2007 Jeep Compass Review Preview

One of the crews that deliver our test vehicles just pulled up in a nice and shiny black 2007 Jeep Compass. For the next week I’ll be putting it through its paces on the highway, around town, filling it with cargo. You get the idea. But today, I just had to go to the dry cleaners. Here’s a a little preview of what my review will say:

My first impression was that the black color made the Compass far more attractive than any of the drab olive and brown hues that I’ve seen at auto shows and manufacturer events. The funky front lip isn’t as noticeable in black, although the turn signals on the front do seem to float awkwardly. I also thought the combination of the black with the tan cloth interior was perfect.

Driving a CVT transmission always throws me off at first. A CVT doesn’t shift like a normal automatic, it just has a steady climb in the revs. It’s a bizarre feeling but by the time I drove back from the dry cleaners it didn’t bother me anymore. So far, and this is two hours into a week-long test, I’m more impressed by the Compass than I thought I would be. That’s why it’s vital to live with a test vehicle for more than one afternoon.

Update: Test-Drive Tips: 2007 Jeep Compass

Comments

[johnny tisdale]

This vehicle is so ugly. I don't understand why they would bother to put it to market with the virtually identical (but much more attractively styled) Patriot coming soon.

[Rob]

Here we have a Caliber called a Compass. Many young girls out there will be begging their above average income parents to buy them a Compass. This is a crossover for 16-18 year old girls.

[eeee]

I like this body shape over the good selling Caliber; to each their own.
The Compass is a smoother, much better looking version of the Caliber and is not ugly in the least, regardless of certain opinionated commenters.
In the metallic silver variant colors it is ideal. The market has made the Jeep Liberty the sales leader in the small-SUV size category and this Caliber and Compass have a good bet to do the same in the AWD small car segment of the market.

[david from indiana]

I am a little dissapointed in this vehicle. In order to carry the name plate of Jeep it is going to go through some pretty harsh criticism and it is going to be put through suv-hell. It will take a lot to persuade a true Jeep fan of its value. Although I thought the same of the liberty when it first came out. I would consider buying one now, the Compass will probably do the same, once it usefullness as a Jeep is earned.

[Dave T.]

Recent design trends have had a strange impact on autobuyers. Cars often look radically different in photos then in person. I'm not sure if it's all the high beltlines, "flame surfacing" or what. But the compass looks so much better in person than in photos.

As for it being a true "jeep" I don't think that matters anymore. How many grand cherokee owners take their SUVs off road? I think this, and more so the Patriot, will attract a ton of new buyers to Jeep. I'm just not sure why they did both the Compass and the Patriot since they're essentially the same vehicle.

[Craig]

I saw one at the dealership yesterday, they only had one, and it is one of the largest, roomiest, and convienent cuv's on the market. It has nice styling, beutiful interior, and options you need. The caliber is nice but the front grill is ugly, and the backend is blocky, the compass actually smoothes out the caliber lines, and turns the compass into a luxury looking vehicle. I have a 2003 Ford Expedition EB and im looking to get one, just for the room, and better on gas, and at $16,000. with a cvt transmission you would have to be stupid to think of anything else........

[DALE G.]

I PURCHASED A 2007 COMPASS ON 7/24/07. I LOVE IT!! WE LEFT FOR MYRTLE BEACH THE NEXT DAY AND PUT 1200 MILES ON IT IN 5 DAYS. LOVE EVERTHING ABOUT IT. EXPECIALLY THE GAS SAVING. HATE THE NEW COMMERCIAL WITH THE BOBBLEHEADS. MAKES US JEEP OWNERS LOOK STUPID.

[DALE G]

OOPS!! PURCHASED IT ON 7/24/06 NOT 07. LOOKING STUPID I GUESS I DID IT TO MYSELF. STILL HATE THE BOBBLE HEAD COMMERCIAL.

[jake]

PURCHASED A JEEP COMPASS IN JULY, 2006. LOVE IT. LOVE THE LOOK AND THE WAY IT DRIVES. I HATE THE BOBBLEHEAD COMMERCIALS. WHATS UP WITH THAT?

[Judy]

Recently went shopping for a small SUV and compared several models: CRV, RAV4, Compass, Escape, and Tuscon. Hands down the Compass and Escape would fall at the bottom of the list. The Escape is in need of an update as the interior looks very dated. It also had the hardest ride, but I'm told that's because it's based on a truck platform. Besides feeling underpowered, I found the Compass to have a very cheap and poorly put together interior. Also, I don't know what Jeep was thinking, but a/c, power windows, keyless entry, and cruise control are all options on the Sport model. If you want them you have to buy the Limited version which will cost you $21,000. I purchased a CRV for less than that and it's light years ahead of the Compass in refinement. I would put the RAV4 and Tuscon as tied for a close second. The Tuscon is a great value, but I didn't really care for the body style.
The Compass is an attractive SUV, but the overall package appears to have been rushed to market.

