Jeep Compass Review

2008 Jeep Compass Limited SUV Shown

Most people think of Jeeps as tough off-road vehicles that love to get muddy, but the Jeep Compass isn't like other Jeeps. It doesn't look rugged, it's not trail-rated, and as far as we know, it doesn't even like dirt. Instead, it's a car-based design built for the majority of small-SUV buyers, who want a fuel-efficient runabout that's easy to drive around suburbia and loaded with conveniences. Four-wheel drive is available, of course, but it's a single-speed system -- enough to get you through a snowstorm and that's about it.

As you can imagine, Jeep purists don't much care for the Compass, which they regard as the antithesis to all things Jeep. But the reality is that the Compass comes much closer to matching the tastes and priorities of the typical SUV buyer than traditional Jeeps do. However, the Jeep Compass faces stiff competition among today's compact, car-based SUVs. Its low price, unusual styling and interesting features are compelling at a glance, but for those who dig deeper, its weak engine and cut-rate interior materials pose a significant liability.

Current Jeep Compass

Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Jeep Compass is in its first generation. This compact SUV shares a platform with the Dodge Caliber small wagon, which means that it's primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Even if you order the optional four-wheel-drive system, known as Freedom Drive I, power goes only to the front wheels until slippage is detected, although the driver can lock the center differential in a 50/50 front/rear power split for extra traction when driving through wintertime gunk.

Every Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. A CVT offers the convenience of a regular automatic transmission, but doesn't have fixed gear ratios -- instead of shifting, it just selects whatever ratio is most appropriate to the situation. Unfortunately, the CVT in the Compass is not one of the better applications of this technology: It frequently holds the engine at high rpm, at which point the four-cylinder's power band has already begun to taper off. The result is sluggish highway acceleration and lots of noise. For buyers who can manage it, the manual gearbox is recommended.

Although hardly quick, the Compass can be pleasant to drive in town, as its fully independent suspension provides a smooth ride and stable handling around corners. Seating is comfortable in both the front and rear, and important safety features like stability control and full-length side curtain airbags are standard.

Desirable amenities like leather upholstery and seat heaters are also included on the high-line Compass Limited model. Other than alloy wheels and an MP3 player input jack, the entry-level Jeep Compass Sport doesn't come with much -- you'll need to visit the options list if you want air-conditioning (until '08, when it became standard) or power windows. Bluetooth and upgraded Boston Acoustics speakers are optional on both versions of the Compass, and a navigation system is available on the Limited.

Our editors' main complaint about the Jeep's interior centers on its excessive amount of hard plastic, which makes the Compass feel less inviting than top Japanese and Korean competitors. We've also noted build quality issues in the Compass test vehicles we've examined. In addition, young families may find this SUV's low cargo capacity problematic when loading up a stroller and a dog. The Compass offers just 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the backseat and just 53.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Both figures are some of the smallest in the car-based SUV segment.

Past Jeep Compass Models

The Jeep Compass is still too new for there to be much of a used car market. Buyers shopping for a used small SUV with a Jeep badge might want to take a look at the Liberty.

SELECT A SPECIFIC JEEP COMPASS MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.