Used 2009 Jeep Compass Consumer Reviews
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Seven year switch
My 2008 Compass was purchased new and now has about 78k miles. In the winter months it won't take gas.... In the deep freeze I have to slowly drip gas into my tank. Takes me 20 mins to get enough gas to get me to work. In the spring/summer is fine. Now my engine is slamming around. My husband says I have a broken manifold. It is paid in full, I hate to sell, but what else can I do?
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Great for the first 5 yrs
My husband and i bought this jeep brand new in 8/2008, we paid it off 2yrs ago and when we paid it off we looked up the value on it which ended up being much less than we thought:( The jeep drove great at first, it has a great handle, turns eaisly. Good looking body style. But after 5 yrs the car started hesitating and as we were at a red light the car almost always wants to shut off. Well fast forward 8 yrs later... 2 major brake repair, jeep sounds awful super loud and now needs major repair. Basicly a great car for a few years.
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- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995101 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,995101 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,000241 mi away
Perfect Small SUV
Love this Jeep!! Its everything I wanted in a SUV. I went from an Olds Alero to this jeep and couldn't be happier. My kids have so much more room to stretch out in. Have had the Jeep for 3 years now and have had to get the front end overhauled and new tires. Only have 127900km's on it. Still in love with my Jeep.
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Great little car
I have 78,000 miles and have had very few problems with my Compass. I have only had to replace I believe the tie rods or whatever goes bad in all of them and the back brake pads. The front pads are still good. I bought a lifetime warranty and have only used it for the tie rods. It drives great, has plenty of room(I am 6'2") and has been very reliable. For a $15000 car it has alot of value. 87,000 miles and still running great. Not a single problem. 92,000 and still a great car. 98,700 and still no problems 102,000 hesitates occasionally when accelerating but otherwise still great and no other problems 111,000 miles 2nd problem, had clock spring replaced in steering 121000 had to replace the transmission. Got screwed out of the lifetime powertrain warranty so I had to pay for it myself. Luckily I have a CVT rep. down the steeet and had it replaced for about 2/3 what the dealer wanted. 132,000 Replaced the altenator, belt and belt tensioner Sold it
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Love this baby Jeep
I bought my Jeep Compass used 2 years ago at 22,000 miles and I'm at about 50,000 now. They didn't give me the option to select the correct model I have, mine is the 2.0L 4-cyl autostick. All I have had to replace so far is brake pads, and I probably need new tires soon. I love this car because I am a tall person (5'10) and it is so spacious I don't feel like I'm compacted into a car. The turn radius is great. The seats are comfortable, even on long 12 hour drives. Perfect for moving because there is so much space when you put the seats down. I dislike the 2.0L engine because the get-up is slow and my gas mileage is about 26mpg highway.
2009 Jeep Compass Crysler
after 150 000k; my vehicle kept stalling when it overheated; brought it Crysler service 4x; they could never fix the problem; I do not like it either that I couldn't check my transmission oil; had to bring it to the shop every time; I rate this vehicle close to a 1' I had changed oil every 5000 k; kept it well serviced; it still didn't do the job it should have; I had bought other vehicles from Chrysler; and this is a lemon; I have spoken to to a lot of people who own them and they too have the same problem. They are good for awhile; some go after 10 000 k; motor stopping others like mine go after 100 000. It is too bad; and I did like Chrysler.
My baby
I have had no engine problems! I have had no transmission problems! Front wheel drive, front disk, rear drum brakes. No rack and pinion problems Was not recalled for sub frame rusted out but dealer split cost on front one. Another dealer gave us rear one free and we installed. I have 168,000 miles on her. I drive 150 each day. Still get 25 mpg. Do your part and she'll do hers
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Fun & Reliable
We traded in our second Honda Hybrid for this 2008 Jeep Compass (had a 2003 and 2005 Honday Civic hybrid...transmissions and CV joint went out on both of them). I liked the styling of the Compass because it didn't really look like anything but a Jeep. Plus, I'm 5'11" and fit very comfortably in this Compass...unlike the Civic. Nice & comfy for road trips too; not alot of road noise. Using BF Goodrich tires and makes for a nice ride. Averaging about 32 to 33 mpg on the freeway when doing 60mph and using cruise control. No frills basic interior, typical utilitarian Jeep.
