2007 Jeep Compass Review
The Compass is Jeep’s all-new small SUV designed primarily for the urban streets. Built to be smaller and more fuel efficient than traditional Jeeps, it, along with the Patriot, falls below the Liberty in the Jeep hierarchy. The Compass is designed to rival small SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. Starting at under $16,000, the Compass is one of the most affordable Jeeps ever.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Jeep Compass is a fuel efficient, economical Jeep with very limited off-road capability designed to bring groceries back from the store rather than hit the trail. Sadly, it doesn’t offer any great advantage in terms of cargo capacity than the average hatchback, though its seats are easy to fold and reposition. The four-cylinder engine is no more than adequate, though the independent suspension delivers better handling and ride than most of the company’s more rugged offerings. The low base price is deceptive due to the lack of standard air conditioning, and, overall the Compass left us under whelmed.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Compass is an all-new model, so long-term reliability data is not available. J.D. Power does not yet have initial reliability information. So, far, driver reports have been mostly positive, with the exception of a rather cheap, unpolished interior. The Compass has been recalled once due to the anti-lock brake system causing the rear brakes to lock up. Expect average to above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis of Safety Ratings and Features:
The Compass earned four out of five stars in government frontal tests, and five stars in side tests. It earned four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS has no crash data available. Standard safety equipment includes full side airbags, rollover sensor, and traction and stability control. Extra front side airbags are optional, and the Limited comes standard with a tire pressure monitor.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Good gas mileage for a Jeep
+ Comfortable seats
Cons
– Cruddy interior
– Puny engine
– No standard air conditioning
Head-To-Head Competition:
The low price of the Jeep Compass is somewhat deceptive, due to its very low level of standard features. With the base Sport version starting almost $5,000 below the Toyota Rav4 and the Honda CR-V the Compass looks attractive at first glance. However, by the time you add automatic transmission, air-conditioning and keyless entry, the price gap closes by almost $3,000. Similarly equipped, the Compass is about the same price as a Ford Escape XLS.
What Others Are Saying:
“The new Compass is a Jeep in name only. Oh, sure, it can be ordered with all-wheel drive, but the standard setup is front-wheel drive. Whattt? A Jeep with front wheel drive?? Yep. The compass is built on a car platform, the same one that underpins the Dodge Caliber. It is a new direction for this brand, and not a bad car as long as you stay on civilized surfaces.” – The Family Car
“As a guy (but not a Jeep owner), it’s hard for me to see what the ladies were thinking. The battery-powered, pink Barbie Jeep these target-market women drove as toddlers has more of the brand’s iconic style than does this baby-doll Infiniti QX56 with the Hello Kitty face.” – Automobile Magazine
“The name says Jeep, but the vibe says cheap.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2007 Jeep Compass at the Jeep manufacturer web site.
