2007 Jeep Compass Review

Specifications

Another Jeep Headed in the Right Direction

Throughout Jeeps 65-plus year history, the iconic auto manufacturer has penetrated the market with fully capable on- and off-road vehicles. From its old military SUVs to its new Grand Cherokee, the ever-popular “Trail Rated” brand continues to blaze new trails with its impressive new vehicle lineup that now includes the Commander, recently reworked Liberty and soon to be Patriot. Also included in the new vehicle lineup is the 2007 Compass which takes Jeep down a gentler, but still rugged path, hoping that its familiar face will appeal to a broader audience.

The all-new Compass can be described as Jeep classic meets Jeep modern thanks to traditionally infused styling cues and a completely unorthodox approach to the market. Right off the bat, the 7-slot grille screams JEEP!  It also features the unmistakable round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings, although with a twist this time. Such features as a steeply raked windshield and a deep fascia give the Compass some nice curves that tone down its rugged underbelly. And while the underpinnings of the Compass are identical to the recently introduced Dodge Caliber, its personality remains Jeep-to-the-core.

Three trim levels are available: the Sport starting at $15,985 (FWD) and Limited $20,140 (FWD). While the features and standard options vary from trim to trim, each Compass comes equipped with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. The Chrysler Group World Engine family, which is sourced from a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi, improves fuel economy by 5 percent compared with the engines they replace, rivaling the best four-cylinder engines in the world.

The peppy 2.4-liter produces a world of horses too; well, maybe thats pushing it! Under its hood rests 172 horsepower with 165 lb-ft of torque, just waiting to be put to the test whether via the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional CVT2 automatic. If opting for the 5-speed manual, expect exceptionally smooth shifting. It seems like an oxymoron to put smooth and Jeep into the same sentence, but nevertheless its true. The clutch and gear throws are more than agreeable for quick, smooth shifts; I was most impressed. Additionally, the Compass 4WD, 5-speed manual configuration offers the best-in-class fuel economy, a title most compact SUVs strive to achieve, but Jeep conquers.

The new CVT2, or continuously variable transaxle automatic transmission provides its driver with a refined shift quality, with an infinite number of gear ratios enabling the engine to stay in the most efficient operating range at any given moment. The use of electronic controls provides 6 to 8 percent better fuel economy in comparison to a traditional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep also conquers in the safety department, equipping all Compasses with an exceptional list of standard safety features. Across the board, side-curtain airbags, ESP (electronic stability protection), electronic roll mitigation, ABS with rough-road detection, brake assist, and brake traction control is what youll find. Being prepared for possible unfavorable situations on and off the road is what gives piece of mind, not only to those who rough it in the bush, but also to those who rough it in the city.

Speaking of roughing it in the bush, the Compass has 8.4 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle some fairly tough off-road trails. For those who prefer the calm and collected urban jungle, mind you, the Compass is the first Jeep to offer a standard front-wheel drive configuration, maximizing fuel economy and on-road compatibility. For off-road prowess, the Freedom Drive I 4WD system is ideal. It is a full-time, active four-wheel drive system with a lock mode designed to give drivers continual assurance of safety and stability. The state-of-the-art electronic system kicks in when slippage or lack of traction is detected. Then, by automatically transferring power and torque to the rear wheels, the system helps stabilize an unstable situation. In order to lock up or activate the system, all it takes is a pull of the chrome “T” handle, and the electronically controlled coupling (ECC) sends the maximum amount of torque to the rear axle (up to 60 percent) for optimal traction.

What better location is there to try out the adaptability of the new Freedom Drive Is than in Portland, Oregon, where there are cascading hills the blend into to scenic sandy shorelines, plus plenty of paved streets to play on? Highway driving is smooth and stable, especially when maneuvering through tight turns due to its power-assisted rack and pinion steering. The Compass is also quite solid and therefore comfortable thanks to its unibody construction and fully independent suspension. And since the tires are modestly sized P215/60R17s on the Sport trim model, with more of a pavement-oriented tread pattern than the mud-gripping off-road tires some Jeeps come equipped with, there isnt a lot of road noise seeping into the cabin from overzealous rubber. I recall my Jeep TJ Rubicon experience a while back, and remember that those tires made tread marks in my ears! Also reducing road noise, seam sealing, which was previously only added to the inside of a vehicles body, is both on the inside and outside of the Compass. This, in turn, it reduces overall noise while locking out moisture that can sometimes slip through the barriers.

Roughing it in the bush was also a pleasant experience. Not once did I, or my driving companion feel like the Compass wouldnt be able to complete the task at hand. Mind you, we werent rock crawling or ascending up particularly steep inclines. We took it through some fairly rough terrain, though, and when slippage from the moist ground occurred, the Freedom Drive 1 system assumed its role and got the car rolling again. Furthermore, when the brakes needed to be applied, the standard four discs with ABS and ESP came into play.

My favorite part of the test day was playing at the beach, in the rain! I cant say that at any other point in my automotive career has anyone handed me a vehicle and literally said, “Go nuts!” What a blast! The Compass was fabulous in the sand; a real opportunity to put its 4WD functions to use, especially activating the lock mode specifically engineered to assist on low-traction surfaces like snow, or better yet, sand. The day could only have been made better if there was a snow covered mountain to play around on. But I guess that just means Ill have to take a Compass out on a snowy day this coming winter, and “go nuts” once again.

While driving the Compass on the various road surfaces, the surfaces I had the most intimate contact with were the seats, dash, door panels, controls, and, well, its overall interior. Both the cloth upholstered cabin found in the Sport trim model, and the leather seats in the Limited model were comfortable to drive around in. Of the two interior treatments, I much preferred the leather in the Limited model not only because it comes standard with butt-warmers, but that it looks rich and enticing. Since the weather was quite wet and chilly for a summer day, the warmers were cranked to keep me comfortable.

The interior surfaces host a cabin of clean lines and relatively attractive styling. It is quite similar, though, to the interior of the Caliber. Perhaps I would have liked to see something a little more distinctive, maybe even an analog compass added to the dashboard just for kicks. Other common characteristics the Compass shared with its Caliber brother is the center consoles sliding armrest with built-in iPod/cell phone holder; which I think is a great touch since Im an iPod owner and struggle to find somewhere stable and accessable to put it. A rechargeable and detachable flashlight is mounted at the rear of the car, also thoughtful, plus the Limited models fold-flat front seats allow you to stow items up to eight feet long; and one of my favorite features, the liftgate-mounted speakers are perfect for tail gate parties, camping or whatever musical situations you put the Compass in.

All in all the Jeep Compass adds a new dynamic to the go-anywhere SUV,
a philosophy that the brand has been built on for years. While its definitely not the most “Trail Rated” of them all, lacking a low gear range, it still gives enough “trail-ability” to wear the 7-slotted smile and the Jeep name (although I know there will be many who disagree with me).

And then theres also the issue of price: the Compass is the most affordable Jeep by far at $15,985, at least until the Patriot comes along. As for what is here and now, its rugged exterior styling coupled with its tender interior offer first-time Jeep buyers the comfort and convenience of a car with the underpinnings of a light- to medium-duty SUV.

Its another Jeep headed in the right direction. So go on, get lost; and then find your way back with a Compass.