When people ask why Chrysler ended up in bankruptcy court, I say it was a history of too little, too late. The Patriot is as good an example of this phenomenon as any Chrysler product.

Today's top-selling compact crossover SUVs — which are also among the best — have been on the market for many years, proving that it pays for an automaker to start early and refine its product. With the Patriot, Jeep started late and hasn't done enough to catch up. It's a competent vehicle with above-average off-road potential, but it doesn't live up to the best this class has to offer, including top-sellers and recent redesigns from Chevrolet and Hyundai.

• Driving the Patriot
• Ride & Handling
• The Inside
• Blind to the Value
• Safety
• Patriot in the Market