2007 Jeep Compass Exterior Review [ 2008 ]
Jeep Compass Exterior Review
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."
The Detroit Free Press remarks that the Compass' styling should attract city and suburban dwellers, and MSN refers to it as "sleeker" than other Jeeps.
To many, the grille is standard and Jeep-like, but there are other design elements that set the Compass apart from its siblings. Calling it "sharp," CNET is unfazed by the styling departures, saying the Compass "has an exterior design that combines sporty and rugged elements."
Although there are clearly those who favor its looks, there are other reviewers, such as the folks over at Autoweb, for example, who feel that "the design lacks flow or congruity." Other reviewers, such as the Washington Post, called it downright "ugly."
The Sport is equipped with 17" cast-aluminum wheels, and the Limited is equipped with 18" cast-aluminum wheels (and other exterior accents). Eighteen-inch chrome-clad cast-aluminum wheels are optional for the Limited.
