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 car to scale down to - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Dave - July 25 - 2:03 am

  I purchased the Compass when I turned in my Commander. I was worried about getting a smaller vehicle, but it is great. It has 6 speed manual or ride it in drive. I am averaging 26 mpg and I drive highway and city.

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  Worst car ever! - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By James Lee - July 6 - 5:12 am

  Got the car(2017) as a rental(20 days). I just cant believe I am driving a new 2017 car. I understand that it is the basic model, but come on, it is 2017, at least you should offer a usb. Cons: 1. the acceleration really sucks, I dont feel safe driving this car. 2. Abnormal noise from the front window whenever the speed is over 50.. 3. Noise from the break from time to time. 3. the oil tank is tiny, paired with a really bad MPG, had to visit the gas station often. 4. bad visibility

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  I love my Compass! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By scarletbegonia - June 3 - 1:30 am

  I bought mine back in May 2007, and have driven it all over the country since! I absolutely LOVE it! My only complaint is there is not a lot of "get up and go" power.

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  Just Purchased 2011 Compass and Lovin it!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By ckeyes3 - April 17 - 2:20 pm

  The 2011 Compass is a great car for the price! I also purchased the excellent extended warrantly that covers everything for as long as I own the car. There is also a decent manufacturer warranty when you purchase brand new. My Compass is loaded with all sorts of cool features to include: Cruise, heated seats, mp3 port, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bose sound system, lighted cup holders, plug-in coverter, TPM system, sunroof, and fold down seats.

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  Not crazy about it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By blackhaus50 - April 4 - 11:10 pm

  Got this 07 compass from my parents for only 3k. Was a gift, we just had a baby and they wanted something bigger. Not a bad looking SUV but the 2.4 has no power. Feel like Im towing a boat behind me! The interior is small for our liking, hate where the cup holders are and not much room in the back seats. But hey I only got it for 3k with 20k on it. It is what it is. A gift. I just wouldnt buy one. We have a 07 grand Cherokee a much more powerful and bigger SUV

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  Impressed so far - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By flbeachgirl - March 19 - 11:57 am

  So far Im fairly impressed. I bought the 2010 4x4 Sport Automatic used with 32,000miles. I love how it looks, its comfortable, has all the room I need & 4x4 capability. Ive noticed that the top 1/2 of the gas tank does much better than the lower 1/2. Generally 28-29mpg compared to 22-23mpg respectively. Ive also noticed the "wobble" during braking others have noticed but it doesnt happen frequently. It handles very well. It has stability & traction control. You can easily put the car in manual when needed. I have 2 complaints: There is a noticeable feel when the car downshifts (but smooth acceleration). For safety they should have adjustment buttons for the radio on the steering wheel

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  2007 Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By C. Foster - March 15 - 7:53 pm

  The 2007 Jeep Compass is fabulous! In a world of monster trucks and SUVs, this is a perfect compromise for the consumer who wants the space and height of a smaller truck, but drives like a car. The fuel economy is amazing. I am averaging 25mpg (street and highway), which is great because I have been driving it a lot. Regardless of what some of the critics say about the interior being cheap, I disagree. The interior features are amazing, from the YES Essentials (non-stain) fabric, to the power windows and doors, Sirius radio, 6-in dash CD player, ample speakers, universal garage door remote control, cruise control, and Bluetooth handsfree phone feature. Very comfortable. Fun!

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  Starting to have problems - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sue - March 1 - 4:26 pm

  We bought our 07 Compass one year ago. We bought it because of the warranty. I loved it in the beginning, but in the year, we have replaced 5 speakers, need new tires (only 32,000 miles)and had a tie rod replaced. Now there is a terrible noise coming from the back rear area when the brakes are applied. Took it to the dealer, they said it was a CD case rattling in the cubby in the back, well I didnt know and took off, and it is still doing it. I am not happy I am thinking there is something wrong, maybe the ABS or something. I am not a happy JEEP person at this point. Anyone else have issues with noises in the back end??

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  Power steering issues - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Greg - February 27 - 8:23 am

  I have read some of the other responses and up until now we have only had the air fuel assembly intake that contains the choke/butterfly mechanism replaced as it was faulty. But in saying that in the last month our Jeep Compass has blown its power steering system lines twice and if not plugged in if temps get below -25 C, is harder starting. First set of tires only lasted 48000 kms. I live in Manitoba and its nothing to see -40 temps and my Jeep has been great for the first two years so now I am starting to have a finicky vehicle in winter after having virtually no trouble.

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  Disheartened - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paula - February 25 - 8:16 pm

  I bought our compass 8/30/06. On day 33 my car broke down in the middle of the street. I was able to start it again and brought it to the dealer. Phantom issue I guess because it happens weekly. I get maybe 15 mpg city. I only drive it to work because Im afraid if we vacation itll break down again. This past weekend my husband finally experienced the break down. We tried to jump start it ourselves, the tow co too. Nothing. We tried to go for the "Lemon" law in the first 33 days and then in the first 23 months and were told that there were no service records and we had the burden of proof. its disheartening.The dealers suggests we buy a Preowned and certified from them. No trust!