2007 Jeep Compass Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Jeep blazes a new trail with its first car-type SUV. The 2007 Compass shares its basic design with the Caliber compact car from Dodge, which, like Jeep, is part of Chrysler. Compass seats five and comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Like Caliber, it's a 4-dr wagon, but has Jeep styling cues, 1-inch-higher ground clearance, and a more sophisticated AWD system. Compass offers Sport and Limited models. The standard engine is a 172-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl. It teams with a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A 158-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl is available as a credit option on front-wheel-drive Sports. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing but has a console switch to lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split for better slippery-surface traction below 10 mph. Standard are ABS, curtain side airbags, and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Available features include front side airbags, heated seats, and leather upholstery. Also available is a fold-flat front passenger seatback, reclining split rear seatbacks, and a navigation system.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Wrangler; and Mitsubishi Outlander.

News

Compass is just out, so no major changes are imminent. That includes an available V6, which apparently won't fit the engine bay.

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2007 Jeep Compass Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Acceleration

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
3	4	3	4.6

Adequate away from a stop and around town, but modest reserve power demands careful planning before passing or highway merging. Compasses made available for test periodically hesitated during acceleration. Test AWD Limited with manual transmission did a lackluster 9.3 sec 0-60 mph. Manual-transmission versions feel only slightly quicker than those with CVT. One manual-transmission test model suffered ragged clutch action. We have not yet tested a Compass with the 158-hp engine, but expect its performance to be marginal at best.

Fuel Economy

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	6	5	5

Test AWD models with CVT averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly city driving, 22.4-24.4 mpg with more highway use. AWD with manual transmission averaged 19.1 mpg in test that included gas-eating performance runs. Compass uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	5

Comfortable and stable. Easily absorbs most road imperfections. Some float over larger dips, jiggling over highway expansion joints. Little difference between models with 17- and 18-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Accurate, natural-feeling steering. Slight wander in gusty crosswinds flaws otherwise confident straight-line composure. Body leans moderately in corners, but while Compass rides lower than most compact SUVs, it feels no more nimble. Large turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes have good pedal feel.

Quietness

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.5

Somewhat quieter than similar Caliber. Wind rush decently squelched, but road noise fairly prominent, especially at highway speeds. Unrefined engine growl intrudes during acceleration.

Controls

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Gauges easy to read. Large, simple audio and climate controls within easy reach, though manual-transmission shift lever can block access to climate dials. Available rear-facing fold-down speakers in liftgate are a picnic plus. Compass does not offer Caliber's chilled glovebox compartment. No opportunity to test navigation system. Cabin decor a tinge higher-grade than Caliber's, but still imparts cut-rate feel with lots of hard-plastic surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Generous head room. Seats mounted higher in Compass than in Caliber, expanding ample leg room. Available height-adjustable seat a boon for driver comfort, but still didn't create ideal positioning for all testers. Fold-out digital-media holder in center console a thoughtful touch, but obscures armrest, interferes with manual shifter use. Visibility to front corners and over-the-shoulder impeded by thick roof pillars, and to rear by headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Adult-size head and leg room. However, flat, soft seat lacks support, may prove uncomfortable on longer trips. Low step-in height, but narrow door opening complicates entry/exit.

Cargo Room

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
7	7	7	7.2

Cargo area enhanced by flat-folding front-passenger seat. Unlike Caliber, rear seatbacks fold completely flat. Open hatch barely clears the head of six-footers. Handy load-floor liner removes for easy cleaning. Decent interior storage, though door map pockets too small to be really useful.

Value within Class

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	5.5

Jeep enters uncharted territory with Compass, its first modern SUV without pretense of off-road prowess. Compared with others of its ilk, Compass lacks the overall refinement of the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, especially in interior decor. Fuel economy is good for the class, but the 4-cyl engine feels underpowered and coarse. Compass makes sense as a functional wagon for people who crave Jeep style but don't need go-anywhere Jeep capability. For most others, there are better alternatives.

