2002 Jeep Compass Concept - Redefining a Brand
Jeep, the 4x4 of 4x4s, has been contemplating its priorities lately. As part of the company's internal mandate all models must be capable of traversing the grueling Rubicon Trail, which severely limits the types of vehicles the brand can produce. All must possess high ground clearance, short overhangs, a low gear ratio and other off-road specialty features. The only problem is what often makes an SUV great in the uncharted wilderness negatively impinges on daily driving dynamics. So, what would happen if Jeep decided to rewrite its rules and produce a vehicle that wasn't capable of extreme conditions, something a little more civilized?
The company did just that, in concept form at least. Launched at last year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jeep's Compass looked positively refined. Designed to target the same price point as the current TJ but offer more roadworthy car-like attributes, the Compass could pull in customers the Jeep brand could never ascertain with its current lineup. This must be a tempting prospect, and by the looks of the production ready concept it's not something Jeep is considering lightly.