HA!!!!!
I rented this vehicle once upon a time and it felt like a great drive so I bought one thinking I would get the same kind of quality....HA!!!, what a joke. If this vehicle costs a lot less I wouldn't be unhappy, but it wasn't worth the money I spent. The stabilization in both front axles will go very easy and cost a lot to repair as well as the throttle body ( this is a common problem in Nearly all of these models ). I hear the the updated models have been improved ( I'll believe it when I see it). Other than that if you can tolerate the little maintenance here and there , you should be good to go otherwise I'll spend my money elsewhere ! REVIVED (Sep 2017): this car after the repairs is still hanging in there, it's been great on gas ( A fill up will last me roughly about a whole week ) i've only had to change the front sway bars since all the major repairs ( parts made in China ) otherwise my only problem is the sudden rise in rpm when going up a hill ( probably have to check the transmission )
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Good Vehicle all Around
I'll get the bad out of the way. The low profile tires that this model carries were kind of weak I suggest buying the next size up. I got some Hankook Optimo 727's at 215/65 44 pound tires 17'. They climb a lot better but you do lose 2 mpg it seems. I live in Pittsburgh I need the climbing ability in snow. The good stuff: 23-25 (I actually got 27 going to New York) miles ave. on the highway 20-22 in the city. That's awesome for a 4x4. She is better on gas than the Liberty and I feel equal or better in mud and snow than Liberty. I'm 6-3 with room still between my head and the top. My 6-6 friend has about an inch or two to spare. Mine does come with adjustable seats though.
I like it!
Just picked up an '08 last weekend. So far I love it!. Fun to drive very comfortable and good on gas. I actually really enjoy the CVT transmission and when I need a change I go to autostick. You do not need any more power than this in a vehicle.
DONT BUY THIS P.O. S. .
THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. The sun roof leaks drastically when it rains or when I wash the vehicle. So much that the sun roof has stopped working, it leaks down on all electrical units underneath. The whole ceiling is water stained , and when it rains heavily the rain pours out of the ceiling light and the seats are covered ! Not considered a manufacturer defect, not covered under warranty or extended warranty. Passenger side back seat floor leaks all year long. The floor is continuously wet then frozen in the winter. Go through brakes like crazy , having to change every 3 months. ( I am not heavy on the brakes either) RUSTS LIKE CRAZY EVERYWHERE ! Overheated and blew thermostat, leaking anti freeze liquid, with only $75000.00 , this was covered under warranty. Does not hold its value at all. Thankfully I paid ahead on loan so I can at least break even when getting rid of this P. O. S ! 4 wheel drive stopped working when I first bought vehicle , the wires housing compartment melted and wires where fried. This was figured out after taking to the dealership 4 times . They kept saying the couldn't find the problem. Do not buy what ever you do ! Blind spots all over .
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Surprisingly reliable
Bought the 2008 Compass after being a long time, repeat Toyota buyer. The price was excellent and I got a 3 year gas card that I am still using, every time I get gas I save some change or more. I don't have the confidence in Jeep, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I have not had problems, other than battery died once after a cold spell. The car has never died or stranded me. I have not done any additional service other than the most basic. I have 48K miles on it.
Zippy
My wife and I got this Jeep for $12,700... NEW off the lot with 62 miles on it. We have the 2.4L with a five-speed. We heard the CVT was a turd and are very happy with a manual; my wife hates it, but I turn of the traction control and pull the parking brake, roll and smoke the front tires all day long. I don't like the styling its too round, but its my wife's car and she loves it. The transmission had to be replaced after 10,000 miles, it was not do to my abuse, but because of the syncro for 5th gear exploding on the freeway. We get on avg 28mpg with a mix of 50%city 40%highway 10%idling (I idle alot waiting on my wife while she is inside the store shopping and I'm sleeping in the Jeep.)
