how they'll make it trail rated.
Taglane 3:29PM (11/04/2009)
I guess GMC's xB fighter will have an *actual* competitor????maybe??
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NicksGarage 3:30PM (11/04/2009)
So all those complainers about the Compass not being a real Jeep will be satisfied with a badge engineered Fiat?
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