[Ambar]

I think this looks like a great vehicle. I've read many reviews and everyone is bashing the Compass. I think I'll go to my local dealer and take a closer look, but this is a Jeep that I want to own!

[Capth00k]

This truck is one of the ugliest I have ever seen, period. Jeep or otherwise. The designers for this truck should be fired, and sent to Italy to learn how to design a good looking vehicle. I cannot believe a 'higher up' at Jeep gave the OK for this model. If you think it's cute, then you must have thought the failure of the Pontiac Aztec was confusing. I think it's not only ugly, but not really a true 4x4 either. It doesn't even fall into a REAL Jeep catagory, we already have the 'starter jeep', and it's a Liberty.

On the subject of build quality, just read around the reviews and you'll come to the same conclusion that I did. It's not ONLY ugly, but built like a box of crayolas.

[JAKE]

I AM SICK OF EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT OWN A COMPASS BASHING IT. I ACTUALLY OWN ONE AND I LOVE IT. UNLESS YOU HAVE DRIVEN ONE AND SPENT SOMETIME IN ONE KEEP YOUR NASTY COMMENTS TO YOURSELF. I LOVE MY "JEEP" AND YES IT IS A JEEP. THANK YOU....

the compass is cool. period.

[Mike in Salem]

In August, I purchased a Black Jeep Compass Sport with with the 26E package. It's comfortable for my size (5'9") and my wife loves it. I happen to like the styling and the mileage is a great plus. I didn't need a 400+ watt stereo as the stock one works just fine. I did have it undercoated to cut down on the road noise.

I don't care for all the "fluf" being put into vehicles today and for the most part the Jeep is American made.

I drove most of the other compairables in this price range (Tucson, RAV4, etc.) and the Compass got my money.

[Zach from Pennsylvania]

I found the Compass a few days ago and instantly liked it. 4 wheel drive, good on gas, all that good stuff. Anyway, I went to the dealership the other night and test drove it. I like it a lot. I'm going to finalize the deal tonight. What's with this "Not a real 4 wheel drive" stuff?

[Rob]

Bought a 2007 limited black compass and love it; comfotable, roomy, good gas milage, love the ccv, too... I now have three jeeps in the driveway: Cherokee, Wrangler and now this wonderfully fun to drive compass... It may not be as noisey, rough riding, or as capable off-road as my other two jeeps... but that's ok i like this smooth riding, fun driving Jeep just the way it is.

[Jamie]

I just saw the compass for the first time last week. I was decieding between it and the Liberty. I drove both. And after I drove the compass I feel in love with it right awhile. I am actually finalizing my buy this weekend.

[DALE G.]

THANK YOU COMPASS LOVERS... I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR OTHER PEOPLE SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT THE COMPASS. I WAS BEGINNING TO THINK I WAS THE ONLY ONE. I HAVE NOW OWNED MY COMPASS SINCE JULY AND I STILL LOVE IT. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANOTHER ONE ON THE ROAD YET. MY DEALER ONLY HAD THE ONE THAT I PURCHASED IN JULY AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANOTHER ONE IN.

[Zach from Pennsylvania]

Well, I finally got my Compass last night after about a week- and a half-long struggle to locate the one I wanted. So far, I like it a lot, and everyone else seems to like it too.

[florida]

planning to buy compass. i think it is the best and worth for the price ranges.

[Michael]

I am planning on buying a custom '07 Jeep Compass Limited in about 5 months and after reading some of the nasty reviews out there i was becoming more and more hesitant in purchasing one but after finally going to the dealership to just look at one and test drive it, i decided that i am going to get one. first of all the awkward looking front can be taken care of with darker colors and of course beige interior looks perfect, about the interior looking cheap i didn't see anything that stood out as, "OMG look at me so freaking cheap" it was roomy plenty of cargo space for me after all i am single so more than enough room for my stuff and still has potential to upgrade to a more larger family such as a wife and two kids ta-dah. of course cargo will take backseat with a larger family. As a male it is kinda awkward for me to say this but i don't like camping so off roading is not a necessary must, plus i do more shopping and road traveling than trying to find the cure for aids in the rainforest. so all-in-all good gas mileage, cargo space, cvt(takes some getting used to), and roomy interior with gps premium sound system so yeah def. getting it, the cons that i did find were too much plastic for the interior but with all the plastic it DIDNT look cheap but other than than dark exterior beige interior with fully loaded limited perfect b/c it costs less than a comparably equipped Chev., Ford, Dodge, Mazda, you name it the price per pound is phenomenal and the one i am ordering is going to be perfect.

