• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Prices
• Photo Gallery

Jeep Compass - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Jeep Compass ranks 23 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 50 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Compass, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Jeep's first and only crossover vehicle, the Compass, is a smooth-riding, affordable option within the compact SUV class. However, it lacks Jeep's trademark styling and off-road abilities. It's also widely criticized for its poor materials quality.

For 2009, the Compass gets a mild refresh that may make it more appealing to buyers. "The Compass gets a redesigned instrument panel, door trim panels and center console," says Cars.com. "Jeep says there is a retuned suspension and improved sound deadening to provide a smoother and quieter ride." One strong argument for considering the Compass is its fuel efficiency. Along with the Patriot, it's one of Jeep's most efficient vehicles and sits near the top of its class with a 23/28 mpg rating.

Jeep's parent company, Chrysler, has filed for bankruptcy and is expected to merge with Italian automaker Fiat. The combined company will most likely drop some of Chryser's low-selling models while introducing new Fiat model's to the U.S. While this may discourage you from buying a Chrysler, it shouldn't -- all warranties will continue to be honored and many dealerships will remain open. Plus, check out great Jeep deals that may be available on slow-selling or soon-to-be-disctontinued models.

The Compass comes in two trims -- the base Sport and the Limited -- in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

• "A thorough interior overhaul isn't enough to elevate the 2009 Jeep Compass from the compact SUV segment's sub-basement. You can do much better." -- Edmunds
• "Certainly, Chrysler still has more work to do for a vehicle like the Compass to make our 5Best trucks list, but the overhaul to the interior is a laudable step toward making the little Jeepsters easier to live with -- and it appears we'll probably have to live with the Compass/Patriot twins for a while." -- Car and Driver
• "Compass is an SUV that flies in the face of Jeep tradition because it doesn't carry a pretense of off-road capability. Compared with others of its ilk, Compass lacks the overall refinement of the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4." -- Consumer Guide
• "After all, it has the right badge, the right features and now, the right interior. If anything, 2009's revisions show that Jeep's corporate owners, Cerberus, are out to produce competitive vehicles that consumers will want to own." -- Automobile.com
• "Buyers looking for a sport/utility with good road manners and exceptional fuel economy will find most everything they need in the Compass, but Jeep loyalists aren't likely to be happy about the brand equity given up for this new model." -- Motor Trend
• "Compass is a marvelous, affordable package that's a lot more fun to drive and has a lot more utility and room than you expect. And it just happens to be a Jeep." -- USA Today

Compass Performance - 7.1 (Good)

The 2009 Jeep Compass offers an adequate enough on-road experience, but test drivers are still disappointed that it doesn't have off-road capabilities. "Suffice it to say that the Compass does not shape up as a rock-crushing trail rider -- even with its 4WD powertrain and 8-inches-plus ground clearance," says the Sacramento Bee. "The Compass is more at home taking five people and their belongings to the beach for a summer day." However, test drivers dislike the optional automatic Continuously Variable Transmission. continue

Compass Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The rounded contours of the Jeep Compass lack the trademark boxy styling of every other Jeep -- a point of criticism for reviewers. "Hot or not: Not. My parking attendants didn't even know it was a Jeep!" says U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman. Some reviewers like the SUV's grille, but are still dissatisfied with the overall design. continue

Compass Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)

Since its 2007 introduction, the Jeep Compass has taken lots of criticism for its poor-quality five-seat cabin. However, that changes somewhat with a mild refresh for 2009. "In place of the '08 models' miserable oceans of shiny plastic are, well, much less offensive oceans of not-so-shiny plastic, and a decent helping of well-placed brightwork sprinkled about the cabin, most notably on the completely redesigned dashboard, which now has round air registers ringed in chrome," says Car and Driver. Most reviewers also approve of the cabin's front-seat comfort, but are disappointed in cargo capacity. continue

Compass Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Jeep Compass does well in federal government crash tests. It's also equipped with an array of safety equipment. continue

Compass Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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 warranty, which also includes towing assistance. continue