2011 Jeep Compass

Review

The 2011 Jeep Compass continues to provide an economical option for the budget-conscious Jeep customer. To further attract potential buyers, the Compass offers excellent fuel economy that compares well to compact cars. If you’re looking for a four-wheel drive vehicle that will see primarily on-road use, the 2011 Jeep Compass deserves your attention. While it may not compare to the other Jeep models' rugged off-road capabilities, the 2011 Jeep Compass will give you the Jeep look and a fun ride around town.

On The Road

The best feature of the 2011 Compass is not its styling or interior features, but rather the care and attention that has been paid to how it handles on the road. The continuously variable transmission provides much needed kick and verve to the Compass, allowing it to effortlessly tackle difficult terrain in all sorts of weather, from snow-covered mountain roads to watery stream beds. While the Jeep has never been noted for its exceptional acceleration, the sheer amount of power available at lower crawling speeds separates it from any other recreational vehicle in its class, or indeed, among automobiles in general.

Jeep’s consistent performance in this area has earned it a reputation among drivers, and this latest manifestation of the Compass does not disappoint. The vehicle has also been equipped with Hill Descent Control, which is wonderful for sudden drops or other unexpected road conditions. Essentially, for a rugged outdoor weekend, the precision and control of the engine and power train will enable any driver to fully enjoy his surroundings.

Competition to the 2011 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass rides much like a car for a good reason. Underneath the Jeep Compass body, this vehicle is based on the Dodge Caliber design to provide car-like handling with a higher ground clearance. One of the few Jeep vehicles that offer a fully independent suspension, the 2011 Compass provides a smooth on-road ride and fun handling characteristics.

Under The Hood

Although the 2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder engine is fairly small, it provides substantial power for this lightweight vehicle. The intake manifold design includes flow control valves to increase the power production while maintaining a great fuel economy rating and a quiet engine. The available Freedom Drive I full-time, four-wheel drive system provides great traction on smooth surfaces and in rough weather conditions. The continuously variable transmission locks the center differential, and creates an excellent, low power ratio (19:1) with the pulleys.

Interior

The cabin of the Compass has been built less for luxury and more for practicality. The navigation system will keep passengers and drivers from having to pull out their rudimentary compass and graph paper, but the cloth seats, relatively humdrum audio system and somewhat cramped back passenger seating will not inspire long poetic odes to creature comforts. That said, the interior is perfect for those who want to seek their pleasures in the outdoors, and have little patience for sitting around inside all day.

Safety Features

For your safety, the 2011 Jeep Compass features four-wheel, anti-lock brakes as a standard feature. Stability and traction control will provide additional grip during skids and bad weather. Driver and passenger side air bags come with the standard package in addition to a head airbag; side airbags are optional.

Body Style

The body style of the Compass has not changed in any significant way for 2011. It continues to feature the signature Jeep seven-slot grille and round Jeep headlights, body-side flares, and trapezoidal wheel openings.

Historical Performance

The 2010 Jeep Compass rated 5 out of 10 on the J. D. Powers and Associates Predicted Reliability scale based on the last three years of quality and dependability data. Kelly Blue Book forecasts that the 2010 Jeep Compass can be resold in one year at a price of slightly more than $15,000.

Pros

The Compass will not disappoint anyone who is familiar with the basic performance level of a Jeep. In fact, for those who have purchased Jeeps before, the Compass will be something of an upgrade, with its exceptional low power performance and automatic drive train features, not to mention its revamped front grille. The chassis is durable and the resale value should remain relatively high, depending on how much off-roading and extreme outdoor driving any one driver manages to conduct with the vehicle. The so-called ‘Freedom Drive II’ is a noteworthy advancement in the company’s engineering history, and will inspire Jeep aficionados to take the Compass out as often as they can.

Cons

The Compass is not the best vehicle in terms of gas mileage, and will not please drivers who prefer to take long, scenic drives on even pavement. The Compass’s interior features simply do not compare to other cars in the same price range. The acceleration is sluggish, and the dimensions of the vehicle may make it awkward for regular city driving and parking.

Similar Vehicles

The 2011 Jeep Compass is comparable to the Hyundai Tucson and Suzuki Grand Vitara in price. Both vehicles provide slightly more interior space, but do not compare in fuel economy. The Chevrolet Equinox provides a similar fuel economy and a much nicer interior, but comes at a much higher price.