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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  2007 Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By K Miller - April 24 - 7:00 am

  I just love my car. We wasnt even looking for an SUV but when my husband saw the new Compass and drove it that was it. I feel so safe in the Compass, I have never had a vehicle that I sit a little higher in and it makes all the difference in the world on how much better you can see.

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  Love my Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sharon - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  I have a 2007 Jeep Compass and have no regrets buying it. I have the 4x4 Sports and have hand no problems what so ever. This particular make is just now really starting to catch on and I cant understand why Chrysler did not promote it as much. I get a lot of second looks while driving:-) Always wanted a jeep and this one is perfect for me.

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  Jeep Compass 2011 - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By laurarnp - April 4 - 10:16 am

  I traded in my Honda CRV for my Jeep 2011 Compass and am VERY pleased. I was going to get the Chevy Equinox based on Edmonds ratings, but when I started asing around I found nothing but negative things about that car from people I know who owned one. I do not go off roading but I do drive in ice, snow, rain etc etc to get to work and 4WD and affordability as well as safety were my top priority. I was referred to Jeep by a few friends of mine who have had great experiences with them and I can say that I am very happy with my choice as well. I do not feel the cabin is noisy - I thought the CRV was WAY worse. It is a little slow on pick up but nothing too inferior to the CRV.

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  This is one neat Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Golden Girl - February 23 - 8:03 am

  I sold my minivan because of the mileage. I compared this Jeep to the RAV4 and other Japanese vehicles. I am so satisfied with my Jeep purchase starting with the price. It is comfortable, economical, and handles very well in the Michigan winter. This car is worth the money and will do all you ask of it. It will not win any races but once you get it on the highway you will be very satisfied. Try it. I think you will be very surprised!

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  Great Little SUV - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jay - February 20 - 2:56 pm

  Ive wanted an SUV for a While, but never liked how they handled or the gas mileage. The Compass sits a little lower and drives more like a car (can take turns a little faster. It gets good mileage, but I didnt buy it for this. It has plenty of room and is lots of fun to drive. I notice people look at me a lot, I dont know if its just a brand new car (model too) or just that Im a good looking guy. Overall Im very pleased with my purchase and look forward to having it a very long time.

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  Back in the Jeep family and LOVE it!!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By snowmommy - February 2 - 2:01 am

  I had a Jeep Liberty for 9 years and loved it except the gas mileage. We let my daughter take it to college and we brought a foreign brand SUV. I had a terrible time parking and backing up. We were going to purchase a car when we saw the 2011 Jeep Compass and liked the looks. We took it for a test drive and loved it.....it felt like back home with the Jeep Family. It is a program vehicle with 14,000 miles. We get 24.7 MPG which is better than my 19.3 on the foreign brand SUV. Im happy and when Mamma is happy.....Everyone is HAPPY!

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  great car - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By steve - January 20 - 1:10 am

  I have had the car for 1.5 years now. Everything works fine. Car is comfortable. Have had no problems

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  everyone turns their heads as i drive by - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By elizabeth - January 10 - 1:40 am

  I just purchased this jeep 1 week ago. The performance is excellent. Its a nice looking Jeep and its very comfortable inside. I am a female and its easy for a woman to maneuver (not too big). I have no complaints and iI would recommend this Jeep to anyone.

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  My no good car - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By Elenanca - December 28 - 6:14 pm

  I leased the car in 2014 . After driving it for a while I started to be very disappointed by most of features of the car It is like an old car once you press the gas . It makes the noise of a tired grandpa and the noise is loud ! . Poor acceleratin , lack of space for the driver and bad adjustment of driving seat . No real storage at all in the car . The door side pockets are for the birds and the back of the seats have no pockets . There is just a minimal storage box in between the chairs . You can store few things . The trunk has no dividers for anything so your goods goes from right to left and all other directions . Once you get home you repack everything and please dont buy eggs ! !

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  An OK Little SUV - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jay - December 13 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my compass for 2 years, and I have had no major problems with it, aside from the computer needing to be flashed twice for recall stuff, but that seemed rather minor. I bought the FWD fro gas mileage, but after reading some other posts I appear to be getting pretty bad gas mileage, averaging only 25-26 on the highway, and about 20 in the city. Overall the interior has held up well but it is a bit boring when the "new" wears off. (hard plastic everywhere) I may be a bit biased (this is my first car with less than 220hp), but I think it needs more power! Put a V6 in it! All the safety computer stab. equipment works really well, but thats for another forum.