[Zach]

I've had my Compass for a couple weeks now, and I must say, I like PRETTY MUCH everything about it. The one thing I'm not a fan of is that CVT. When you're speeding up, it's all good. But, if you even take your foot off the gas for a second, it seems like you slam on the barakes. Also, I don't know how much of a fan I am of the brakes, or maybe it's the ESP thing, but when I step on the brakes, the car seems to hop, instead of gradually slowing down. If I can get used to those things, I think I'll be OK. Too late anyway, I guess. I already bought it.

[Jen]

I have just bought a black Jeep Compass Sport and LOVE it. It's so cute (kind of looks like a baby BMW SUV). I love the gas mileage, have tons of room in the back for my 2 year old and his carseat and like the visability. I actually like the CVT once I got used to driving it. Great car for a great value, and it's American made.

[wade]

I previously owned an 88 Cherokee and enjoyed it very much. My mom has owned 5-6 Grand Cherokees that I've been able to drive on occasion. Also, I work closely with the local Jeep dealer on his advertising so I've been checking out the Compass since it arrived. I wasn't really sold on it and I thought the interior was too boxy and a little generic. Last night I was waiting to see him and starting to look a little closer at the showroom model. I must say it is really starting to grow on me. Lots of seating adjustments and configurations and the available room seems pretty good. I need to carry mountaing bikes and outdoor gear and it looks like this might fit the bill.

[Bill]

I bought a white Compass two weeks ago, and I love it. Gas mileage is comparable to my old car (a '95 Mystique), the ride is smooth and clean, and the interior space is excellent. At 6'1" I appreciate the headroom, and the wife and kids like the comfort. As for it not being a "real" Jeep, i disagree. Knocking the Compass for its admittedly limited off-road capabilities is a major disservice. Jeep didnt design it as a dedicated off-road wonder, and I for one dont need it to be. Slick highways and some slightly nasty backroads are as extreme as my Compass is ever going to see, so the fit and styling are great. Besides, how many Grand Cherokees ever see the trail? Most are mom-driven, as far as I have seen, so the off-road capabilities are wasted anyway. Oh, and while I'm at it...I'll confess to liking the front end.

[Amy S]

We have the 2003 honda pilot, but I am looking for something a bit different. It seems anyone can have a Honda, I am going for the Jeep Compass, next. I love it.

[paul]

HI... I really think someone who is selling the Jeep Compass or has interest in selling a lot of them, has wrote some of the blogs on this site.....If you look at Dale Aug. 2nd blog.. and then Jake Aug. 3rd Blog, I'm sure it is the same person... And then Dale and Jake come back later to write more... So it is probably someone on the inside who is writing these blogs, in order to lessen the bleeding of people who don't like the Compass because it is Butt Ugly...So who knows how many (if any or all) of the positive blogs are true owners?

[Dave T.]

Paul,
there are fans of different models everywhere. I totally believe that these guys could be serious fans/owners of the cars and not working for a dealer. Although that wouldn't surprise me either.

[paul]

YES, there is a possibility but the style of writing and what they both wrote is almost if not identical. Looks a bit fishy. Check it out..Dale AUG. 2nd and JAKE AUG. 3rd.

[Zach]

To respond to these last few messages: I'm certainly not a car salesman, and I can almost prove it by saying this: I bought my Compass, and it's been quite troublesome, actually. I thought the CVT was causing my problems (see above posts), but it seems that my transmission has been slipping since day one. If you think the CVT is something that you need to "get used to", you may have transmission problems. You should get it checked out. Also, did any other Compass owners get a "Safety Recall" letter in the mail? I got one saying that Jeep forgot to mention in the owners' manual that since the Compass is an SUV, it has a higher rollover risk. I really think that goes without saying.

[Angela]

I am in the process of deciding among the CR-V, RAV4, Escape Hybrid and Compass. Thus far, I've only driven the CR-V. Currently, I own an Accord. I will say some of the previous posts have been a little discouraging, but it was nice to see Compass owners rally behind their vehicles. I'll do my share of dealership hopping tomorrow, but just from physical appearance alone, the Compass has my vote. Of course, there are other things to consider...I'm 6'2", so I need as much head and leg room as I can get!!!

