Chrysler knew full well the need for expansion of its model line and that Jeep would eventually  introduce more car-like models, something that wouldn’t be easy, as the company didn’t want Jeep to lose its go-anywhere off-road reputation. So, Compass is a car that promises its owners the capability to tackle rugged terrain like any other Jeep.

Coming off the assembly line in Belvedere, IL it is sold in the States for MSPR $18,465 – $24,575 with 4 trims available, making it both a good buy and also the first front-wheel drive Jeep with rear drive engaged on-demand, and a fully independent suspension. The transmission lacks the transfer-case with low range gearing needed for serious off-road use, but allows splitting torque in half between rear and front axles for some low traction surfaces.

Jeep Compass is powered by a  2.4 L 172 hp 4-cylinder engine developed in association with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It is more than adequate for the city use, and even though Compass is fairly heavy for its size it renders estimated 25 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the standard manual gearbox.  A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that raises cost by $1,000 is also available.

But moving from a more formal presentation to some personal impressions it is worth mentioning that its exterior does create an ambiguous impression. The headlights are round, the front is that of Jeep, but the rear looks like that of a Hyundai. However design is a matter of taste, especially since Chrysler positions Compass as vehicle for young adults. No complaints on the interior, the seats are comfortable, plenty of room for four people and a spacious trunk.

One of the strong points of this car is its handling and steering, which is not any different than that of a sedan. You can negotiate curbs with a speed of 85-100 miles per hour and still be confident. But off the asphalted roads Compass is also capable of performing. Most important part here is to switch off ESP and engage the part-time torque splitter. Here the Jeep’s heritage shines and shows that it is truly capable of much more as opposed to other crossovers.

After all Jeep Compass leaves a very good impression. It is a crossover, but one step above Nissan Xtrail, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander or Subaru Forester. And even the die-hard fans of Grand Cherokee will enjoy driving it! So welcome Jeep Compass – a good car worth every penny.

The 2007 Jeep Compass is a compact-sized sport utility with all of the four-wheel-drive advantages of its bigger brethren, but it’s a lot easier to move around and easier on the wallet, as well.

It’s a great little workhorse that is an all-new offering from Jeep. It weighs just a bit more than a ton and a half – 3,326 pounds – and it can carry four people in addition to the driver and can get 29 mpg in manual-transmission mode.

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Jeep’s hip-hop Bobblehead spots for the Compass have been taken out back and shot. Like the Compass they were shilling, the Bobblehead spots were only effective at being crappy. Of course, the replacement may not be any better. Surfing in from foreign markets is ad agency BBDO’s “City Man.” City Man is a jumble of street signs, gas pump nozzles and general urban detritus created by the swirl of wind from a passing Compass.

The STARTECH SD3 performance kit for the diesel model consists of an auxiliary module that modifies the engine electronics. With it maximum power output of grows from stock 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW. At the same time peak torque increases to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm.

As an optimal complement to the STARTECH SD3 power kit there is the STARTECH sport exhausts system with a large oval chrome tailpipe on either side. The fully stainless-steel precise- fit exhaust is available for all engine variants of the Compass, and lends the Jeep a more thrilling exhaust note.

For customizing the exterior STARTECH offers a custom-tailored designer suit. In the front the Compass gets a new face with the STARTECH front fascia. Retaining the original mounting points means easy installation and optimal precise fit.

I call the Compass “Jeep Lite” – an economy wagon, available with front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, cosmetically endowed with Jeep’s traditional seven-slot grille and Jeep badges, but little else that would make a real Jeep lover, one of those people who find spiritual renewal in driving over rocks and fording streams, want to buy.

That is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s all a matter of perspective, which gets us back to the business of giving necessity a kind face.

DaimlerChrysler’s Jeep group is in business to make money more than it is to make classic rough-riding models, such as the Jeep Wrangler.

But rising fuel prices, the trenchant nastiness of the anti-SUV crowd and the preference of American consumers for form over function have all combined to hurt sales of traditional Jeeps.

I personally don’t care if Jeep starts selling lite Jeeps to increase profits, as long as the Wrangler and other vehicles that are meant to be used in the mud maintain the ideals that make a Jeep a Jeep. I think that if Jeep were not attempting to meet the needs of consumers, we could ultimately see the demise of the true Jeeps.

Personally, I think that a high mileage on road vehicle could prove a boon for Jeep who needs a vehicle that can offset lagging sales of the bigger more gas hungry vehicles.

The Compass also introduces the Jeep Uconnect system into the market. Uconnect is a system that allows you to utilize your cell phones blue tooth capabilities to listen to conversations via the Compass’s speakers. Uconnect also includes:

• Voice dialing: Allows voice commands to be used to digit-dial the phone
  or access pre-stored voice tags
• Audio address book: Enables customers to store up to 32 names, four
  numbers per name, for a total of 128 phone numbers
• Emergency calls and towing assistance: Dials 911 or towing assistance
  at customer voice command
• Audio-system mute: Mutes the microphone for privacy
• Call transfer: Transfers a call from the Compass’ system to a mobile
  phone
• Multilingual: Provides English, French and Spanish language
  capabilities
• Multi-phone recognition: Allows as many as seven phones to be used
  within the Compass’ system

While the Compass is cheap, Jeep still has put a lot of thought into the creation of a vehicle with a focus on safety.

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