Jeep Compass
Overall Score - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The all-new Compass offers a great price tag as an entry-level crossover, but if you're willing to pay a little extra, you can find higher quality craftsmanship and sportier performance elsewhere. If you are in the market for an affordable compact SUV, you might also want to consider the value-priced Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage or the highly- rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
New for 2007, the Jeep Compass is built on the same platform as the Dodge Caliber hatchback wagon. The Compass is Jeep's first foray into the crossover segment, and lacks typical Jeep off-roading capabilities. The Washington Post calls it "the Jeep for people who don't want Jeeps." Most experts consider the Compass to be a decent option for around-town driving, especially given the low sticker price. Many, however, also recommend that SUV shoppers are better off looking at other options in the competitive compact SUV class. Edmunds explains that while its "low price, unusual styling and interesting features are compelling at a glance ... its weak engine and cut-rate interior materials pose a significant liability." Car and Driver is also damning: "The name says Jeep, but the vibe says cheap. Forget about the Halls of Montezuma -- the Compass is about the malls of Petaluma."
Despite value pricing, Cars.com finds it "hard to justify the Compass to a real-world buyer." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Jeep Compass a rating of "average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership compared with other cars in its class.
Compass Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Designed for the road and not for trails, the 2007 Compass receives mixed reviews for its engine performance and handling. As for off-roading, the Sacramento Bee reports, "Suffice it to say that the Compass does not shape up as a rock-crushing trail rider." continue
Compass Exterior - 6.4 (Mediocre)
Exterior styling is described by some as bland, by a few as sporty, and by even fewer as "Jeep-like." Many echo U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman's assessment: "Sure, the Compass, a new member of Jeep's lineup, has Jeep's trademark waterfall grille on the front. But it takes a while for it to register that this diminutive, rounded mini-utility is actually a Jeep." continue
Compass Interior - 6.0 (Mediocre)
Unfortunately, the interior is where the Jeep Compass, which seats five, almost universally fails to impress. As the Detroit News explains, the Compass could be greatly improved if Jeep cut fewer corners and spent "a few more dollars to upgrade the interior materials." continue
Compass Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2007 Jeep Compass has received class-competitive crash test ratings, and it's equipped with a good array of safety features. Cars.com explains that "for an entry-level vehicle, the Compass comes stacked with safety features." continue
Compass Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Jeep Compass reliability score shown
is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.
This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial
quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically
the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The Compass comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, which also includes towing assistance.
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