2009 Jeep Compass Review
2009 Jeep Compass Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low price, lots of headroom, many available features.
Cons
- Dime-store interior, sluggish and noisy acceleration, unimpressive fuel economy, limited cargo space, harsh ride, lacks typical Jeep off-road abilities.
What’s new
After only two years on the market, the 2009 Jeep Compass gets a thorough interior overhaul, including a redesigned dashboard and upgraded materials. More sound deadening has been added, along with revised exhaust tuning. Some of the Compass' optional features have been modified, especially the now-optional hard-drive-based digital music storage and USB audio jack.
Edmunds says
A thorough interior overhaul isn't enough to elevate the 2009 Jeep Compass from the compact SUV segment's sub-basement. You can do much better.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$166/mo for Compass Sport
Compass Sport
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The idea of a smaller, more-fuel-efficient Jeep should be a recipe for success in the current climate, right? Americans will always connect with the iconic brand's macho image, so a four-cylinder-powered model with a more realistic on-road nature is bound to be a winner. In the end, though, it doesn't really matter that the Jeep Compass was a good idea in theory -- possibly even a prophetic one. Even after a thorough interior overhaul, this small SUV is so poorly executed in almost every area, it is impossible to recommend.
The 2009 Jeep Compass, like its boxier Patriot brother, is based on the Dodge Caliber hatchback, which isn't a good place to start. Its powertrains are noisy and slow and don't offer particularly impressive fuel mileage. Although the Compass features SUV height and ground clearance (and therefore the SUV classification), its interior space is more like the Caliber's, with less maximum cargo space than any other small crossover SUV. Unlike past Jeeps, the Compass at least rides and handles more like a car -- just not a particularly pleasant car.
One of the previous Compass' worst offenses was its poorly constructed interior. Almost every surface consisted of low-buck plastic pieces. This is no longer the case for the 2009 Jeep Compass. Dash materials are now smoother in both texture and in shape, while the driver's armrest is now suitable for actually resting one's arm. However, this takes the Compass from awful to passable -- almost every competitor still offers a more welcoming environment. On the upside, at least the Compass now gets the latest Chrysler entertainment options, like hard-drive digital music storage, a touchscreen interface and a USB port.
On paper, the Compass seems to have many of the compact SUV attributes buyers are looking for: decent size, carlike driving experience, ample features list and low price. But drive it back to back with its competitors and you're likely to discover the many shortcomings we noticed in the 16 months and 16,000 miles we spent with a very disappointing long-term Compass test car. We suggest checking out the class-leading Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. If you're looking for a budget buy, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are much better choices than the Compass. Sometimes, good ideas don't end in successful reality.
Performance & mpg
Front-wheel drive is standard on the Jeep Compass, while a four-wheel-drive system is optional. It operates in front-wheel-drive mode in normal situations and automatically applies power to the rear wheels when needed. It can also be locked, with up to 60 percent of the engine's torque supplied to the rear wheels for better off-road traction.
Every Compass comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. With this engine and the CVT, a four-wheel-drive Compass we tested went from zero to 60 mph in a glacial 10.6 seconds -- and made a horrible droning racket while doing it. Fuel economy with the automatic and 4WD is 21 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The manual or front-wheel drive improves these numbers by a few mpg.
Optional on the Compass Sport is a less powerful but more-fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It makes 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque and comes only with the CVT and front-wheel drive. Fuel economy is 23/27/24 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety features include stability control with a rollover sensor, full-length side curtain airbags and traction control. Front-seat side airbags are optional. In government crash tests, the 2009 Jeep Compass received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side protection. When equipped with front side airbags, the Compass received the best rating of "Good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's side crash test, while a Compass without the side airbags got the second-worst "Marginal" rating.
Driving
Although 172 hp is pretty decent output for a four-cylinder engine, the 2009 Jeep Compass is slothlike during merging and passing maneuvers, especially when equipped with 4WD and the CVT. In addition, full-throttle acceleration results in the CVT holding the engine's rpm at redline, at which point both four-cylinders sound like aggravated cows. For these reasons, the manual is the better choice.
Compared to other small SUVs, the Compass is not the most relaxed highway cruiser. Although the ride is fairly comfortable over smooth blacktop, the cabin is not well isolated from wind and road noise (although more sound deadening for 2009 should help this somewhat). Around town, the Compass is a bit more enjoyable, as its large wheels and tires, direct steering and compact dimensions make it quite maneuverable. The Jeep's structure lacks rigidity, however, and it tends to flex and feel insubstantial when driven over broken pavement.
Interior
The endless blocky hard surfaces that fit together with all the exactness of build-it-yourself lawn furniture have thankfully been thrown into the dump for 2009. The new design features smoother surfaces and less abrasive plastic materials, while the armrest will no longer ding your funny bone. However, the Compass is still at the bottom of its class in terms of materials quality and construction. The switchgear remains the typical unimpressive stock Chrysler components, and the poorly shaped steering wheel doesn't seem designed for human hands. Also unchanged are the rock-hard front head restraints and flat, shapeless seats, along with the fixed rear head restraints and huge D-pillars that obstruct rear visibility.
The Compass offers a respectable number of useful storage slots, including an open bin on the passenger side of the dash.. It's also very easy to fold the rear seat flat, and fold-flat capability for the front-passenger seat (standard in the Limited, optional in the Sport) allows you to carry longer items inside the vehicle. The cargo area itself is small, though, measuring just 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.6 cubic feet with two people aboard, which is less than that of every other small SUV on the market.
2009 Jeep Compass models
The 2009 Jeep Compass is a five-passenger compact SUV available in Sport and Limited trim levels. Standard equipment on the Compass Sport includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, foglamps, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The "E" package adds full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, driver-seat height adjustment, reclining rear seats, a removable flashlight, passenger assist handles and stain-repellent upholstery. All of the "E" stuff is included with the Limited, which also adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio and an in-dash six-CD changer (the latter is optional on the Sport).
There are a number of packages available on both trims. The security and cargo convenience group adds front side airbags, heated cloth seats (Sport), a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth (Limited). The sun and sound group adds six upgraded speakers, flip-down tailgate speakers, a subwoofer, a sunroof and, on the Sport, satellite radio. Uconnect Tunes adds a touchscreen audio interface, a hard drive for digital music storage and a USB audio jack. A navigation system can also be added to the Limited.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#18 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Jeep Compass from 2008-2022.$509/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.08x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.1%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Jeep Compass.
5 star(54%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
78 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Seven year switch
T Wolf, 08/24/2015
2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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?
3 out of 5 stars
Great for the first 5 yrs
Erika, 02/05/2016
2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Perfect Small SUV
jammy2, 07/10/2014
2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Great little car
Clint, 09/17/2016
2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Jeep Compass, so we've included reviews for other years of the Compass since its last redesign.
2009 Compass Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,465 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $166/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 22.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Compass include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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