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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  Solid Car - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Lance Beasman - July 9 - 8:20 pm

  Originally shopping for the Caliber, but they were in short supply .The reason was because the Compass was being built (yes, they share the same assembly plant). It is a great car for the daily commute, especially with the Sirius radio. The rear headroom is higher, albeit the rear legroom is lacking. I should have bought one with option 26E. This would have included reclining rear seats!

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  Pretty decent so far - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By adriane - July 8 - 9:23 am

  So far this vehicle has been great, I havent had any complaints against it. I find it to be comfortable to ride/ drive in. I like the way it handles, but Im not a speed demon anyways. I read the Editors reviews before purchasing and I dont have any regrets on buying this vehicle.

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  look at the 2009 - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By rhfisherii - July 5 - 11:40 pm

  Before purchasing a 09 Compass, I read a lot of reviews for the 08. I AM GLAD THAT I DID NOT RELY ON THOSE REVIEWS! Complaints lodged against the 08 Compass have been rectified in 09: the interior has been redesigned and looks great, the additional noise dampening makes the vehicle ride quietly and the transmission is smooth. This thing is fun to drive and has a lot of pickup for a 4 cyl. engine. I was looking for a 6 cyl. vehicle but this one won me over after a test drive. Fuel economy is good and the price is fantastic. I personally love the look of the vehicle-as long as it is red, blue or orange-the other colors make the vehicle look long (my opinion). I give it a solid 9-test drive one!

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  Zippy - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Johnny Rocket - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  My wife and I got this Jeep for $12,700... NEW off the lot with 62 miles on it. We have the 2.4L with a five-speed. We heard the CVT was a turd and are very happy with a manual; my wife hates it, but I turn of the traction control and pull the parking brake, roll and smoke the front tires all day long. I dont like the styling its too round, but its my wifes car and she loves it. The transmission had to be replaced after 10,000 miles, it was not do to my abuse, but because of the syncro for 5th gear exploding on the freeway. We get on avg 28mpg with a mix of 50%city 40%highway 10%idling (I idle alot waiting on my wife while she is inside the store shopping and Im sleeping in the Jeep.)

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  High Gas Mileage Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Ken Kotarski - May 26 - 12:36 am

  I bought this 4x4 Jeep Compass for higher gas mileage. And with the snow and ice lately on the roads, its still a road holding Jeep!

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  Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By mark - May 24 - 3:03 am

  An excellent vehicle. I love the CVT transmission and the engine surprises me with its performance. The paint job is very nice and the overall quality is good. I really like this car.

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  Jeep Compass-stalls & cuts out - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Shan-payne - May 24 - 1:26 am

  The jeep compass is an overall ok vehicle Its design is sleek & nice but the quality of the mini SUV needs to be worked on especially with the constant stalling, cutting out etc. but im still luvin my lil JEEP

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  Great Value - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By craig65 - May 10 - 3:30 am

  Had Liberty,hated it!!Thie actually has more interior room than Liberty, nicer interior an much better gas mileage!

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  Another Good Jeep - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By trainwreck68 - April 22 - 1:50 pm

  We have had the Compass for 6 months now. We previously had a 2007 Liberty, and 2000 Cherokee. This Compass has been terrific despite what the "expert" reviews say. It is a CROSSOVER SUV its not ment to be a hardcore off roader(buy a Wrangler). The 2.4L engine with 6 speed has enough power, its not going to win the Daytona 500 but has plenty to get out of its own way and it is very quiet to me, unless you floor the gas pedal all the time. As a matter of fact at idle we cant hear or feel it running. I am 6ft, 300lbs. and have no issues with interior room or comfort. Been averaging 24 to 25mpg with mixed city/hwy driving.(30 to 31mpg when we take a road trip).For $25,000 you cant beat it

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  Bouncin in my Jeep Compass and lovin it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dana D. - April 22 - 3:26 am

  Coming from a 91 Jeep Cherokee (which I still have and love), this car is the best thing Jeep has done in a long time. Love the CVT! This has everything I wanted in a vehicle and in a Jeep and lots of it, styling, design, comfort, fuel economy, command of the road view, handling is excellent. I have all of the options, 26E package, bright silver metallic, sunroof, 6-disc changer, driver convenience group, trailer tow prep group, full size spare, YES essentials premium seats, everything but autostick and 4WD. I am tired of all the bashing people are doing in the reviews. I drove the Liberty, and am so glad I waited. Great "Badge Engineering" and nice job, JEEP!