[Cody]

The Compass could be a nice car....if they spent a little more time on the front end and put a couple hundred more dollars into that interior. I've sat in one and the dash is rediculous. My daughter has toys made of higher quality plastics. When a car can sticker up in $30k territory, it SHOULD have a nice interior...and the fact that they share this interior with TWO vehicles takes away any excuse they might have made.

[Dustin]

Good for you folks looking out for the "viral" ad campaigns/fake commenters. Makes you wonder about anything anyone says about anything...I loved my 1995 Cherokee, but after 180,000 miles it was time for a new car. We test drove the new jeeps--despite the negative reviews. Like everyone should do for anything important--try it first, compare it, and use your own judgement. For our part, my wife and I liked it so much--she (who just bought a chevy aveo a year or two back)wants one too as soon as possible. Too much to say about what there is to like other than it did everything my cherokee did using half the gas--including suffering last month's snow storms (southeast alaska) and strapping a 10'+ xmas tree to the roof last weekend!

[karl]

Hi, first I would like to congratulate the compass owners cause it is a great car. This truck is one of the most beautifull I have ever seen, period. What ever the price, just buy it. CVT is perfect, the best in the market. Better than any rav4 or tukson. please, we need to promote that car. No need to try it, just buy it. Jeep really created there best car ever. It's better than a cherokee, grand, giant or tiny. Porsche cayenne should be scared of Compass coming to the market.So if you don't have the money, take a loan and buy that car. Compass is sure to change your life for the better. Anybody will fall for you if you have one..Honestly!

[jack]

The compass is not really good looking, you have to admit, aspecially the front. But the looks isn't important as long as you can drive your car from one point to another.. I'm driving an escalade at the moment but my plan is to sell it and buy a Compass. I really have to get that car. It's the most important thing for me now. The Compass will be mine.

[brott]

Hi there, just got a Compass for christmass. oh lala what a car. The tires are great. The back trunk is large enough to put a dog! I can travel and go wherever with it. Yes, it is a wonderfull car.I have a bmw X5 that my father bought me 2 years ago but it wasn't so good. The Compass is much more beautifull. And for the fuel it's just perfect, almost no gas at all. Just got it a few hours ago but I'm satisfied. So if you plan to buy it stop hesitating. You won't regret it.

[daluz]

hello, I'm reading the comments and I have to say : can't agree with what is said. the rav 4 and the CRV are both fine cars in the montains especially for climbing but the Compass is better. And the others have in common that they have a V in their name. Compass is good because you don't get lost with it. better than mercedes ML for example. could anybody tell me about Wrangler? is it fast enough on the highway?
how many doors in the back? What about a truck?
Yes I will perchase a Compass as soon as possible . Maybe tommorow!

[fritz]

Lord, finally I baught it. it's black and strong. I love the back... so beautifull. There is so much energy and right away you get the control of it. Compass, what a car.

[wrdfh]

The compass? Yes why not. My girlfriend says that I should get it. She is great in cars so I will listen to her. She helped all my friends to choose theirs cars. She even tested the cars with them. I trust her so I will buy the compass. She says that the good thing about it is that there is a lot of space in the back. I like space so I will buy that car fast.

[hardick]

Hello and merry Xmas everybody! I'm happy to hear that many, were smart enough to see in the Jeep Compass the car of tomorrow. Compass is the future. The future of our children in america. The pride of our country is Jeep. I was in europe a few months ago. I saw a lot of Jeeps there.. In Europe they see us as higher people. I'm proud to know that we rule the world in politics, music, food( mc donalds are all over the planet)sports and economy. So please everybody : let's buy american. let's buy Jeep. Let's buy jeep compass.
Let's defend our USA against it's enemies. Amen.
Just received my green card last week. But I wanna show my love and respect to the US. The world is ours!!!!
We should all drive a Compass

[bignin]

i love the exterior but inside you cant tell its a jeep and the plastics look pretty cheap the future i think not chrysler just needs to get its priorities straight ..............and fyi the compass doesnt even have a compass

[goribulak]

my name is goribulak and I just baught a Compass.
I'ts really handy, i mean practical. Yes, I do a lot of construction work since I live in the country side. I'm really satisfied with my compass. Doesn't take too much space, you can put it anywhere. Don't hesitate if you want to be more effective buy a compass.Yeah, it's good! Good Xmas and merry newyear 2006!

