JEEP COMPASS. VERSATILE, SPACIOUS, FUN
Jeep Compass is a compact SUV 4-doorsport-utility vehicle for 5 passengers that offers high level of security and a standard 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive The Jeep Compass is available in Sport 4X2 and Limited 4X4 trims, both equipped with 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that makes these vehicles a fuel-economy class with 172-horsepower and 165 lb-feet of torque.
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The Compass offers modern conveniences such as door locks, power windows, and passenger assist. However, this vehicle is mostly designed to compete with other compact, car-based SUVs, and not as powerful as the Jeep Celebrity, which is a six-cylinder engine.
With an average price of $15,425, the standard Jeep Compass Sport comes with two-wheel drive, an AM / FM / CD player, and auxiliary audio input jack, while standard Jeep Compass Limited cost $19,580 with two-wheel drive, cruise control, heated seats with driver lumbar support, leather interior, and dark tinted glass.
Other options that characterize the Limited trim are 18-inch aluminum wheels, moldings aluminum accents, speed-sensitive power steering, reclining rear seats, and flat-folding front passenger seat. Both trims have numerous options to enhance the vehicle such as four-wheel drive, air conditioning, Power Equipment Group keyless remote operation, Driver convenience group, etc.
Safety features are common to Jeep Compass Sport 4X2 and Jeep Compass Limited 4X4, including side-curtain air bags, head protection, seatbelts in all five positions, electronic stability control (ESP) with ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation), anti-lock brakes, and brake assist for panic stop.
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Similar in style to Jeep Celebrity in the exterior, Jeep Compass also has the classic Jeep grille with seven vertical slots. Even though its looks resemble a compact crossover SUV with angular flares over its wheels so it is more car-like than the kind of vehicle that people associate with the brand name Jeep.
Featuring a comfortable interior, the Compass is often compared with the Cadillac Escalate, although it has its own virtues, such as cloth seats in rugged fabric, which are smooth and stain repellant. There are also other standard features included that introduce this car into the crossover market.
In fuel economy, Jeep Compass averages 22.4 mpg and includes a new four-wheel-drive system called Freedom Drive I 4x4. However, the drawback in this Jeep's model is the noisy interior as a result of tires, engines, pedal, and plastic finishing, another inconvenience because the overall look and feel is somewhat like cheap materials.
On the opposite side, a great feature is its tailgate that has a grab handle and opens high to access the cargo area, covered with hard plastic. People who need more space can take advantage of pull straps that release the seatbacks and front passenger seat to create extra flat space for long items.
Jeep Compass is in fact, a great acquisition for those people who need space apart from the cargo area. This is a spacious vehicle featuring two large door pockets, a large glove compartment, and a bin pocket on the top. It also has a large slot for radio/stereo and CD cases, as well as a center console with two cup-holders, nooks, a deep storage well, an integrated iPod holder, and a 115-volt outlet.
Jeep Compass also includes dual day/night mirror and sliding sun visors that cover a wider area. Compass has aesthetic controls, as its predecessors, including 3 dials for climate control, including fan speed, temperature settings, and air conditioning mode.
As unique features this vehicles shut off its lights automatically in a short period of time after the keys are taken out, while the power memory turns off the radio after the door is opened. Interior lighting has the common entry delay, provided by a single dome light.
Purists consider this car as a great crossover for city fun, but needing more power. It has double overhead cams with 16 valves and variable valve timing, but the 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm is not enough to move a 3,400-pound Jeep that runs up to 30 mpg at highway speed with the manual transmission.
There are slight differences between the two available trims of Jeep Compass; however, what makes a true difference in look and feel is the color of the vehicle. The Compass looks best in black, although not that bad in white, but the other earthy colors available are the factor that makes Jeep Compass look cheap.
Jeep Compass Updates
Review of the 2010 Jeep Compass
Review of the 2009 Jeep Compass
Jeep is testing a sporty hatchback version of the Compass with the world premierin Frankfrut. Strong fuel economy is expected from an all-new 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter diesel coupled with a CVT. The Compass sports a rough and tough, rally-like design due to its impressive 19-inch wheels, sculpted hood, deep fascia,a steep raked windshield, rear spoiler and low clearance.
View the latest commercial from Jeep for the 2007 Compass.