Great Buy
This is a great small SUV. I have repeatedly driven a 07 Ford Escape, and a 06 Toyota Highlander and the Compass is a lot more fun to drive. It's not exceptionally quick or powerful, my previous vehicle was a Dodge Ram with a 5.7L Hemi, but the car-like handling makes up for it. Also, the fuel efficiency seems to be better than the 25mpg stated. I have worked it out to be roughly 30mpg city and 40mpg highway. It felt a little sluggish when I first started driving it, but when I became more familiar with the CVT nuances, I feel the performance has increased. The interior is more than competent and rather comfortable, even considering my 6'6" frame. Also, the entertainment options are a plus.
20MPG, GPS, bluetooth, Comfort
Quiet ride, GPS easy to use, Gas sticks around 20mpg due to it seems to have to hit 5rpm or higher to shift.4x4 is actually AWD and only 4wd low. seats lay almost flat backwards for naps, very comfortable for a Jeep. Very quiet on the highway and nice ride. Handsfree bluetooth will take over your phone call when you start the truck, nice safety feature, the caller can even hear you clearly and the people in the back seat too! GPS is fairly easy to use, but the huge sound system is not as good as the base model radio due to a 3 band EQ with no sub adjustment. in the 4 fillups I've had max I've driven is 250 miles on 13 gallons, been worse ever since.
Heartache with Chrysler
I had an Intrepid which required a fair amount of front end suspension parts and accepted this because of the design of the car (front-end heavy and so on) when we purchased the Compass one thing that returned was front end part issues and lots of them, started at 20,000 kilometers. Because front-end issues can cause havoc with tires and steering in general, I like to have this in top shape, but it is a never-ending issue every time it goes in for regular service. It still goes on today with the most recent lower control arms being replaced for the second time before 100,000 kilometers. At 25,000 kilometers we started having the sun roof leak into the car. Being told that the drain lines in the roof needed cleaning periodically seemed a problem because you really don't know when this can happen. You tube had ways that people gave up with Chrysler and came up with their own solution although extensive it dealt with a lot of modifications to the drain line and this meant taking parts of the interior off. Then, the front driver's side pan just in front and the back would fill with water - up to 2 inches of water, no rhyme or reason, cleaned this out several times before the dealership finally gave up on the issue of the drain lines and found a body molding without the proper seal in place. The drain lines are still an issue but instead of paying $126 to have these blown out with compressed air, I do it myself. The last thing to go wrong is the K frame when the lower control arms were being replaced. The place where I have my maintenance done on the Jeep now has a mechanic that used to work for a Chrysler dealership and alerted me to the fact that the K frame is rotting and that I seek out the dealership warranty, should there be one. Right now I'm staring at $500 getting it done myself or $900 through the dealership - not even 100,000 K on the vehicle! The only good thing I have to say about the Jeep is in the snow, you cannot beat it, it is a tank with Blizzaks for tires. However, when we get a wet snow/rain and it freezes, the doors will not latch after opening, major problem since the only way to rectify this issue is to leave the vehicle heat-up, with it not locked (not good!) So, we are getting rid of the Jeep soon. All of the review of this and also the fact that there is always some sort of hassle with Chrysler has made the decision of what to purchase next, which does not include any type of Chrylser product what-so-ever!
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A Solid and Reliable Vehicle
Don't believe the reviews done by Edmunds - they must work for Honda or Toyota. This vehicle runs like a top and never gives me any problems.
lots of repairs on a 7 yr old vehicle
2008 Jeep Compass 5 sp manual tranny with 88,000 mi. in the past 9 months I have replaced the drivers ball joint, clutch assembly and stabalizer bars (several times) and it now looks like the struts are going. I am disgusted with the vehicle. I have a 97 Saturn with 236,000 miles and a 5 sp. manual tranny same clutch and only routine maintenance on it, that should tell the whole story on the Jeep..........Don't buy one! I am on a fixed income, just recently semi-retired and can't afford to keep fixing it.
