2007 Jeep Compass Review

The Jeep Compass was new in 2007.  It has styling similar to the Jeep Liberty, yet at the same time has features that make it unique.  There's plenty of cabin space and 54 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down.  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 Jeep Compass offers a Continuously Variable Transaxle, which performs like an automatic transmission.  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 Compass is built on a front-wheel-drive, car-based platform and 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; the Compass is also lighter than its competition, meaning it gets better fuel economy.

2007 Jeep Compass Design

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 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 anchored by 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. The standard wheels are 17-inch aluminum; the Limited has 18-inch aluminum wheels, which are an option on the lower trim level.

Inside the Comapss

The Jeep Compass cabin is roomy and comfortable. 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. 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.

Jeep Compass Powertrain

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.  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.  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. Traction is aided by antilock-brake-based traction control. The ABS, traction control and an electronic stability system are all standard.

Driving a Jeep

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 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.

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. 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.

Jeep Compass 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.

The Jeep Compass is an excellent compact SUV that brings safety, style, a comfortable ride, steady handling, and high fuel mileage. It gets an estimated 30 mpg Hwy, and 26 mpg City.   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 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. Read more about this models performance in a Jeep Compass Road Test.