| Like the Dodge Caliber hatchback, also launched as | | | | hard seatback, and don't feel abundantly |
| a 2007 model, the Compass uses a continuously | | | | cushioned. Despite compact external dimensions, |
| variable transmission (CVT) as an alternative to | | | | occupants enjoy plenty of front headroom and |
| the standard five-speed manual gearbox. In fact, | | | | elbow space. Backseat space is abundant for two, |
| the Compass and the Dodge Caliber share the | | | | with tall headroom but limited leg space. The |
| same basic structure. Built on a passenger-car | | | | center rear position is bearable, but that rider |
| chassis, the Compass lacks the "Trail Rated" | | | | must straddle cupholders at the rear of a long |
| status granted to other Jeeps, and its off-road | | | | console. Seatbacks are stiff, too. Unlike the front |
| capabilities are on the mild side. Unlike Dodge's | | | | seat, the back feels generally cramped and overly |
| Caliber, though, Compass has a 4WD-Lock button, | | | | cozy. Gauges are modest in size on a basic |
| for use on slightly rougher terrain. | | | | instrument panel, but they're easy enough to |
| Nearly all models hold a 2.4-liter four-cylinder | | | | read. The average-size glovebox is easy to reach, |
| engine, developing 172 horsepower and 165 | | | | with an open compartment above. |
| pound-feet of torque. A Compass may have | | | | Full-length roof rails are standard, along with a high |
| either front-drive or all-wheel drive. Jeep offers a | | | | rear spoiler and "clamshell" hood. Rigid vinyl |
| smaller (2.0-liter) engine as a credit option, only for | | | | cargo-area flooring removes and washes easily. |
| the lower-cost Sport model with front-drive. An | | | | The standard 60/40-split rear seatback reclines in |
| AutoStick feature for the CVT permits manual | | | | Limited models. Standard safety features include |
| selection of simulated "gears." Start-offs with the | | | | curtain-type airbags, plus all-disc antilock braking |
| CVT are rather leisurely. Highway passing | | | | with rough-road detection (which alters braking |
| response isn't bad: nothing to induce driving | | | | effect) and electronic roll mitigation. The |
| excitement, but the Compass gains speed with | | | | three-mode Electronic Stability Program can be |
| pleasing steadiness. | | | | set to full-on, semi-on, or full-off. |
| Engine noise is a problem, but it's not troubling as | | | | Ride quality is quite lovely on glassy-smooth roads. |
| you approach the desired velocity. Manual mode | | | | Moderate bumps and holes undeniably interfere |
| with the AutoStick feature works almost like the | | | | with ride comfort, but a Compass behaves quite |
| real thing, providing quick "upshifts" from the | | | | well on gravel surfaces. Rather light steering is |
| virtual "gears," but downshifts may be trickier at | | | | accompanied by easy maneuverability. The |
| times. Downhill, it helps keep speed down, though | | | | Compass takes curves without excessive body |
| not like a serious off-road vehicle or one with | | | | lean, though it's not absent, either. Road noise can |
| manual shift. The five-speed manual gearbox is on | | | | annoy on certain surfaces. |
| the vague side, thus not inviting to use. The | | | | Fuel economy is a strong point. The Environmental |
| Compass clutch doesn't engage so nimbly either. | | | | Protection Agency (EPA) gives manual-shift |
| In addition, the engine sounds noisy in each lower | | | | models with either 2WD or AWD an estimate of |
| gear, without delivering much more energy than | | | | 23 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the |
| the CVT manages. | | | | highway. With the CVT, estimates dip to 21/25 |
| For 2009, each Compass got a redesigned | | | | mpg for 2WD and 21/24 mpg with AWD. A |
| interior, including a reworked instrument panel and | | | | Sport model with the smaller engine and CVT |
| a center console with a split lid. Chrome accents | | | | gets a 23/27 mpg estimate. |
| the new round climate-control vents. Padded | | | | Despite its limitations, this Jeep qualifies as a |
| armrests are new, along with LED-illuminated | | | | generally enjoyable vehicle. Compass competes |
| cupholders. More insulation was installed to reduce | | | | against a group of small crossover-type SUVs, |
| noise, and suspension tuning was revised. Sport | | | | including the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Honda |
| models include air conditioning, a tilt steering | | | | CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson. Target buyers are in |
| column, split-folding rear seat, stereo with MP3 | | | | their late 20s, likely making their first new-vehicle |
| capability, fabric upholstery, foglamps, and 17-inch | | | | purchase. Prices start at $19,095 (including the |
| alloy wheels. Limited editions add leather-trimmed, | | | | $630 destination charge) for a Sport model with |
| heated bucket seats and a leather-wrapped | | | | front-drive and a manual transmission. The |
| steering wheel with audio controls. Also on the | | | | continuously variable transmission adds $1,100. An |
| Limited are 18-inch aluminum wheels and | | | | all-wheel-drive Limited model with manual shift |
| "uconnect tunes," which includes a 30-gigabyte | | | | stickers for $25,205. A navigation system and |
| hard drive for storing music files. | | | | Rallye Group package are available. |
| Front seats have short bottoms and a somewhat | | | | |