Overview & Reviews

Most people think of Jeeps as tough off-road vehicles that love to get muddy, but when the Jeep Compass debuted for 2007, it wasn't like other Jeeps. It didn't look rugged, it wasn't trail-rated, and as far as we could tell, it didn't even like dirt. Instead, it was a car-based design built for the majority of small-SUV buyers who wanted a fuel-efficient runabout that was easy to drive around suburbia. Four-wheel drive was available, of course, but it was a single-speed system -- enough to get you through a snowstorm and that's about it.

As you can imagine, Jeep purists didn't much care for the Compass, which they regarded as the antithesis of all things Jeep. The company evidently took this early criticism to heart, because the latest iteration has revised styling and newfound capabilities that edge the Compass closer to "real Jeep" status. Even so, the Jeep Compass faces stiff competition among today's compact, car-based SUVs. Its low base price and interesting features may be compelling at a glance, but for those who dig deeper, its subpar engines, modest cargo capacity and relatively crude driving dynamics will likely prove significant liabilities.

Current Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV offered in Sport, Latitude and Limited trim levels. Standard equipment on the base Sport includes alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and an auxiliary audio jack. Stepping up to the Latitude gets you heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, while the Limited gets items like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and automatic climate control. Notable options include a navigation system, Bluetooth and a USB port.

Every front-wheel-drive Jeep Compass Sport or Latitude model comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 158 horsepower. A 2.4-liter 172-hp four-cylinder engine is standard on the Limited and all four-wheel-drive Compasses. It is optional on the others. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport, but a six-speed automatic transmission can be specified instead. The Latitude and Limited come standard with the six-speed automatic.

Of the two available four-wheel-drive options, the light-duty "Freedom Drive I" system operates in front-wheel-drive mode under normal conditions and automatically sends power to the rear wheels only when needed. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road package (available on 4WD versions) includes hill ascent/descent assist and a host of other all-terrain equipment, but unfortunately it requires the undesirable continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) -- which also comes standard with the optional Altitude and High Altitude packages.

In reviews, we've found the Jeep Compass to be one of the least appealing compact SUVs. At its core, the Compass still shares its underpinnings with the thankfully departed Dodge Caliber hatchback, and suffers from the same weak and noisy engines. Acceleration is slow regardless of which engine you opt for, though the six-speed automatic does improve on the CVT's whiny, sluggish operation. In terms of refinement (or lack thereof), the 2.4-liter is almost as rough and loud as the 2.0, and neither achieves impressive fuel economy.

To be fair, the Freedom Drive II package makes the Compass an unusually capable crossover in the dirt, but if that's what you're after, there are superior alternatives, including Jeep's own Cherokee. And aside from Freedom Drive II, there's little else to recommend the Compass over its peers. Rear passenger space is adequate overall, but legroom is tight back there relative to the norm, and the harsh, bouncy ride haunts both seating rows. Maximum cargo space behind the front seats also trails the pack.

Used Jeep Compass Models
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Jeep Compass is in its first generation, but there have been significant changes made. From 2007-'10, the Compass featured different exterior styling that was less indicative of other Jeep models. It was rounder, a little more avant garde, and if we're honest, not very attractive. Prior to an interior overhaul for 2009 that addressed both design and materials quality, the cabin was one of the worst on the market. It was upgraded yet again for 2011, which was also the first year for the current car's more capable Freedom Drive II equipment and "baby Grand Cherokee" styling. The six-speed automatic debuted for 2014 as a considerably more civilized alternative to the CVT, though the underlying shortcomings of the engines were not addressed.

User Reviews:

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  Great small family vehicle - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By ek900 - October 22 - 11:08 am

  The birth of our son got the clock ticking on my wifes Mini Cooper, and about a month ago, we traded it on a Jeep Compass Sport (FWD, 5spd., 2.4L engine). While the Jeep was a great value, it really compares well to similarly-sized SUVs (Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester). It isnt a performance vehicle, but some of its features are really well thought out. The rear cargo light/flashlight has already come in handy, and the two-level storage in the armrest is very nice. It also also has done very well with gas. Weve averaged over 26 mpg for the first 2,000 miles, better than we expected. This little Jeep is not the most refined car weve ever owned, but it is an impressive package.

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  Great Crossover - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Jessy - October 12 - 11:26 pm

  Im confused with why the "pros" dont like the Compass. Its a great crossover utility vehicle with plenty of room for those who dont need a large SUV, but are similarly disinterested in using a shoe horn to get in and out of an automobile. The fuel economy on my Compass has been mediocre at best, but the vehicle is fun to drive and Im impressed by the safety features. I love my Jeep!

