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 is 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.
2007 Lineup
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.
Driving a Compass
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.
Compass Powertrain Options
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, 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.
Inside a Jeep Compass
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.
Design on the Outside
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; the
third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle while the
Liberty's window is 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, though it is 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 is 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 combines
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 in 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.