Jeep Compass Review - 2007

For the 2007 model year Jeep rolled out a brand new SUV.  It is one of the most fuel efficient Jeeps available and is built on a car-based platform; its called the Compass.  Although many compare the Compass' style to the Jeep Liberty, the Compass has its own unique features. While developing the Compass, engineers focused specifically on making it a more fuel efficient vehicle, and indeed, the Compass ousts many of its competitors in this category.  The 2007 Jeep Compass is roomy inside and has plenty of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. The Compass comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.  

Driving the Compass

On the surface the Jeep Compass 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.  Jeep has also designed a new four-wheel-drive system for the Compass, which it calls Freedom Drive I 4x4. 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. Highway control is good.

Jeep Power

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. Traction is aided by antilock-brake-based traction control. The ABS, traction control and an electronic stability system are all standard.  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.  The optional automatic transmission comes in the form of an efficient CVT, continuously variable transaxle.  It uses the latest technology, including an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and electronically controlled variable valve timing that helps optimize torque. It powers the front wheels through a five-speed-manual transmission.

2007 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. 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.

Cabin Features

The Jeep Compass cabin is comfortable and suited for every day driving. It also has a very usable cargo space; it is 53.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and is covered by a rugged vinyl mat that's removable for washing.  The front door pockets are short to make room for big stereo speakers in the doors, but still useable.  The rear 60/40 seats fold flat, and the front seat on the Limited model folds flat, creating a table.  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.

Compass Design

The Compass looks more like a crossover SUV than any other Jeep, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels, as opposed to the plastic cladding on most Liberty models. The standard wheels are 17-inch aluminum; the Limited has 18-inch aluminum wheels, which are an option on the lower trim level.  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.   It's anchoredby a rear-bumper overlay that's debossed with the Compass name.  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.    Even on the Limited, the side mirrors and door handles are black rather than body-colored.

Safety Features
 
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. 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 offers a smooth ride, safe and steady handling, and excellent mileage. It gets an estimated 30 mpg Hwy, and 26 mpg City.   This vehicle is a great value, considering its affordable price and all it has to offer.  It is built on a front-wheel-drive, car-based platform and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For another take on the Compass read a review from Myride.com.  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 big impact on the crossover market. For more pricing and information, click here.