2009 Jeep Compass

The 2009 Jeep Compass Review

Although, there are some Jeep purists who don’t like much about the Compass, but in reality the 2009 Jeep Compass closely matches the priorities and tastes of many typical purchasers of SUVs than the conventional Jeep does. But the 2009 Jeep Compass has some tough competition with the availability of today’s automobile based, compact SUVs. Its interesting features, unusual styling, and low price are compelling at first glance, but for the interior materials that are cut rate and poor engine performance are considerable liabilities.

The 2009 Jeep Compass is powered by Chrysler’s four cylinder 16 valve 2.4 liter world engine that was developed jointly for the Hyundai and Mitsubishi in order to meet the requirements for better fuel efficiency that was demanded by the consumers. The engine produces 172 peak hop and 165 foot pound of torque and features valve timing that is variable electronically. During development the emphasis was placed on fuel mileage while transporting 3,326 lbs. With a five speed manual transmission, the 2009 Jeep Compass 4 wheel drive delivers EPA fuel economy estimates of 27/22 mpg highway/city.

Performing like an automatic transmission the 2009 Jeep Compass offers an optional continuously variable transaxle (CVT). The CVT is available with a manual shift gate feature. This feature allows the driver to use six preset gear ratios to shift up or down, which makes it feel much like a transmission that has six speeds that doesn’t need a clutch.

The Compass offers several safety features and handles and rides similar to an automobile rather than an SUV. It comes with a well planned sub frame and a strong steel structure. Standard equipment includes electronic stability control with anti roll over sensors and side curtain airbags.

In the interior, the controls and the instruments are easy to use and well placed. The 2009 Jeep Compass has rear seats that fold down to make approximately 54 ft.3 of cargo space and offers good interior space. The options for added versatility include a front passenger seat that also folds flat which creates either an eight foot long space for storage or a table and reclining rear seats. Although the design of the new interior is considerable better that previous versions, it still doesn’t feel very warn as a result of the fact that it is still largely plastic. Optional equipment includes power door locks and power windows.

The 2009 Jeep Compass also gets revised suspension tuning on the Sport model that provides a more comfortable ride and more sound insulation in the floor and in the engine compartment. For the first time Jeep offers the UConnect GPS system and the Uconnect Tunes.

The Jeep 2009 Compass is primarily a front wheel drive vehicle and I a compact SUV that shares a platform with the Dodge Caliber. Power will only go to the front wheels until the vehicle detects slippage, although the consumer may have ordered the optional Freedom Drive I four wheel drive system. For extra traction in snow or sludge, the driver can lock the center differential in a 50/50 front/rear power split.

The 2009 Jeep Compass comes with a four cylinder 2.4 liter engine that produces 165 foot pounds of torque and 172 hp. The front wheel drive Compass Sport comes with an optional four cylinder 2.0 liter engine that produces 141 foot pounds of torque and 158 hp. Bothe engines come standard with a five speed manual transmission and the CVT is optional but isn’t recommended. The CVT doesn’t have fixed gear ratios but rather than shifting it simply selects the ratio that is most appropriate for the situation but does offer the convenience of a normal automatic transmission. However, in the 2009 Jeep Compass, the CVT isn’t one of the better applications of this technology. The CVT often causes the engine to rev at high rpms which at that point the power band of the four cylinder engine has already started to taper off. This results in a lot of noise and poor highway acceleration. For the consumers who can shift a stick, it is recommended that they opt for the manual transmission.

The 2009 Jeep Compass will drive around town very nicely because it has suspension that is fully independent that will provide stable corner handling and a smooth ride, while it isn’t real fast. It offers important safety features such as standard full length side curtain airbags and stability control and comfortable seating in both the front and rear.

The 2009 Compass Limited model offers seat heaters and leather upholstery. The entry level 2009 Compass Sport only comes standard with an MP3 player and alloy wheels. However, both versions of the 2009 jeep compass models offer the options of upgraded speakers that are made by Boston Acoustics, Bluetooth, power windows and the Limited offers a system of navigation.

The primary problem is with the Jeep’s interior involve the excessive use of hard plastic. The 2009 Jeep Compass did do an upgrade on its interior but it is still much less pleasant to look at than its top competitors from Korea and Japan. There are also some quality problems with the 2009 Jeep Compass. Also, a young family might find it difficult to load in a dog and a stroller with the low cargo capacity of the 2009 Jeep Compass. The 2009 Jeep Compass only offers 53.6 ft.3 of space with the seats folded and 22.7 ft 3 of space behind the backseat. These are the smallest figures in the SUV segment that is based on an automobile.