2008 Jeep Compass

The 2008 Jeep Compass Review

The 2008 Jeep Compass is a compact SUV designed for the money-conscious consumer. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranging from $16,475 to $22,255, this reliable SUV can fit just about anyone’s budget. In addition, the 2008 Jeep Compass gets respectable gas mileage, particularly for an SUV, with a rating of 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 23 miles per gallon on the city.

As might be expected from a Jeep with such impressive fuel economy, the 2008 Jeep Compass is a bit more like a car than an SUV in many ways. For example, the handling is smoother and more fluid than what might be expected from an SUV. In fact, Cars.com said, “For an entry-level product, the Compass handles a lot better than it should. Steering feel is light without giving up any accuracy. You can zip through traffic and around corners just like you can in any sporty compact car.” Car and Driver went on to say, “…the Compass slaloms like a car. The mellow suspension tune toned down big impacts while keeping the body above its keel with reasonable roll control.”

Handling and maneuverability isn’t all the 2008 Jeep Compass has going for it. This SUV also received a four out of five stars rating with the NHTSA. Among the safety features includes with this SUV include:

  • Anti-lock brakes, which modulates the pressure placed on the brake so the rite can rotate and the driver can turn while braking.
  • Stability control, which automatically helps prevent loss of driver control when it senses that the vehicle has reached its handling limits.
  • Front-impact airbags, which protect the head of the driver and the passenger in the event of a frontal crash.
  • Overhead airbags, which protect the occupant’s heads in the even of a rollover or a side collision.
  • Pretensioners seatbelt, which automatically tightens the seatbelt and places the occupant in the best position in the event of a collision.
  • Security system, which disables the ignition and prevents the engine from being started when a key other than the manufacturer’s is used.

This five passenger vehicle is basically the same as the 2007 model. In addition, it is built on the same platform as the Jeep Patriot, which means it has proven itself to be a solid design.

Consumers interested in the 2008 Jeep Compass have two models to select from, the Sport and the Limited. Both models are also available in either Front Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive, providing the consumer with a variety of options.

Regardless of the model selected, consmers can expect to get 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque from the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine included in both. The Sport Front Wheel Drive, however, is the only one to have a rear wheel anti-lock braking system. The Limited Front Wheel Drive and both Four Wheel models, on the other hand, have a four wheel anti-lock braking system in place.

Regardless of the model selected, the 2008 Jeep Compass comes standard with a five-spped manual transmission. Drivers that want to free up their hands, however, can choose to install a Variable Transaxle automatic instead.

Although the 2008 Jeep Compass has many features that are similar to a car, it still offers the features that are characteristic of an SUV. Namely, it can handle off-road conditions without a problem. As JSOnline.com stated when comparing it to the Caliber and other competing models, “…the main characteristic that makes the Compass more of a Jeep compared to the Caliber and similar competitors is a lever on the console that, when engaged, locks the center differential for better traction in sand and other off-road conditions.”
JSOnline went on to praise the shift level mechanism of the 2008 Jeep Compass, saying, “It's a hoot to drive because the gear ratios change instantly, with no hiccup or hesitation, as you tap the shift lever.” Edmunds.com agreed that this small SUV made for a pleasant drive and offered a reasonable price, stating, “It's comfortable, generally satisfying to drive, set up pretty nicely with features and doesn't cost that much to get off the dealer lot.” Anyone looking for a great all-around SUV that won’t take up that much space but still offers performance should certainly look into the 2008 Jeep Compass.