15 Months later
After 15 months of driving as follows are some tips for potential buyer, I recommend a short term rental to try out (daily rental) and take close attention to the following, depending on your height and driving position this little truck may not be suitable for tall drivers ( 5'10"+ ), limited visibility due to A pillars, if you drive in a location where there are lots of pedestrians beware for posts completely block your side visibility, not sure if the patriot has the same issues but I have had several close calls, this also applies for rear view visibility and lane changes, this asides Compass is a good buy for the buck but would recommend the Patriot for any real Jeep enthusiast.
Michigan/Wisconsin Road trip
We took a 2163 mile road trip and couldn't believe how smooth the ride was in such a small vehicle. The seat are at just the right height for age 65 to get in and out of. The best mileage 29 least 24. The MPG computer was very accurate. I compare each fill up and follow the mileage. We never felt the transmission shift when going up and down hills. I could see the RPM going up but could not feel it shift gears. Amazing. It fits in the garage better and handles the roads with ease. This is my wife's car. Think I will get me one. I have to 2.0 engine. It has fine pickup.
Late to the Review Party!
I bought my Compass new for about $30k. I am the kind of driver who is easy on the engine and brakes. My Compass has 307,000 miles on it and I've changed the brakes once. It's been faithful. Low maintenance with regular oil changes (full synthetic) and one tune up. I transport rescue dogs and can fit two large crates in the back with the seats down. I love my Compass! My only real complaint is the damn CVT transmission. Only a dealer or AAMCO can work on it....even to check the oil. I had my transmission replaced about 4 years ag at 180,000 miles and it cost about $5,000. I'll never get another car with a CVT transmission! The air conditioner (compressor and condenser) needed replacing recently but after 300,000 miles I call that wear and tear. All in all, it's been a great, dependable vehicle and over 1,500 dogs would agree with that! Some even tasted the back seat and decided foam is over-rated. So, go buy a Jeep and Adopt Don't Shop! LOL.
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roll-backs
I thought i loved the jeep compass, until i came to an incline, the truck goes backward instead of forward. Has anyone else had this problem with the 08 COMPASS? Other than the roll back, it seems to be a great little car. I reported the problem to Chrysler's headquarter, they had the car picked up about 20 minutes after i called.I am waiting to hear from them.
The little Jeep that could
A great Jeep I love the looks. Way better than the Honda CR-V that my cousin just bought. A great snow vehicle. A Compass owner for life!
A great suv
I wanted a SUV, but I didnt want to pay the big bucks to own an SUV. So I bought the compass. Very quiet SUV. Gets good gas mileage nothing spectacular. When it goes to shift, I actually cant hear it. My passengers have tried to listen for it but found it very hard to hear. The back seats are very roomy. I have no problem getting in with the seats all the way back and I'm (6"1' and 320 lb). Overall a great car to have.
Front End
At 40,000 miles we needed a whole new front end, lower control arms, tie rod ends, stabilizer rods steering linkage. At 80,000 we repeated the process plus the rear sway bar, never off road ever.
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Syracuse to OC 12/19-22/09
I bought this as a car for my daughter in SU in New York State, I live in California. We got a great deal with a lifetime power train warranty all for 14 new. My daughter wanted good snow and rain and a great radio with a aux socket for her I pod. On December 19 the we set out on a cross country trip. I could have shipped the car and her stuff but that was estimate 1400.00 the gas all 3345 miles was 184.81 adv 18.9 mpg. We drove through the largest snow storm in virginia has seen in 59 years. The Compass plowed through great. It knew how to adjust the traction for optimum mpg. We had the stock 17" Tires on it,no chains. This car is for the young at heart It is a great deal simple controls!
