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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  Good Value, Great MPG - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By P Ruth - July 6 - 4:10 pm

  Compass FWD Limited with CVT Bought 3 weeks ago Fun vehicle with great bang for the buck. A bit noisy but otherwise I love it. First tank 29.1 MPG with city in at 25.88 MPG.

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  Fuel Economy - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Edwin - July 4 - 12:20 am

  I am getting 23 to 27.5 miles per gallon around town. Has more usable space than a car for hauling etc.

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  Dissappointed - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeep Compass - July 2 - 10:26 pm

  I bought the Jeep Compass because I had heard it was a great little SUV along with great reliability....I was very wrong!! I have had the brand new Jeep for only three months and just last week the transmission went out, and it only has 8,000 miles! The passenger door makes a loud screeching noise every time you open it and the rear doors are not even flush with the car. i have to say that is one of the cheapest, and most unreliable cars I have ever owned!

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  great jeep - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By tene1028@yahoo.com - June 29 - 11:04 pm

  I jus purchased my new baby 3/30/16 brand spankin new fresh off the show room floor this is my first mini truck I use to drive a scion. 2010 long story short I am loving the jeep life smooth ride very comfy just right for some whose 26 no kids

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  My first Jeep - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Gabe Martinez - June 27 - 12:22 am

  Very stylish, but very compact on the inside. Unfortunately I purchases a CVT transmission with 4x4 but the deal I got was too great! It lasted me a long time. Used it for everything, camping, off roading, and a daily driver. Milage was a little low, even for highways. About 21 combined, nothing after market. Space was very limited in the back seat and the cargo area. Overall, it was a good car but I decided to upgrade to a Subaru Crosstrek. More space, AWD, and lifted higher.

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  Its great for what it was designed. - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By btflmtnhgr - June 20 - 3:46 pm

  I had a 1967 TLC wagon (rebuilt with bored out engine), lots of torque, tons of gas pulls Jeeps out of the ditch, traded an Audi Allroad wagon for the Compass and it gets better gas mileage and feels safer, is quieter to drive than my Sportster. People are complaining because its not a luxury vehicle and not an off-roader...ya think! Ask Jeep - thats the point of the Compass.

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  New purchase - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By FJ - June 17 - 3:30 pm

  I have heard reviews of vehicle being sluggish. I am not having a problem with that. With this vehicle you have to be careful you are not running in low. If you knock the shifter in error you may be in low and not realize it which will cause it to be sluggish. (cvt models) This is a very stylish, comfortable, nice riding vehicle. It feels heavy and not chintzy like some vehicles, I test drove. I think I made a great choice.

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  Love the new redesign - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Aim - May 23 - 2:25 am

  I’ve had my Compass for about six months now and love it! I loaded it with every option and that definitely changes the experience compared with what others might have in base models. Super comfortable ride, amazing in the snow (used for the first time last week), decent payment.

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  I love my Jeep! Sad & not fair! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Cher - May 17 - 4:43 am

  I love look of the Jeep Compass 4x4. We have had problems from the gate. We bought the Compass brand new, from our favorite dealership. We can only drive about 20-30 mph on the interstate, when there is inclement weather. The Jeep fish tails all over the place. It has been in the shop 9 times. 3 sets of tires have been placed on,a rear bearing & 2 alignments, To no avail, didnt fix the problem. The Jeep is so unreliable during a rain or winter storm. My husband is a Airplane pilot, & not afraid of any vehicle. He said, that he doesnt feel safe driving this Jeep, nor do I! We have always had Jeeps & loved them ! We are getting ready to sell our Compass. We have had enough ! Im SAD!

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  Dont believe car reviews - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dan - May 10 - 2:16 pm

  Interesting that the owner reviews are averaging a 9. SUV handles well, is very comfortable to drive. Traded a 2001 PT Cruiser that we loved. Even road tested a 2008 PT Cruiser. Wouldnt think twice after testing the Compass. Upgraded the Sport version with A/C, sunroof, seats, etc. Well worth it.