The Jeep Compass originated in 2007. The Compass is built on a
front-wheel-drive, car-based platform The Compass comes with a
choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It uses
DaimlerChrysler's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder World Engine,
developed jointly for 21st century efficiency with Mitsubishi
and Hyundai. Emphasis during development of this engine was on
fuel mileage; even carrying 3326 pounds, the Compass 4WD with a
five-speed manual transmission delivers 25 city and 29 highway
miles per gallon, estimated by Jeep. The Jeep Compass offers a
Continuously Variable Transaxle, which performs like an
automatic transmission. The CVT is optional with the Compass
Sport model, and standard on the Limited, where Autostick can be
added to the CVT. Autostick enables the driver to shift up and
down over six steps, making it feel like a six-speed gearbox
without a clutch pedal. The combination of CVT with six-speed
Autostick is the best of both worlds, and works more precisely
than the manual/automatic transmissions in many expensive sports
sedans. The styling of the Compass is similar to the Jeep
Liberty. There's plenty of cabin space and 54 cubic feet of
cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. The Compass
could be considered a crossover, and has advantages over any
truck-based SUV. The Compass is within 2 to 3 inches of the Jeep
Liberty in exterior dimensions except for height, where it is 6
inches shorter. The Compass is also lighter than its
competition, meaning it gets better fuel economy.
Trims
The Jeep Compass lineup comes as two models, Sport and Limited.
Each comes standard with two-wheel drive or with optional
four-wheel drive. One engine is used, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder
that makes 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It comes
standard with a five speed manual or a CVT automatic. The Sport
model comes standard with an AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary
audio input jack. However, air conditioning is optional, and
you'll need an additional package to get power windows and locks
and keyless remote entry. The Limited model comes with a leather
interior, heated seats with driver lumbar support, cruise
control, dark tinted glass, speed-sensitive power steering,
flat-folding front passenger seat, reclining rear seats, and
18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires. The front and
rear fascia and side moldings have shiny aluminum accents.
Handling
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder provides enough zoom to keep pace,
but drivers looking for heavy acceleration may find the Compass
comes short. The five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly.
The continuously variable transmission takes a few moments to
reach its peak, but it delivers adequate performance once there.
Highway control is good. Jeep has designed a new
four-wheel-drive system for the Compass, which it calls Freedom
Drive I 4x4. On the surface it works much like all-wheel-drive
systems by other manufacturers: On a dry, flat road, virtually
all of the power goes to the front wheels, but as traction is
needed elsewhere, as much as 60 percent can shift to the rear
wheels. The coupling is through a two-stage clutch system that's
magnetic and electronically controlled, rather than viscous, and
Jeep says this is markedly more efficient.
Powertrain
All Compasses are powered by a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter
four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing for
adequate pull at all engine speeds. The 2.4-liter World Engine
is a perfect power source for the Jeep Compass. It is a high
quality engine, and is smooth and quiet. It uses the latest
technology, including an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and
electronically controlled variable valve timing that helps
optimize torque. It makes a reasonable 172 horsepower and 165
pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It powers the front wheels
through a five-speed-manual transmission. Traction is aided by
antilock-brake-based traction control. The ABS, traction control
and an electronic stability system are all standard. The
five-speed manual is good, and gets the most out of the
four-cylinder engine. The optional automatic transmission comes
in the form of an efficient CVT, continuously variable
transaxle. It grants a wide range of gear ratios, but without
the stepped shift feel of a conventional automatic. Although the
Compass is Jeep's first model with four-wheel independent
suspension, thus lessening off-road abilities, the Compass does
have 8-inch ground clearance and decent approach and departure
angles.
Interior
The Jeep Compass cabin is roomy and comfortable. The cloth seats
that come in the Sport use a rugged fabric that's smooth and
stain repellant. The front seat jacks upward, which is nice
because the long dash makes it hard to see the ground in front
of the car, even though the hood is short. The cabin layout is
functional, but not exciting. The front door pockets are short
to make room for big stereo speakers in the doors, but still
useable. The gauges are clean and straightforward. The steering
wheel is a solid four spoke style and the center stack has
rectangular vents on top, over the one-disc AM/FM/CD, and below
that are three climate control knobs. The interior is two-tone,
but the base Compass is short on convenience features. Air
conditioning and power windows, mirrors and door locks are
optional. A tilt steering wheel is standard, and the center
console armrest is designed to slide forward 3 inches to serve
shorter drivers. The rear 60/40 seats fold flat, and the front
seat on the Limited model folds flat, creating a table. The rear
cargo area, a decent 53.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded,
is covered by a rugged vinyl mat that's removable for washing.
Exterior
Many have trouble telling the Compass apart from a Liberty
because the styling is so similar, but the differences are
clear. The Compass looks more like a crossover SUV, especially
from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the
wheels, as opposed to the plastic cladding on most Liberty
models. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the
C-pillars to preserve the character line. The liftgate on the
Compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle while the
Liberty's is vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo
area, is a stylized triangle while the Liberty's window is,
again, squared. The Compass is one inch closer to the ground
than the Liberty. The more car-like styling and relative
sleekness make the Compass look longer than the Liberty, but
it's actually one inch shorter. Among the recent influx of
cross-overs into the market, the Compass Limited is
distinguished by aluminum-look trim on the exterior. It's
anchored by a rear-bumper overlay that's debossed with the
Compass name. Even on the Limited, the side mirrors and door
handles are black rather than body-colored. The standard wheels
are 17-inch aluminum; the Limited has 18-inch aluminum wheels,
which are an option on the lower trim level.
Safety
The Compass offers excellent standard safety features. In
addition to the ABS and traction control are an electronic
stability system and side curtain-type airbags. Seat-mounted
side-impact airbags are optional for the front occupants. Also
standard are state-of-the-art seatbelts in all five positions.
Safety options include a tire pressure monitoring system. The
safety, ride and handling of the Compass are all excellent, with
a strong steel structure and well-planned sub-frame.
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that brings safety, style, a
comfortable ride, steady handling, and high fuel mileage.
Considering the affordable price of the Compass, this vehicle is
a great value. It is built on a front-wheel-drive, car-based
platform and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or
all-wheel drive. The Compass comes as two models, Sport and
Limited. Each comes standard with two-wheel drive or with
optional four-wheel drive. With one 2.4-liter four-cylinder
engine and a choice of five-speed manual or a Continuously
Variable Transaxle automatic, the new for 2007, the Jeep Compass
has made a splash on the crossover market. It gets an estimated
30 mpg Hwy, and 26 mpg City.
