2008 Jeep Compass Sport/North

$17,995.00

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City Liters Per 100KM: 8.9

Hwy Liters Per 100KM: 7.1

Specifications OptionsVehicle Images WarrantyReviews Available Colours

Engine
Cylinders	4
Horse Power	172
Fuel Type	Regular unleaded
Max RPM	6,000
Torque	224 lb.-ft.
Max Torque RPM	4,400
Compression Ratio	10.50 : 1
Engine Size	2.4 L
Valve Gear	DOHC
Total Valves	16
Engine Configuration	Inline
Block Heater	Regular
Displacement	144
Vehicle Emissions	ULEV II
City (L/100KM)	8.9
Highway (L/100KM)	7.1
Transmission	5 Speed Manual

Chassis & Suspension
Independent	Four-wheel
Stabilizer Bar	Front
Front Suspension Type	Strut
Rear Suspension Type	Multi-link
Front Suspension Classification	Independent
Front Suspension Type	Strut
Front Spring Type	Coil
Front Stabilizer Bar	Regular
Rear Suspension Classification	Independent
Rear Spring Type	Coil
Class	Touring
Rear Suspension Type	Multi-link

Brakes
Braking assist
Front brakes	Ventilated disc
ABS	Rear wheel

Wheels & Tires
Width	215
Profile	60
Speed Rating	T
Diameter	17.0
Type	Touring AS
Prefix	P
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Yes
Rim Type	Steel
Spare Tire Mount Location	Inside under cargo
Spare Tire Size	Compact

Exterior Dimensions
Overall Width	1,811 mm
Overall height	1,631 mm
Overall Length	4,404 mm
Wheelbase	2,634 mm
Front track	1,519 mm
Rear track	1,519 mm
Angle of Approach	20.1
Angle of Departure	31.4

Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room	1,034 mm
Rear Head Room	1,014 mm
Front Leg Room	1,031 mm
Rear Leg Room	998 mm
Front Shoulder Room	1,387 mm
Rear Shoulder Room	1,372 mm
Front Hip Room	1,328 mm
Rear Hip Room	1,295 mm

Capacities
Total Seating Capacity	5
Upholstery	Cloth
Front seat type	Bucket
Max seating capacity	5
Curb weight	1,393 lbs.
Towing Capacity	454 lbs.
Payload	420 lbs.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place	643 L
Cargo capacity, rear seat down or removed	1,518 L
Max cargo capacity	1,518 L
Fuel Capacity	51 L
Gross vehicle weight	2,075 lbs.
Ground clearance	206 mm
Turning radius	5 ft.
EPA interior volume	3,497 L

2008 Jeep Compass Review

Assembled In: Belvidere, Illinois.

Model Line Up: Jeep Compass 2WD Sport ($16,475); AWD Sport ($18,225); 2WD Limited ($20,505); AWD Limited ($22,255).

Model Tested: Jeep Compass AWD Limited ($22,225).

Options Tested: CVT ($1100).

The Jeep Compass is a car-based vehicle that's enjoyable to drive and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. First introduced as a 2007 model, the Compass is built on a front-wheel-drive, car-based structure, a modified version of the platform that supports the Mitsubishi Lancer and Jeep Patriot.

One way to measure the value of the Compass might be to compare it to the trusty Jeep Cherokee that was enormously popular for 18 years and finally ended its run in 2001. The Compass is slightly bigger and much more comfortable than the Cherokee was 10 years ago, though without as much off-road capability.

The Jeep Compass uses DaimlerChrysler's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder World Engine, developed jointly for 21st century efficiency with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It's a solid, sophisticated, 16-valve engine. Like other new four-cylinder engines, it is quieter and stronger than a four-banger was believed capable of being 10 years ago. It features electronic variable valve timing that continually changes the torque curve, bringing more versatility to the 165 peak pound-feet of torque, and more capability to the 172 peak horsepower. Emphasis during development of this engine was on fuel mileage; even carrying 3326 pounds, the Compass 4WD with a five-speed manual transmission delivers EPA fuel economy estimates of 22/27 mpg City/Highway.

The Jeep Compass offers an optional continuously variable transaxle, which performs like an automatic transmission. The CVT comes with the Auto Stick manual shiftgate feature for 2008. The Auto Stick enables the driver to shift up and down over six preset gear ratios, making it feel like a six-speed gearbox without a clutch pedal.

Also new for 2008, Jeep has recalibrated the engine and transaxle for improved drivability and reduced noise. Chrome interior accents brighten the 2008 models, and air conditioning and a tire-pressure monitor are standard equipment.

The safety, ride and handling of the Compass are all excellent, with a strong steel structure and well-planned subframe. Side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control with anti-rollover sensors are standard. Power windows and power door locks are optional, however. Remember manual door locks? Some cannot.

Inside, the Compass is thoughtfully designed. The instruments and controls are well placed and easy to use, though the materials feel cut rate. There's good interior space all around, with rear seats that fold flat to make about 54 cubic feet of cargo space. Options for added versatility include reclining rear seats and a passenger front seat that also folds flat, creating either a table or eight-foot-long space for storage.

The Jeep Compass comes as two models, Sport and Limited, each with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a five speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic ($1100) with Auto Stick manual shiftgate. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available as a $200 credit option for the Sport. It makes 158 hp and 141 pound-feet of torque and only comes with the CVT.

