The Jeep Compass enters the small SUV market with a solid performer,When you think about rugged, off-road duty, the name Jeep has been a forerunner in the field, dating all the way back to World War II.Jeeps have offered go-anywhere durability, but without a lot of comfort features inside.
For 2007, the Chrysler subsidiary has introduced the Compass, a compact SUV to compete with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.The Compass shares a lot of hardware with the Dodge Caliber, a near twin, and Jeep's own Patriot SUV. All are car-based, which means a smoother ride, but less off-road abilities.
Available in two trim levels, Sport and Limited, Jeep almost forces you to go upscale with the Limited version Compass because it comes standard with a number of items you would expect and want.
With the Sport model, air conditioning, power windows and doors, cruise control and keyless entry are all optional. You do get a CD player with MP3 interface and 17-inch wheels standard.
With the Limited model, you can add a sunroof, six-disc CD changer, premium audio system and Bluetooth connections, plus satellite radio and all-terrain tires.You probably won't need the latter because the Compass lacks the power to handle heavy duty on anything other than well-carved out trails, even with the four-wheel drive engaged.
An anemic 172 horsepower, four-cylinder engine is the standard engine and is coupled with a five-speed transmission or CVT automatic. The Compass feels underpowered under heavy acceleration.
Fuel mileage is disappointing at 25 city and 29 highway, which one would expect to be better with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission.The all-wheel drive function locks the rear to send up to 60 percent of the engine torque to the rear wheels. In normal, mode the Compass is front-wheel drive.
The interior offers some nice features, such as very comfortable seats and a folding rear seat and passenger seat to increase cargo area. However, the overall look of the interior reeks of plastic in strange, hard-edged edges.
Priced at a reasonable $23, 235 for the Limited package, the Compass is on target against the Honda and Toyota competition. However, the two Japanese entries have both been re-styled recently and look much better. The Compass retains the standard Jeep grill and round headlights, which will appeal to Jeep enthusiasts.While the Compass gives Jeep entry into the small SUV category, the Liberty or new Patriot might be a better option at this time.

Ryan's Ride -
When I think of Jeep, I recall pictures of my uncle sitting in a small, topless vehicle taken while he served in the South Pacific during World War II. Or, the current Wrangler, a direct descendant of that war horse, that you see on our current highways.The exterior styling of the Compass isn't bad, it just looks like a Jeep. The front grill and headlights are definite clues. Although the Compass offers four-wheel drive, the small engine just doesn't offer enough oomph to let you go anywhere rugged in it. The five-speed transmission shifts smoothly, which is good because you're constantly up-shifting to give you enough acceleration.The interior gauges and dials are well laid out, but the hard plastic materials and irregular dash surfaces don't hold up against the competition.

Marilyn's Moment -
The little Jeep Compass is cute in a different sort of way. It looks boxy, but efficient.I liked the front seats and the easy to fold down rear seats. Folded flat, the rear cargo area offers plenty of cargo space. And, with the passenger seat folded down, you have even more room for longer items. The rear cargo area has a hard plastic coating for easy cleanup in case of spills.I don't mind driving a manual shift vehicle, but the Compass' small engine made for a lot of extra shifting just to get up a modest hill leaving our home.I was really surprised at the mileage figures, especially for a four-cylinder engine. I would have expected highway figures to be in the mid to low 30 mpg range.For Jeep aficionados, the Compass gives them a small SUV they can buy for a reasonable price. But others will probably look longer at the more stylish RAV4 or CR-V.