The Jeep Compass is a car-based vehicle that's enjoyable to drive
and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
First introduced as a 2007 model, the Compass is built on a
front-wheel-drive, car-based structure, a modified version of
the platform that supports the Mitsubishi Lancer and Jeep
Patriot.
One way to measure the value of the Compass might be to compare
it to the trusty Jeep Cherokee that was enormously popular for
18 years and finally ended its run in 2001. The Compass is
slightly bigger and much more comfortable than the Cherokee was
10 years ago, though without as much off-road capability.
The Jeep Compass uses DaimlerChrysler's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder
World Engine, developed jointly for 21st century efficiency with
Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It's a solid, sophisticated, 16-valve
engine. Like other new four-cylinder engines, it is quieter and
stronger than a four-banger was believed capable of being 10
years ago. It features electronic variable valve timing that
continually changes the torque curve, bringing more versatility
to the 165 peak pound-feet of torque, and more capability to the
172 peak horsepower. Emphasis during development of this engine
was on fuel mileage; even carrying 3326 pounds, the Compass 4WD
with a five-speed manual transmission delivers EPA fuel economy
estimates of 22/27 mpg City/Highway.
The Jeep Compass offers an optional continuously variable
transaxle, which performs like an automatic transmission. The
CVT comes with the Auto Stick manual shiftgate feature for 2008.
The Auto Stick enables the driver to shift up and down over six
preset gear ratios, making it feel like a six-speed gearbox
without a clutch pedal.
Also new for 2008, Jeep has recalibrated the engine and
transaxle for improved drivability and reduced noise. Chrome
interior accents brighten the 2008 models, and air conditioning
and a tire-pressure monitor are standard equipment.
The safety, ride and handling of the Compass are all excellent,
with a strong steel structure and well-planned subframe.
Side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control with
anti-rollover sensors are standard. Power windows and power door
locks are optional, however. Remember manual door locks? Some
cannot.
Inside, the Compass is thoughtfully designed. The instruments
and controls are well placed and easy to use, though the
materials feel cut rate. There's good interior space all around,
with rear seats that fold flat to make about 54 cubic feet of
cargo space. Options for added versatility include reclining
rear seats and a passenger front seat that also folds flat,
creating either a table or eight-foot-long space for storage.
The Jeep Compass comes as two models, Sport and Limited, each
with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The
standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 172
horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with
a five speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic ($1100) with
Auto Stick manual shiftgate. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder is
available as a $200 credit option for the Sport. It makes 158 hp
and 141 pound-feet of torque and only comes with the CVT.
The 2WD Sport ($16,475) and AWD Sport ($18,225) come standard
cloth upholstery; air conditioning; outside-temperature
indicator; AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack; vinyl load
floor; center console sliding armrest with cell phone or MP3
pocket; 60/40 split rear seat; tilt steering column; fog lamps;
roof rails; and P215/60R17 tires on aluminum wheels. The Quick
Order Package ($2,125) adds power windows and locks and keyless
remote entry; cruise control; YES Essentials cloth upholstery;
height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat;
reclining split folding rear seat; map lights; removable and
rechargeable interior lamp; floor mats; rear privacy glass; and
a 115-volt power outlet.
Options include a 6CD player with MP3 ($320); sunroof ($800);
heated front seats ($250); Security and Cargo Convenience Group
($695) including auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle
information center, universal garage door opener, alarm, and a
tonneau cover; Trailer Tow Prep Package ($250) with engine oil
cooler, full-size spare tire, and wiring harness; and a
nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system ($795) featuring
Sirius satellite radio, a leather wrapped steering wheel with
audio controls, and speakers in the liftgate that can blast the
crowd at tailgate parties.
The 2WD Limited ($20,505) and AWD Limited ($22,255) add
leather-trimmed and heated front bucket seats; height-adjustable
driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger
seat; reclining rear seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with
audio controls; cruise control; Sirius satellite radio; power
windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; electronic
vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror;
universal garage door opener; floor mats; and P215/55R18 tires.
The front and rear fascia and side moldings have shiny aluminum
accents.
Options for the Limited include the Sport options, plus its own
Security and Cargo Convenience Group ($495) with daytime running
lights, alarm, cargo cover, and Jeep's UConnect wireless cell
phone link; chrome-plated 18-inch aluminum wheels ($825); the
Boston Acoustics sound system ($495); and a DVD-based navigation
system with six-disc CD changer ($1,395). A Rallye Group for
Sport ($1,985) and Limited ($1,850) includes driving lamps, a
rear stabilizer bar, rear spoiler, bright exhaust tip, and Mopar
body trim; for Sport, it also adds P215/55R18 tires on aluminum
wheels.
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual
front air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags;
tire-pressure monitor; antilock brakes with brake assist (which
applies more brake force than the driver is applying if sensors
determine it's needed in a panic stop); traction control; and
electronic stability control with rollover mitigation.
Torso-protecting side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants
are optional ($250) and we recommend them.
