Jeep Compass History
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The Jeep Compass is one member of a trio of Chrysler hatchbacks. Under the skin, it's mechanically identical to the Dodge Caliber, and closely related to the Jeep Patriot, but the Compass is styled more like a conventional hatchback than its Jeep cousin. Introduced in 2007 and updated with a new interior in 2010, the Compass will be discontinued after 2012.
Though it was introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2002 Detroit auto show with a V-6 engine, all model years of Compass crossovers have kept the same running gear, including a choice of four-cylinder engines. It's not particularly quick with either the larger 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower engine, let alone the smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission provides a little more perk in its acceleration, but the available continuously variable transmission (CVT) zaps the life out of the four-cylinder and amplifies its noisy, somewhat rough feel. Handling, however, is a bright spot; the Compass is very maneuverable and steers most of the time with the accuracy and precision of a small car while riding pretty well.
Behind its traditional seven-bar grille, the Compass doesn't look much like the rest of the Jeep lineup. In fact, it doesn't even have a Trail Rated version, which makes it the first Jeep designed primarily for on-road driving, with less care for off-road talent. It does have an all-wheel-drive option, though the front-driver doesn't need the additional weight and complexity for most daily uses.
The busy hatchback styling has too many cutlines and looks a bit chaotic from the side and rear. Inside, there's a new interior for 2010 and it does improve the materials and fit of the cabin--it's a worthwhile improvement.
The five-seat Compass wins points for good head room and front-passenger leg room. The seats themselves are flat, but the cabin feels spacious. The second-row seats also fold almost flat to expose a larger cargo hold. Chrysler's also fitted more sound insulation, which gives the newest Compass crossovers a slightly quieter cabin.
Standard safety features on the Jeep Compass include side curtain airbags, Brake Traction Control, a driver-controlled three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection. Front-seat -mounted side airbags are optional. New for 2010 are active head restraints for both the driver and the front-seat passenger, making the Compass even safer.
The very extensive options list on the Compass includes Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius Satellite Radio, 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a moonroof, and an upgraded audio system with six-disc CD changer. A remote start system and an automatic climate control system are now also offered.
As part of its new alliance with Fiat Group, Chrysler will drop both the Compass and the Jeep Patriot and will replace both with a single vehicle sometime in 2012.
