Looking to make a buck in the small-SUV market, Jeep broke into it in 2007 with not one but two vehicles. The Compass is more carlike and less rugged than its fraternal twin, the tougher-looking Patriot. Its maker calls it "The Urban Recreational Vehicle."
Since the Compass was released slightly ahead of the Patriot, it becomes the first front-wheel-drive Jeep. It's based on the Dodge Caliber, and its mission is to combine roominess and safety with fuel economy. It handles the roominess issue, as its cargo space knocks out the so-called cute-ute competition's, but it really makes an impression with safety. Not only is the Compass built with crumple zones, door beams, and an energy-transferring beam beneath the backseat, it also includes driver and front passenger multi-stage air bags with available side-curtain supplemental air bags, ABS, and traction control. There's even a knee bolster for the driver. It achieved a full 5 stars in the NHTSA side-impact crash test.
As for fuel economy, the 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine was designed for fuel economy; a 4x2 Compass may be able to achieve 30 highway miles to the gallon. Transmission choices are the 5-speed manual or an optional continuously variable automatic, a very smooth technology that constantly adjusts electronically to deliver what's needed in the driving situation, be it power or cruising efficiency.
Since this is an entry-level vehicle, the interior is unsurpringly plastic-laden. But it has a good number of practical storage spaces for cellphones and what have you, and the armrest on the center console slides to accommodate short and tall drivers alike. The design maximizes space, with the shifter angled out of the front area rather than straight out of the floor.
The list of standard equipment vs. options is a bit peculiar. A buyer must add power windows, air conditioning, and even a cigarette lighter, but fog lamps, airbags, stability and traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are all standard.
Other interesting aspects of the Compass are a vinyl floor in the cargo area that can be hosed out and an interior overhead light that pops out of its holder/recharger for independent use as a flashlight. And here's something else: The speakers in the hatchback can be flipped outward when the hatch is open, directing the tunes in the direction of tailgaters.
And now, to answer the question of whether this Jeep product can leave the pavement: Yes, but it's no Wrangler Rubicon. The available Freedom Drive I 4WD system is superior to what comes on most competing cute-utes in that it includes a lock mode that holds torque distribution to an even split between front and rear axle. The braking system is excellent, and it features a rough-road detection sensor for improved safety on loose surfaces.
That said, the Compass is still intended to ride like a car, and its suspension is thusly tuned. As cute as it may be with its hatchback and its lack of boxiness, it's still a Jeep: The round headlights and seven-slot grille say it loud and proud.
While I was driving down the street my car just kinda jerked a couple of times them turned off? I tried right away to start it but it wouldn't start. I waited like 5 mins. Then it started right up? What can be the problem?
I have a 2007 Jeep Compass that just hit 100,000 miles and a friend advised me to get the transmission fluid changed as regular maintenance. I called a dealership but they said my Jeep has a CVT, which is sealed and doesn't need to be flushed/changed. I'm hoping this is accurate but I would like a second opinion to make sure I'm not neglecting my jeep in the long run.
just bought a 2007 jeep compass it will try but wont start
I have a 2007 compass when you make a sharp turn and or press on brakes a bell dings. What is it?
My hazard light and heated seats won't work in my 07 Jeep Compass , they are in the same cluster , the signal lights work fine , can anyone help they both quit at same time
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning delete: heater only · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · HD radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.12
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: speed sensitive central locking
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: remote
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning delete: heater only · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: speed sensitive central locking
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: remote
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.12
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bench · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: remote
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · HD radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 2 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: remote
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed