The 2007-2010 Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass car review
2009 models gained a far better interior. 2010 Jeep Compass gained active head restraints (standard), remote start (optional), and automatic climate control (the latter only on Limited). A 2.0 engine option with the five-speed stick-shift raised gas mileage slightly. Canadians got a North Plus group feature set.

The Jeep Compass brings Jeep styling and capabilities to another car platform - in this case, the Caliber platform. The Jeep Compass with four wheel drive is priced starting at $17,805, just under the base Subaru Impreza, with mileage quite good for a Jeep at 25 city, 29 highway (2007 figures). It has both manual and CVT (automatic, but continuously variable) transmissions available, though the most capable four wheel drive system is integrated with, and requires, the CVT.

2009 Jeep Compass changes

Compass and Patriot get a far better interior with more padding, better materials, and more graceful lines and curves. A partial-zero-emission-vehicle version of the 2.4 liter engine is available with front wheel drive. The suspensions were also retuned for a better on-road feel. Patriots are available now at some dealers (so we don’t feel bad about posting the photo — not that many haven’t already shown up elsewhere.)

The Compass and Patriot still have an identical interior; a new instrument panel, door trim panel, and center console were accompanied by a soft-touch door armrest and center console with split lid for more storage. Chrome accents were added to the vents and shift bezel on Sport, and to those areas as well as the door and cluster rings on Limited. Floor mats replaced the vinyl load floor, and LED-illuminated cupholders were added.

An optional 30-gigabyte-hard-drive music system with the ability to show custom images (and to play movies on the screen while in Park) was added, along with a nav/traffic system, the latter standard on the Limited. Numerous changes were made to options packages, including a rather comprehensive and credible Freedom Drive II group. The liftgate appliqué was switched to mold-in-color (all Patriot, and Compass Sport; Compass Limited got a body-color appliqué).

Engine compartment and floor sound insulation and a larger resonator on front drive vehicles (and the addition of a resonator on 4WD models) slashed unwanted noise. For Compass, revised suspension tuning on Sport models gave a more comfortable, smoother ride. Other changes included making a PZEV option on FWD CVT models, and making the Sport's suspension more comfortable and smooth.

Compass buyers are equally likely to be men or women (51% women); Patriot buyers are a little more likely to be male (57%), while Jeeps in general tend to skew more male (61%). The median age of the Compass is slightly older than the 42, a little older than the Compass at 39. (All figures from Power Information Network, printed in Automotive News.)

The Jeep Patriot is essentially the same vehicle with a different appearance and suspension design; the Patriot is a more traditional Jeep set up along the lines of the Liberty.

Jeep Compass details

The 2007 Jeep Compass was Jeep’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. They first hit the dealerships in late 2006 as a 2007 model.

Jeep Compass’ higher seating position gave drivers an added feeling of control. Compass has 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room, 52.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat; features not typically found in a compact SUV include:

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Optional Boston Acoustics sound system with two speakers in the liftgate which can swing down for tailgating
• Optional recharging cargo lamp mounted above the cargo area which can snap out of the bezel to be a flashlight
• A sliding center armrest for shorter drivers, with a flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
• Optional 110-volt outlet in the center console
• Optional fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Optional 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline 12 degrees
• Vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both washable and removable
• YES Essentials® fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration

Jeep Compass had a single engine, the 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds. Two transmissions were available: a five-speed manual transaxle and an optional Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 had optional AutoStick® feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. With CVT2, gas mileage was 6-8% better than a traditional 4-speed automatic. A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine from Volkswagen was available in some markets outside North America.

Compass’ optional full-time 4x4 system was recommended for daily use. The four-wheel-drive “Lock” mode was recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces. Both the standard full-time and “Lock” modes included Brake Traction Control, three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Compass’ standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provided an excellent 60-0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 125 ft.

Jeep also provided a full 8 inches of ground clearance, 21.1-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. Compass features standard 17-inch wheels and all-season touring tires and available 18-inch wheels and all-season performance tires.

	2008 Liberty	2008 Compass
Approach Angle, degrees (without/with air dam)	39.1/29.0	21.1
Breakover Angle, degrees (with skid plate)	20.4	21
Departure Angle, degrees	32.1	32
Ground clearance, inches	?	8

Standard Jeep Compass equipment

Standard equipment includes side-curtain air bags, ESP, traction control, ABS, a fold-flat vinyl load floor, AM/FM CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, cloth seats, 12-volt power outlet, manual windows, locks, and foldaway mirrors, silver interior bezels and door arm rests, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, floor mats and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.

EPA Gas Mileage, 2010	2.0 Manual	2.0 CVT	2.4 Manual	2.4 CVT2
4x2	23/29	23/27	23/28	21/25
4x4			23/28	21/24

Additional exterior standard features include fog lamps, body-color grille and fascias, body-color bodyside molding, black door handles, accent-color liftgate appliqué and 17-inch aluminum wheels and touring tires.

Optional features on Jeep Compass include four wheel drive, CVT2, seat-mounted side air bags, heated cloth or leather seats, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, air conditioning, power group (which includes driver one-touch power windows, power locks, Remote Keyless Entry and power mirrors), deep-tinted glass, security alarm, trailer tow prep package, daytime running lamps, 17-inch all-terrain OWL tires, a full-size spare tire, engine block heater, 110-volt outlet in the center console, a removable, rechargeable interior lamp, fold-flat passenger seat, tonneau cover, speed control, full-size spare tire, map lights, manual seat height adjuster, 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline, passenger assist handles and illuminated entry, YES Essentials® fabric, a Driver Convenience Group (which includes tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), Leather Interior Group (which includes leather seats, manual lumbar, leather steering wheel with radio controls, heated seats and floor mats), UConnect™ hands-free communication system and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system that features two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities.

The Jeep Compass Limited also is available in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive and features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle or an optional CVT2. In addition to the standard features on the Jeep Compass model, the Limited model features bright front and rear fascia overlays, bright side moldings, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Leather Interior Group and heated seats.

Beyond those offered on the Jeep Compass model, available options on the Jeep Compass Limited model include: 18-inch chrome clad wheels, sunroof, Driver Convenience Group (which includes compass and temperature gauge, tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), AutoStick and body-color bodyside molding.

All 2007 Jeep Compass models will be available in Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.

All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige.

2007 Jeep Compass Production

Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powers the Compass is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan.

Historical small-Jeep notes

Back in the 1980s , there was a Jeep internal concept car designed on the K platform. While it was off-road capable, many are glad it was not made, given the severe cost-cutting at the time, which would probably have made it a poor compromise in production form. However, the idea is not terrible - take a compact passenger car, beef up the suspension, add four wheel drive, and you get an off-road vehicle that is actually better on-road and less expensive than a custom-designed off-roader would be (at least partly due to economies of scale).

Don’t fear the Compass! (by Steve Kasher)

The Compass. The source of many gnashing teeth amongst the Jeep faithful. And is there reason to fear, perhaps the corruption of the hallowed Jeep image? In honesty, no.

Jeep has always remained true to those who have been loyal to Jeep. The new Wrangler Rubicon is that expression personified. But the all-capable definition has to eventually give way to business realities, and Chrysler has no intention of allowing the Jeep image to stagnate while the competition redefines traditional Jeep segments. Enter the Compass, a viable entry into the small SUV category. At no time was this vehicle referred to as a crossover.

In our interview, Jeff Bell, VP of Jeep Brand, conveyed the division's belief that the KJ Liberty's success in the marketplace (now #1 in its segment) gave planners the confidence to go ahead with the next expansion of the Jeep franchise. “For us it's about inviting more people to join ‘The Club We Call Jeep.’ What we're really talking about is being inclusive in a very exclusive mind set.” The goal for Jeep has been and continues to be becoming and remaining the most capable 4X4 in any segment they compete. To that end, they have not strayed from their mission.

The Compass was a response to prospects who want a more affordable or more eco-friendly or more compact Jeep. Bell refers to the Compass as "world breaking" by its combination of technology: the new dual-VVT World Engine engine, CVT technology, and a Jeep-specific 4 wheel drive system.

As for the Jeepster...

Mr. Bell cites the legions of fans who love the 1949-59 Jeepster, even though it wasn't the same definition as the then CJ line. So, while the Compass will not adhere to many hardcore enthusiasts definition of "Jeep," it will in fact expand upon the already strong Jeep tradition a welcome a whole new group of freedom seekers to the Jeep family.

Jeep Compass Rallye design cues

The Jeep Compass Rallye debuted at the same time as the Jeep Rescue; this concept car shares similar dimensions, but is styled more like the Liberty, and is intended to have a rally-car image, that is, fast dirt off-roading rather than slow rock-climbing and water-traversing.

The Compass styling is intended to look athletic and sleek, so that while it shares the same basic platform as the Patriot, it does look like a completely different chassis. Like the Patriot, it will have electronic four wheel drive and off-road components.

Jeep Compass concept car | Jeep Compass car review

Design dimensions

Wheelbase            103.7 (2635)
Track, Front            59.8 (1520)
Track, Rear            59.8 (1520)
Overall Length            173.4 (4404.8)
Overall Width            69.3 (1760.7)
Overall Height            64.2 (1631.7)
Overhang, Front            34.5 (877.0)
Overhang, Rear            35.1 (892.8)
NAFTA Curb Weight, lb. (kg) – Est.            Base 2WD 3089 (1404)
            Base 4WD 3245 (1472)
            Limited 2WD 3196 (1450)
            Limited 4WD 3351 (1520)

Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L)            13.6 (51.5) – 2WD
            13.5 (51.1) – 4WD

Accommodations

Seating Capacity, F/R            2/3

Front Seat:
Headroom without sunroof            40.9 (1038.5)
Leg Room            40.6 (1032.1)
Shoulder Room            54.6 (1387.0)
Hip Room            54.0 (1328.8)
SAE Front Seat Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m)            55.2 (1.486)

Rear Seat:
Headroom            39.9 (1013.8)
Leg Room            39.3 (997.7)
Knee Clearance            1.8 (44.9)
Shoulder Room            54.0 (1371.9)
Hip Room            51.0 (1294.5)
SAE Rear Seat Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m)            49.1 (1.391)

SAE Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m)            101.6 (2.877)

Cargo Volume Indexes:
Rear Seats Up, cu. ft. (cu. m)            21. 9 (0.621)
Rear Seats Folded, cu. ft. (cu. m)            52.5 (1.487)
Front Passenger Seat Folded and Rear Seats Folded, cu. ft. (cu. m)            60.7 (1.719)

EPA Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m)            123.5 (3.498)
Liftover Height            30.5 (773.6)

See our main concept cars page | Our 2005 Jeep concept ride-and-drive

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