Total Score

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, man.	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
52	54	52	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60

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2007 Jeep Compass Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/26/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Sport 4-door wagon	$15,425	$14,537	$560

AWD Sport 4-door wagon	$17,175	$16,129	$560

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$20,175	$18,859	$560

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$21,925	$20,452	$560

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Sport

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

215/60R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Limited adds to Sport:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated front seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, reclining and flat-folding rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

215/55R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E
Sport	$2,850	$2,622
Air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, reclining and flat-folding rear seat, removable and rechargeable interior lights, auxiliary power outlet, rear privacy glass.

Power Equipment Group
Sport	$995	$915
Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

Driver Convenience Group
Sport	$425	$391
Tire-pressure monitor, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

Security Group
Limited, Sport	$295	$271
Daytime running lights, cargo cover, alarm. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

Trailer Tow Group
Limited, Sport	$130	$120
Engine-oil cooler, trailer tow wiring harness.

Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
2WD Sport (credit)	$-200	$-184
Requires continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
Sport	$1,050	$966
Limited	$1,150	$1,058
Limited includes manual-shift capability.

Safety
Front side airbags
Limited, Sport	$250	$230


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Limited	$1,395	$1,283
Includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Air conditioning
Sport	$850	$782


Power sunroof
Limited, Sport	$800	$736
Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Limited, Sport	$320	$294


Boston Acoustics sound system
Limited	$495	$455
Sport	$595	$547
Sport includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

Satellite radio
Limited, Sport	$195	$179


UConnect
Limited	$275	$253
Wireless cell phone link. Requires Driver Convenience Group.

Heated front seats
Sport	$250	$230
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

Upgraded upholstery
Sport	$150	$138


Driver-seat lumbar adjustment
Sport	$35	$32


Cruise control
Sport	$250	$230
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 25/26E.

Smoker's Group
Limited, Sport	$30	$28
Ash tray, lighter.

Floormats
Limited, Sport	$30	$28


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass
Sport	$350	$322


Engine-block heater
Limited, Sport	$35	$32


Special paint
Limited, Sport	$150	$138


Inferno Red paint
Limited, Sport	$225	$207


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels
Limited	$825	$759


Full-size spare tire
Limited, Sport	$120	$110


215/65R17 white-letter tires
Sport	$140	$129

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2007 Jeep Compass Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Jeep Compass 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.7

Overall Length, in.	173.4

Overall Width, in.	69.3

Overall Height, in.	65.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3326

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	60.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.6

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.0 /122	2.4 /144

Horsepower @ rpm.	158 @ 6400	172 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	141 @ 5000	165 @ 4400

Availability	Optional	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	--/--	25/29

CVT automatic	26/30	23/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Jeep Compass 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	None/--	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2007 Jeep Compass
Trim Level: Limited
Arrival Date: 07/27/2006
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: CVT automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $21,180
Price as Tested: $26,180
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3423
Mileage at End of Test: 4210
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 35.14 gals.

Major Options: Security and Cargo Convenience Group, Driver Convenience Group, 9-Speaker Premium Sound System, AM/FM/CD stereo w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 Player, Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2), Auto Stick, Power Sunroof, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, 18x7.0 Aluminum Chrome Clad Wheels.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.42 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell This might even be a 4. There are so many great vehicles in this class that sell for significantly less. This tester stickers at $26,180 - I don't think the equipment or the level of refinement justifies that price.

Ed Piotrowski This oddly bulbous "SUV" is yet another vehicle (along with Commander) that Jeep had absolutely no business releasing for consumption. Here's what's wrong with Compass: 1) it's horrendously slow; 2) its gas mileage isn't that great (I got 21 in Compass vs. 28 in Chevy HHR in nearly-identical driving conditions); 3) the interior materials would have been an embarrassment to GM 10 years ago; 4) it's ugly as sin; and 5) at $26,000, this Limited is way overpriced. Back to the drawing board with you.

< 2007 Jeep Compass Photos

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Also in the 2007 Jeep Compass Review:

Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass Road Test

Jeep Compass Prices & Equipment

Jeep Compass Specs & Safety

Jeep Compass Photos

Jeep Compass Full Review

All Jeep Compass

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