Rally E
I waited for the 2009 and the new interior is great! The manual transmission is the way to go, I drove a CVT version (as a rental) and I did not like it. Love the Rally E package and the upgraded sound system is clearer and sharper than my old Rockford Fosgate (Mitsubishi) stereo. Without the downshift of the manual long hills would be a problem. Other than hills overall pick-up is fine. I commute daily and the Compass is great in snowy /icy conditions. I am very very pleased with my Compass. You really get alot for your money.
Discussed
I have had this jeep for 1 week and the shop has had it more than me. I love jeeps but this one is a joke. After 1 week the front axle broke on this jeep. What a rip off. I am unhappy and disappointed with this jeep my van works better than this car.
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Fun, reliable, useful
The seats are excellent, build quality is good, no initial problems. The lifetime warranty is drivetrain only, but for $2k I also got the bumper to bumper lifetime. Fun to drive, roomy American made. Am going back to buy another for my daughter.
Great Car - Great Value
I Love driving my Red Jeep Compass. I am an over 40 woman and drive to and from work. I like simplicity. Leather seats are not for me especially in Florida. I love the fabric upholstery because it is cool and supportive. Since I am short, I love that I can raise the drivers seat and I am not sitting in a hole. The power is plenty and I can easily pass other cars when needed. Driving this car is fun and easy and there are no blind spots to worry about.
CVT is not for lead foot drivers
The engine & CVT is set for max engine performance not gas guzzling. Applying gradual pressure to electronic speed control pedal will give you the best acceleration. From take-offs and passing you will notice a difference. And for added speed try running RPMs up and then back off a little on ESCP. This is an analog input devise with no direct connection to throtle valves. Work with on board computer not against it.
Good
I got it in Oct 2008 and I like it seeing how I own 1 other jeep before, it runs very good so far, I can not say that I like the way or how the sales people push it on me, I would change a lot about the way Cary auto park does there thing and have a lot of bad things to say about them but I do like the Jeep compass over all!
Good Value, Great MPG
Compass FWD Limited with CVT Bought 3 weeks ago Fun vehicle with great bang for the buck. A bit noisy but otherwise I love it. First tank 29.1 MPG with city in at 25.88 MPG.
Stalls out
Is a fairly comfortable ride, somewhat fun, but stalls out in the morning hours. Currently have a computer installed on the car to try to find the problem. I'm hoping my family does not get hurt in a car accident, cause by the car stalling out. Might have to sue the dealer and Chrysler.
Really???
I purchased this vehicle used. One owner, good carfax report.... Had it for a year.. Repair cost have exceeded 3800.00!!! Still a little more to go. Needless to say I am disappointed in jeep. I have been a jeep owner for ten years. My other jeeps were well made tough machines that finally wore out after tons of miles. Repair cost are ridiculous on these compass models in my opinion. I seriously doubt I will ever purchase another jeep after this compass.
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Disappointed
I bought this car after a Liberty because I was trying to save on gas. Saved there lost elsewhere. I am 5'10 and this car is NOT for tall people. The roof is not like other cars and when I pull up to stop lights (on the white line) I have to duck my head to see what color the light is. I do like how it whips around corners and handles great. However, after having this car for a week, I am in the process of returning it. I wish the roof was better and didn't have the extra material by the windshield. Jeep struck out with this one for tall people.
What a fun car!
I purchased this car after driving an Acura MDX for 4 years. At first I was concerned about the big change going from a higher end SUV to a much smaller (and cheaper) crossover. However, I just love the way this car drives. Because the car is so much lighter than my old SUV, the smaller motor fits the vehicle just fine. The CVT works well. I'm still breaking the motor in, but am averaging around 27mpg. The uconnect DVD navigation with hard drive and satellite radio is really nice. It took a little while to get used to the Rallye wheels, but now I really like them. Overall, I'm very happy with this car.
Love it!
