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:

• 

  Never, ever buy this car - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Driving Jane - November 15 - 5:36 pm

  We rented this car for one day of cross country travel. Big mistake. Loud, uncomfortable, loud, sluggish, loud, clunkiest shifting ever, loud, no get up and go, loud, holds 10 gallons of gas so had to fuel constantly....lets see...oh yes, its LOUD.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Coloradoguy - October 30 - 8:23 pm

  We looked at both US and import small SUVs and bought Compass based on vehicle cost and availability of CVT. Have taken long road trips and love the vehicle. Absolutely zero warranty or other problems. Average around 27 MPG on road and 25 in city driving. CVT works perfectly in mountain driving and often reaches 30 MPG due to lower average speed. Receive lots of questions from people as to how we like vehicle and know of two others buying a Compass based on our positive experience.

• 

  great vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By brise31503 - October 24 - 1:03 am

  This is my first Jeep. I was a little hesitant to but one but I have always been a Dodge fan so I figured Jeep has been around for a while and got my compass I am very very satisfied more so than any other vehicle I have owned and I have owned about 15 so the compass has by far exceeded my expectations on long trips and just for fun even with the family and my mother who only likes Cadillac she loves my compass and is thinking of buying one I will be a repeat Jeep customer. No problems with my Jeep have over 65,000 miles on it on and off road very versatile...... Jeep has done it and I am proud to say I am happy with my vehicle

• 

  Compact Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Brad L - October 8 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased Compass ~1 week ago after looking at many other small SUVs. Traded in a Toyota Prius as I needed 4WD for northeast winter driving. The pricing was acceptable, being less than most SUV models. The engine seems strong for a 4 cylinder. Lots of safety equipment as standard equipment. Like the lock in 4WD option and the manual shift. On the negative side, however, Im disappointed in fuel economy averaging only about 23 mpg highway. The vehicle is truly a compact SUV. Not much leg room in rear seating area. Very limited cargo space. Several blind spots w/ solid head rests in rear seats. Front cup holders are inaccessible. Build quality is suspect with lots of hard plastics.

• 

  New Compass Owner - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By NW Mopar Man - October 6 - 9:06 pm

  Was looking at the Jeep Liberty and other SUVs. Was skeptical about the Compass because of some reviews. The Compass drives more like a car and much better comfort than the Jeep Liberty IMO. Bought the FWD auto, and the power is very adequate and the ride is very smooth and quiet. Goes down the freeway at 70mph no problem. The paint finish is great. This is the wifes daily driver and she loves the comfort, style, overall handling. We bought it for town and freeway driving, not off-road. Jeep has a winner in the price group. Would recommend the 26E package and Drivers Convenience group if you like a little more power options and gadgets.

• 

  Its a lemon without Tequilla - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Disappointed in CO - September 24 - 4:40 am

  I thought I was making a decent investment it had 309 mi and was brand new. Its a jeep right? At 13,000 mi I had a worn set of tires that cost me $800 to replace. The warranty didnt cover the alignment problem I had. By 20,000 mi I had broken seat moldings on both sides of the vehicle. I also had an Airbag light blinking. The dealership fixed and within 2 weeks it came on again. My seat moldings are not covered by warranty due to "Natural wear and tear" on the jeep. Another set of tires at 24,000 mi. I am at 38,000 mi my warranty is over 2,000 mi and my transmission is going out. The dealership that sold me the car said it is a $6000 problem and my tires are worn again.

• 

  I live, i drive, i am, Jeep. (Lol) - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Monet - August 28 - 4:37 pm

  Its been a great, reliable family vehicle and the DVD player keeps the kids (and me!) happy.

• 

  20MPG, GPS, bluetooth, Comfort - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By GreenCOMPASS - August 27 - 5:13 am

  Quiet ride, GPS easy to use, Gas sticks around 20mpg due to it seems to have to hit 5rpm or higher to shift.4x4 is actually AWD and only 4wd low. seats lay almost flat backwards for naps, very comfortable for a Jeep. Very quiet on the highway and nice ride. Handsfree bluetooth will take over your phone call when you start the truck, nice safety feature, the caller can even hear you clearly and the people in the back seat too! GPS is fairly easy to use, but the huge sound system is not as good as the base model radio due to a 3 band EQ with no sub adjustment. in the 4 fillups Ive had max Ive driven is 250 miles on 13 gallons, been worse ever since.

• 

  Good car for the price - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paul Hagan - July 12 - 8:26 am

  It is a Jeep. Rides like a Jeep. Good room inside. Seats 4 adults, squeeze 5.

• 

  Dont Believe the Professional Reviews - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By nobrow - June 26 - 10:53 pm

  The reviews of the Compass have been almost universally negative, and almost universally wrong. Its a great car, economical, safe, comfortable, fun, and stylish! Ive had plenty of stares and at least three women tell me they really like how it looks. The acceleration is good: good from a stop and good for passing. It just feels slow because of the CVT, which takes a little getting used to, but is really nice once to adjust your driving style.