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  Love It! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By darcy - September 11 - 7:33 pm

  We bought the Compass after our Toyota Matrix was crushed by a tree during a spring storm. We love it! It is so quiet, fun to drive, gas mileage is good. It drives more like a car than a SUV. Go with the driver convenience package for the heated leather seats, sunroof etc. It is well worth it. Plenty of room in the back seat for children and dogs. And our car insurance went down.

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  2007 Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Peter Waugh - September 6 - 2:46 pm

  We have owned our 2007 Jeep Compass for one year. It has 22,000 miles on it. It is the Sport 4x4 edition with automatic transmission. My wife is the primary driver of the vehicle. She loves it. We average 25 mpg. Overall satisfaction is very good. It does not have much power but it handles very well. I am over 6 feet tall and have plenty of room in either the front or rear seats. The 4 wheel drive is outstanding. We have had several snow storms this past year of a foot or more and it is like driving on bare pavement. If you are looking for an "off road" Jeep dont buy it. If you want a dependable 4x4 as a daily driver & commuting vehicle buy it!

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  Good stuff - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By dave - August 30 - 7:20 am

  Good car, no problem so far, the only thing is the lights come on when lock or unlock vehicle with the remote control, kills the battery,

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  Dangerous on Highway - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By jtthrew - August 17 - 4:39 am

  We had purchase our Jeep Compass Latitude 6 weeks ago. While driving on the freeway there was a loud explosion type sound and then the front drivers side collapsed. Luckily my son was able to safely get to the center divide and stop only to find that the entire front drivers wheel had completely snapped off leaving only the center part of the hub cap bolted on and the rotar filed down. The Highway patrol officer and tow truck drivers had never seen anything like it. However, the dealership is trying to tell us that we must of hit a curb to cause a blowout. How does a blowout cause the entire wheel to rip off of a car? Others are telling us its a possible design defect. BEWARE!

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  Does not age gracefully... - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By burauhaus - August 14 - 3:45 am

  We bought this car used 07/2013, less than 85,000 mi, no warrantee offered. Within 2 months, we had to replace the trans control modulator; less than 30 days later, alternator was replaced also. None of this was covered by the dealership as we were told this was "normal wear and tear". Before the holidays our Jeep was backed into, resulting in some body damage & a thumping sound in the LF wheel (impact) area. Service says we now need to replace the RF wheel bearing AND the transmission, citing normal wear & tear, not from incident. Looking into lemon law for our state... this is RIDICULOUS! Would not buy this car again.

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  I like it! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Mission - July 21 - 5:46 am

  Just picked up an 08 last weekend. So far I love it!. Fun to drive very comfortable and good on gas. I actually really enjoy the CVT transmission and when I need a change I go to autostick. You do not need any more power than this in a vehicle.

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  60 day review - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Zeferam_Cockran - July 18 - 10:23 pm

  As follows are the assessments after 60 days for Compass sport 5spd 4x4 north: Average fuel mileage ( without Air cond running ) 28mpg, 80% highway at 74mph, 20% city. 5 speed tranny good but requires work for reverse with clutch. Engine good and quiet, no rattles or noises, no false starts. No faults detected, interior build better than other models such as 08 Liberty. Great ride handling, good sound insulation. Tested 4x4 on muddy access trail, no undercarriage hits, good ground clearance for model. All in all a very good purchase for the dollar and only real 4x4 offered with 5spd in this price range. Easy to reach zones for cleaning since my co-pilots are my pets.

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  Look elsewhere - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By J - July 18 - 1:55 am

  I had my compass not even 2 weeks after I bought it before I had transmission issues. Every time I tried going on a road trip and it went past an hr of driving, the transmission light would come on, the rpms rose and the speed decreased.... It has been in the shop 9x over the last 7 months and between the dealer and Chrysler I cant seem to get them to realize the importance of having a car that you are paying on (ins and car payment). It has been at a dealership waiting for Chrysler to give the go ahead for a new transmission for 3 weeks now... A nightmare! If they hadnt guaranteed me a manufacturer warranty on the transmission I would be responsible. But the car is under the 100,000 mile warranty mark. Problem!?! The car and the fact that I was sold a Canadian car without my knowledge and that is the loophole that is screwing me. Do yourself a favor, dont think twice about a compass and make sure it wasnt brought over the border!!!