The 2009 Jeep Compass has been the best vehicle I have purchased so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. Great fuel mileage, comfortable, easy to clean, roomy, quiet, great interior and exterior look. The new lifetime warranty is the best!
So disappointed
We tried to buy a Patriot during cash for clunkers but couldn't find one with 4wd anywhere in the country so got the Compass instead. BIG mistake! I have to put a cushion on the seat because it is too narrow for my wide load and the seat belt digs into my right thigh when driving. The rear-view mirror gives a tiny view through the small back window but worst of all, I can't change lanes because the high seat backs in the back row completely block my view of the next lane. Dangerous! Handling is fine, looks are great, and fuel is okay. I'm getting about 24 on mostly highway. I just don't think I can stand the discomfort so I'm considering selling or trading this in now.
COMPASS PROBLEM
I have driven the car 1000 miles now and only one problem so far. Now and then it makes a whining noise for about a minute then goes away.This happens once a day. Has anyone else had this problem? Good gas mileage and fun to drive.A whole lot better than the 05 Equinox I traded in for it.
Great Jeep
We have put almost 4K miles on our Compass and love it! This is my 2nd Jeep, previously had a Grand Cherokee. This jeep is perfect for what we use it for. Seats are comfortable, the ride is good and power is acceptable with the manual tranny. I have grown to love the looks of the Jeep. The build quality appears to be very good as well. The reviewers are way off on this vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone!
Pretty decent so far
So far this vehicle has been great, I haven't had any complaints against it. I find it to be comfortable to ride/ drive in. I like the way it handles, but I'm not a speed demon anyways. I read the Editor's reviews before purchasing and I don't have any regrets on buying this vehicle.
Ignore the critics.... Compass is A-OK!
Our 2008 Compass Sport is an extremely nice, well featured vehicle... esp. when considering what we paid out-the- door for it: $16,400. The interior catches way TOO much flak from reviewers. It is roomy and the seats are very comfortable. Gas mileage is good: 4 people/luggage, A/C on, 75 mph produced nearly 26 mpg on a recent trip. No A/C and under 65 mph pushed it up over 30 mpg! It's been reliable, and only had one warranty repair for a couple of suspension bolts in nearly 20k mileage. As far as performance... all you have to do is put your foot down on the accelerator a bit more firm and get the RPMs up. That's it. The 172 HP does the rest. Highly recommend for $$$
Love the Compass
Drove Chicago to Phoenix roundtrip, no problems. Very comfortable seats let me drive 16 hrs straight. Lots of room, good quality, just what they should have been building all these years.
Great Deal
I Shopped until I Dropped. I found problems relating to all SUV's and what sold me on the Jeep Compass was the price and the lifetime powertrain limited warranty. MSRP: $19,450.00 Minus: $4500 cash for clunkers Minus: $3500 Chrysler rebate. Minus: $2500 cash back from my dealer. A very nice SUV for around $10,000.00 that rides well, easy to park and is fun to drive.
Great small SUV
This vehicle is good on gas, has lots of room in side for the size of it and good on long trips. I am very satisfied with this car.
My favorite car.
I wanted to get a car that was SUV- like, but gets good gas mileage. This car does that wonderfully. I get an average of 27 mpg and still have comfortable room for passengers and a fair amount of storage space in the back. It rides higher up and has plenty of leg room. I bought a standard transmission, and I love the way it shifts gears. Very smooth.
Needs some work
Been driving my 2009 compass for 15 months. Been in the shop 3 times now for different issues/defects. passing is difficult, it has not "get up and go" !It's loud, my breaks have squeaked and ground since day one. It has not been reliable for me, and I will be trading mine in within the next few weeks!
Great Crossover
I'm confused with why the "pros" don't like the Compass. It's a great crossover utility vehicle with plenty of room for those who don't need a large SUV, but are similarly disinterested in using a shoe horn to get in and out of an automobile. The fuel economy on my Compass has been mediocre at best, but the vehicle is fun to drive and I'm impressed by the safety features. I love my Jeep!