2007-2008 Jeep Compass

I technically haven't driven a Jeep Compass in a year but its so similar to a certain car that I technically have always driven the thing.


Introduction: The Jeep Compass was introduced in 2007 as one of Jeep's most affordable models. Its based off the Dodge Caliber introduced in the same year. This is the very first Jeep to not have the "Trail rated" badge indicating its not designed to go off-road as every other Jeep had before.

Yeah my intro for this car is pretty pathetic...but that's as much as I can say about a re-badged Caliber. This is I believe the 2nd car I've driven from work. Judging from how little I have to say in the introduction...you know what to expect.


Performance: The Jeep Compass comes with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp and 165 lb.ft of torque. The same engine used in the base Sebring and Avenger. In a heavy vehicle like this you know what my grade is going to be. The only difference is the Compass uses a CVT. Its 0-100 km/h time is 9.2 seconds, far from impressive.

My Score: 2/10 - Engine is slow, noisy and not very fuel efficient.

Handling: The Compass uses Caliber suspension and as a result its not very good. The handling is pretty poor with lots of roll thanks to the bigger body. The steering is as usual numb with little feel or feedback. Its a bad combination to have a big heavy vehicle with poor handling and numb steering. Its not even comfortable riding over bumps which makes it all the more worse.

My Score: 2/10 - Poor cornering ability, numb steering and not comfortable.


Interior: The interior is virtually identical to the Caliber. Very very cheap materials, an unattractive dashboard, not built very well and worst of all not all that much roomier than a Caliber despite a bigger body. As a crossover SUV its a very poor job.

My Score: 1/10 - No more room than the awful car it was based off of.

Styling: This is where the Compass is different from the Caliber but just by looking at the Compass you know they didn't even bother. A round plasticky looking Wrangler is really what the styling says and unfortunately its a lesser vehicle than the Wrangler.

My Score: 2/10 - It shows its cheap looking while attempting to look like something it clearly isn't.

Value for the Money: The Compass is an awful value for the money especially when you compare it to the other Dodges and its Jeep sibling the Patriot. For the extra thousand you spend on a Compass all you get is a slightly bigger engine which isn't all that great. This is a big crock and ruins the Jeep name, Jeep enthusiasts must be furious about this awful re-badge.

My Score: 0/10 - A re-badge that costs more for no extra value, a pointless vehicle

Overall: 7/50 - What was Chrysler thinking, surely people weren't dumb enough to buy this were they?