[jean ludovic]

Thank you to cars.com! cars.com is the best site on the net concerning car. Yeah the compass jeep is a very beautifull car. Please if anybody that comes to this blog could borrow me some money I would be very pleased. I don't work though I tried to find a job. I knocked at every door, it was always no. I'm ready to do anything. I didn't pay my rent for two months and Xmas was terrible: no turkey on my Xmas meal. Just pasta and peenut butter. I'm desperate. Please anybody help me financially. I would love to buy myself a Jeep Compass someday. God bless you all.

[Steve R.]

Jean, I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. I'd would be happy to help you out. Just let me know what I can do.

[Connie]

Earlier in the year we researched small SUV's just to see what was out there; currently I drive a '03 V6 AWD Vue. Nothing stood out or drove any better than the Vue, and sticker shock was outrageous when compared to all the options I currently had. So we decided to wait. Few weeks ago husband saw the Compass & took a test drive--ended up dragging me into the dealership the next night! Did the research & saw the negativity towards the vehicle, but agree you need to test it yourself. WOW!!! Handled wonderfully; surprised no one has mentioned the turning radius-turns on a dime! Leg room and ceiling height are comfortable for my 6'5" husband, and the interior looks fine to me. Did note the cruise control is in a strange place on the wheel, but don't use cruise that often to make it an issue. Like the curved lines Jeep went with on the Compass. My 'off-roading adventures' are limited to an unpaved road to a winery, but could tell the 4x4 would do just fine. The other pros are lower MSRP, better mpg for a SUV, and due to the standard safety features the increase on insurance payments is minimal. We put in the order today on the Sport 4x4 auto (had to have most of the bells and whistles, but price still came under what I put in the Vue). Will update after I've driven it a few months, but pleased so far with what the Jeep Compass offers.

[jean ludovic]

Dear steve, and the rest of you that have wanted to help me, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. may the lord protect you all and may you all have a wonderful year 2007. I wish you to succeed everything in your life. Thank the good Lord, I just found a position as cleaner in a restaurant. I started yesterday and I think they are satisfied with my work. I don't know much about the Jeep Compass except that it looks good. If I was to buy a car someday I think I would buy a car like that. I would want a Suv so that I would feel secure in it while driving(sitting high). It would have to be cheap with fuel, cause I'm not rich you know. Be comfortable inside and have enough room for my legs, cause I'm a tall guy. I would want that car to be a jeep cause it's a reference, especially with 4x4. Some people talked about the inside that looks cheap. I think what is cheap is the price of the whole car and that can't be a problem. I would be happy to have that car but I don't. I got to admit I feel blessed with what I have today. I told my landlord that I found a job so we made an arrangement concerning the rent. I will eat at my work place for New year's eve (they gave me food yesterday and today). I'm healthy, got a place to stay and food to eat. God bless you all. Jean.

[josy]

Hello everybody!
I just think that this SVU Jeep Compass is sooooo cute !!!! It looks so so nice especially the black one with white inside ! wau ! And my boyfriend who got it 2 months ago, drives me every day to my workplace and I m so proud of this car and this guy (: Happy New year to all of you that drive this compass........ !

[paul]

PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU READ ON THIS SITE...ONE PERSON IS POSTING BLOGS UNDER MANY DIFFERENT NAMES... ITS SO EASY TO SEE... ONE PERSON POSTED SIX BLOGS ON DEC 24TH WITHING ONE HOUR.. IT IS ABSOLUTELY THE SAME PERSON. THEN THEY CAME BACK DEC.28TH AND POSTED MORE.

JUST LOOK AT THE WAY THE PERSON ON DEC 28TH NAMED GORIBULAK SPELLED THE WORD BOUGHT (BAUGHT), AND LOOK AT THE WAY FRITZ SPELLED IT ON DEC 24TH (BAUGHT)

SO DO NOT BELIEVE ANY OF THE POSITIVE BLOGS. SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO SELL THESE CARS IS POSTING ALL OF THIS.

[Zach]

Paul,
You may be right about this moronic, Dec. 24 "Baught"-posting person, but you're wrong about me. I've said mostly good things about the Compass, and I'm not trying to sell them. Sure, there may be some idiots using this site for their own personal gain, but lets not forget what it's really for- Compass owners and potential buyers. So, let me ask you this, Paul: What makes you any better than the Dec. 24 guy? You're both on here disrupting the flow. He's trying to sell, and you're trying to tell people not to believe people like me. If you ask me, you're both morons that should be banned from the site.