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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  Syracuse to OC 12/19-22/09 - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By geeo - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this as a car for my daughter in SU in New York State, I live in California. We got a great deal with a lifetime power train warranty all for 14 new. My daughter wanted good snow and rain and a great radio with a aux socket for her I pod. On December 19 the we set out on a cross country trip. I could have shipped the car and her stuff but that was estimate 1400.00 the gas all 3345 miles was 184.81 adv 18.9 mpg. We drove through the largest snow storm in virginia has seen in 59 years. The Compass plowed through great. It knew how to adjust the traction for optimum mpg. We had the stock 17" Tires on it,no chains. This car is for the young at heart It is a great deal simple controls!

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  Stop All The Hating - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By AmercanEagleDude - May 31 - 4:53 pm

  There is so much negative remarks about this car, all from people that dont have one. I personally love my Compass. I had to wait 2 months for it. I have the limited Jeep Green w/ beige interior, UConnect, speaker upgrade, Sirius, and security. But it was well worth the wait. The car looks much better in person than in pictures. Im going to add Rallye lights to the grill to make it look more like a concept. For the price this car is great. I think the car should be called a rally car rather than a compact SUV. Cargo room is sufficient, my friends love it. And despite the 4 cylinders it still moves quick. Everyone complains about the plastic dash, but if its durable then who cares.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By cpallam - May 21 - 4:33 am

  This vehicle was first car that I purchased along with being my first JEEP ever and let me just say that NEVER again will I step foot onto a Jeep Dealership. It could be the fact that they transmission they put in the vehicle is not serviceable as in you cant even have fluid added( was told this by a lady in the service department at the dealership)or could it be that the awful squealling sound when you go in reverse and use your brakes is only fixable by going 40mph and slamming on your brakes, or that I only have one more turn on the rotars and its already warping again. Lets not mention the HORRIBLE blindspots that have contributed to SEVERAL close calls!

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  Its a Jeep thing! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Heather - May 9 - 3:23 am

  I just bought my Steel Blue 4x4 Sport and I am 100% completely in love with it! Its just the perfect size for an SUV and the gas mileage is great. I couldnt be more pleased. The ride is so smooth, as well as the CVT transmission. I think all the Compass haters need to go drive one before they make their final judgment. I didnt like it at first; one test drive is all it took!

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  Just Purchase My First Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Frank Freeman - May 3 - 11:13 am

  I think Jeep made a gigantic step forward in the design of the 2007 Compass. Until I saw and researched the feature of the 2007 Compass, I always thought the Jeep was an off road vehicle. I never liked its design, because it reminded me of a box. I realize that most Jeep models are primarily an off the road vehicle, and that the design has remained the same for years. So, I understand why some buyers are shocked to see a Jeep with a modern design, with its primary use on the highway. It is great for for those of us who live in the snow country, and yet want a family car. It would be my hope that the Jeep designers continue their forward thinking.

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  Would probably never buy again. - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By sara1213 - April 12 - 11:48 am

  Purchased our 2011 Compass in December of 2013. Loved the Jeep for a few days until I realized how awful the gas mileage is! At best it only gets 240 per 16 gallon around the city and thats during the summer when the traction is turned off. After a few months of ownership, the side plastic piece along the passenger seat broke from simply getting in and out of the seat. Now today, January of 2015, at 37K miles it had to be towed twice due to computer issues not sending signals to the fuel pump. Cant wait to see that shop bill and cant wait to get a new vehicle!

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  Better face,wrong shoes - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike Schrandt - April 9 - 9:31 pm

  Ive driven both Trailhawk versions of the Cherokee and Compass.The interiors are basically identical,except for the red outlining and hilights in the compass,which really look best with a red exterior,then black,and silver.The huge difference is in the face and tires.The redesigned Compass looks like a smaller Grand Cherokee and a true Jeep.The slopenosed Cherokee does not.The tires and wheels on the Cherokee tho are great.The single combo on the Compass not only look pathetic for a four wheel drive capable Jeep,but no other choice is ironically a and obviously their way to save money by cutting corners.Add to this,the Compass sits lower and will achieve 30 mpg highway,but off road prowess will be less than desirable.The smart camper/hiker will sell the wheels and tire combo on the Compass back to Jeep and have the Cherokees 18 inch combo installed.You can only get the 184 hp 4 cylinder in the Compass which for $31 to $33,000.00 is waay to underpowered.With a max 1500 lb. tow capacity,you should test drive some better suited cars.

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  Needs some work - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Monica - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Been driving my 2009 compass for 15 months. Been in the shop 3 times now for different issues/defects. passing is difficult, it has not "get up and go" !Its loud, my breaks have squeaked and ground since day one. It has not been reliable for me, and I will be trading mine in within the next few weeks!

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Annie - April 2 - 10:30 am

  Dont listen to the negative reviews! This car is fun to drive, gets great mileage, with little to no road noise. I have a black Sport 4x4 CVT automatic engine, sunroof, customer preferred package,driver convenience group and the upgraded Yes essential seats - Loveit!

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  Possible Problems? - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Possible problems? - March 19 - 4:40 am

  Just bought my new 2009 Jeep Compass with touch screen radio 3 days ago. Overall this vehicle is wonderful with some exceptions. The touch screen radio is not working! All other touch screen components are fine but radio is very temperamental. Compartments in console are very tiny and are too small to really put anything in them. Cup holders a bit hard to get at however, love the optical interior improvements from the 2007 compass that I rented last year, but is this electrical problem a sign of things to come?