The 2WD Sport ($16,475) and AWD Sport ($18,225) come standard cloth upholstery; air conditioning; outside-temperature indicator; AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack; vinyl load floor; center console sliding armrest with cell phone or MP3 pocket; 60/40 split rear seat; tilt steering column; fog lamps; roof rails; and P215/60R17 tires on aluminum wheels. The Quick Order Package ($2,125) adds power windows and locks and keyless remote entry; cruise control; YES Essentials cloth upholstery; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining split folding rear seat; map lights; removable and rechargeable interior lamp; floor mats; rear privacy glass; and a 115-volt power outlet.

Options include a 6CD player with MP3 ($320); sunroof ($800); heated front seats ($250); Security and Cargo Convenience Group ($695) including auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information center, universal garage door opener, alarm, and a tonneau cover; Trailer Tow Prep Package ($250) with engine oil cooler, full-size spare tire, and wiring harness; and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system ($795) featuring Sirius satellite radio, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and speakers in the liftgate that can blast the crowd at tailgate parties.

The 2WD Limited ($20,505) and AWD Limited ($22,255) add leather-trimmed and heated front bucket seats; height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining rear seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; Sirius satellite radio; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; floor mats; and P215/55R18 tires. The front and rear fascia and side moldings have shiny aluminum accents.

Options for the Limited include the Sport options, plus its own Security and Cargo Convenience Group ($495) with daytime running lights, alarm, cargo cover, and Jeep's UConnect wireless cell phone link; chrome-plated 18-inch aluminum wheels ($825); the Boston Acoustics sound system ($495); and a DVD-based navigation system with six-disc CD changer ($1,395). A Rallye Group for Sport ($1,985) and Limited ($1,850) includes driving lamps, a rear stabilizer bar, rear spoiler, bright exhaust tip, and Mopar body trim; for Sport, it also adds P215/55R18 tires on aluminum wheels.

Safety features that come standard on all models include dual front air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags; tire-pressure monitor; antilock brakes with brake assist (which applies more brake force than the driver is applying if sensors determine it's needed in a panic stop); traction control; and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants are optional ($250) and we recommend them.

Jeep sent its brand in a new direction in 2007, introducing two car-based SUVs, the Compass and Patriot. Of the two, the Compass has more of a crossover look, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels and more laid back lines. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the C-pillars to preserve the character line. (The Patriot, on the other hand, is more upright, looking like a smaller version of the Commander and a throwback to the old Cherokee. Jeep's other compact SUV, the Liberty, is redesigned for 2008. It looks similar to the Patriot, but is even more upright and masculine.)

The liftgate on the Compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle, while those of the Patriot and Liberty are vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle (leaving more sheetmetal and reducing visibility) while the others, again, are square.

That slope at the rear of the Compass is matched by the steeply raked windshield, leading up to a roof that's slightly lower than that of the Patriot and almost five inches lower than the Liberty's. Black plastic roof rails continue from the top corners of the windshield all the way to the spoiler over the liftgate, channeling water over the roof.

The Compass Limited has aluminum-looking trim on the sides and bumpers. The less-costly Sport looks classier in its cleaner monotone. The optional 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels on the Limited will appeal to those who want their Jeep SUV to look more like a Cadillac Escalade.

The Jeep Compass is not a traditional Jeep with go-anywhere off-road capability. On the negative side, it appears to be built to a price and has modest interior materials and build quality. On the positive side, it offers safety, a comfortable ride, steady handling, high fuel mileage, and the reassurance of all-wheel-drive capability. Those positives and its affordable pricing make the Jeep Compass worth a look.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from western Oregon, with Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.

What reviewers liked most
"For an entry-level product, the Compass handles a lot better than it should. Steering feel is light without giving up any accuracy. You can zip through traffic and around corners just like you can in any sporty compact car." (Source: Cars.com)


"...the Compass slaloms like a car. The mellow suspension tune toned down big impacts while keeping the body above its keel with reasonable roll control." (Source: Car and Driver)


"It's comfortable, generally satisfying to drive, set up pretty nicely with features and doesn't cost that much to get off the dealer lot." (Source: Edmunds.com)


"It's a hoot to drive because the gear ratios change instantly, with no hiccup or hesitation, as you tap the shift lever." (Source: JSOnline.com)

Comparisons
"If someone wants economy and utility, they'll stick with a Mazda3 or another hatchback. If they want an SUV for higher ride height and more cargo room, they'll get a RAV4 or even the Jeep Liberty." (Source: Cars.com)


"What you will want to do is compare the Compass against other small SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both of which are newly redesigned. At this point, you'll probably realize that the Compass comes up short in terms of cargo space, interior refinement and power." (Source: Edmunds.com)


"But the main characteristic that makes the Compass more of a Jeep compared to the Caliber and similar competitors is a lever on the console that, when engaged, locks the center differential for better traction in sand and other off-road conditions." (Source: JSOnline.com)

Best one-liners
"Forget about the Halls of Montezuma - the Compass is about the malls of Petaluma, about boldly going where sweaty-necked road-paving crews have already tread." (Source: Car and Driver)