2007 Jeep Compass First Drive

Does this new compact SUV point toward a new direction for the venerable Jeep brand?

by Alan Rider


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TO THE POINT What’s New? The new 2007 Jeep Compass is a small SUV built on the same platform as the 2007 Dodge Caliber, meaning it’s made for driving on the road rather than off of it.
Selling Points: Refined ride, affordable price, good head/leg room, several unique interior features, long list of standard safety equipment
Deal Breakers: Limited off-road capability, rear seat only suitable for two adults, slightly odd styling
Our Advice: If you’re looking for a civilized compact SUV for suburban adventures, the 2007 Jeep Compass is definitely worth considering. If you need true off-road capability, hold out for the forthcoming Jeep Patriot.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – Since the beginning, the word Jeep has stood for just one thing: Rugged, go anywhere off-road capability. But with the introduction of its new Compass sport-utility vehicle, the folks at Jeep are trying to stretch that definition in an attempt to appeal to a broader range of American car buyers.

In fact, you might think of the compact Compass – which is built on the same all-new underpinnings as the recently introduced Dodge Caliber – as a kinder, gentler Jeep. In place of the “Trail Rated” badges that proclaim the off-road capability of other Jeep models, the Compass sports more sophisticated lines and an available all-wheel-drive system that’s probably better suited to the ways in which most SUV owners typically use their vehicles.

While we question the decision to dilute the Jeep brand’s long-established gonna-get-through-come-hell-or-high-water position in the minds of car buyers – a clearly focused brand identity is, after all, the most valuable asset any company can have – we’re here to tell you the 2007 Jeep Compass is still an appealing little trucklet in many ways.