History/Description: The Compass isn’t universally loved by hardcore Jeep owners; many of whom say the compact model amounts to a rebadged Dodge Caliber. Though Compass wasn’t a die-hard mud-slinger like its siblings, it intended to attract a new buyer to the Jeep brand with its fuel efficiency, city-friendly sizing and promise of affordable adventure.
All models got four-cylinder power and front-wheel drive as standard. A 2.0-litre engine powered some models, while a 2.4-litre, 172-horsepower unit was the standard engine and typically preferred. Compass could be fitted with an AWD system that featured a driver-lockable centre differential for enhanced traction. Manual five-speed or continuously variable automatic transmissions were available.
The five-seat Compass also packed features like heated seats, Bluetooth, premium audio, a sunroof, multimedia connectivity and plenty of at-hand storage inside. A 115-volt power outlet was also available, and split-folding seats enhanced cargo capacity when required. Sizing was in the same ballpark as a Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber or Mazda3 Sport.
End of the day, compact driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and versatility moved the Compass from dealer lots more readily than off-road prowess, though it was capable of light to moderate off-road work as needed.
What Owners Like: Manoeuvrability, flexibility, all-season traction with 4x4 models and, strangely, styling. All seem to be rated positively by the majority of Compass owners. A high-utility interior with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage were also highly rated. Car-like ride quality, the uplevel stereo and fuel mileage were also praised.
What Owners Dislike: Owner-stated complaints tend to centre around cheap interior plastics, sluggish performance from models with the CVT transmission, road noise, blind spots as well as limited ground clearance and off-road abilities.
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| 2007 Jeep Compass (Photo: Jeep) |
All models got four-cylinder power and front-wheel drive as standard. A 2.0-litre engine powered some models, while a 2.4-litre, 172-horsepower unit was the standard engine and typically preferred. Compass could be fitted with an AWD system that featured a driver-lockable centre differential for enhanced traction. Manual five-speed or continuously variable automatic transmissions were available.
The five-seat Compass also packed features like heated seats, Bluetooth, premium audio, a sunroof, multimedia connectivity and plenty of at-hand storage inside. A 115-volt power outlet was also available, and split-folding seats enhanced cargo capacity when required. Sizing was in the same ballpark as a Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber or Mazda3 Sport.
End of the day, compact driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and versatility moved the Compass from dealer lots more readily than off-road prowess, though it was capable of light to moderate off-road work as needed.
What Owners Like: Manoeuvrability, flexibility, all-season traction with 4x4 models and, strangely, styling. All seem to be rated positively by the majority of Compass owners. A high-utility interior with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage were also highly rated. Car-like ride quality, the uplevel stereo and fuel mileage were also praised.
What Owners Dislike: Owner-stated complaints tend to centre around cheap interior plastics, sluggish performance from models with the CVT transmission, road noise, blind spots as well as limited ground clearance and off-road abilities.
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| 2008 Jeep Compass (Photo: Jeep) |