Anyone drive a Jeep Compass?

[Piecey]

DH and I test drove one a few years ago and fell in love. We've been dreaming a bit ever since but it wasn't justifiable as both our vehicles (04 Ford Ranger, 04 Grand Am) are paid off.

After DH had to try to get the stroller in the trunk of our Grand Am, he has decided that we are getting our Compass.
The local Jeep dealership was one of the ones that were axed... so tomorrow we are driving an hour to the closest dealership and he plans to leave with their only Compass.
I'm still wishy-washy on trading for a payment.


So. Remind me of how wonderful the Compass is. Or be honest if you hate it...

Anyone had any problems?

 

[adkkev]

We have a 2007 Compass Sport 4X4 with about 52000 miles on it. We really like it ... good gas mileage and it's very roomy.

Cons ... needed new tie rods at 42000 miles ... this seems to be a Compass/Caliber issue & I don't know if it's been addressed in the newer models. Tire noise is loud (we have the raised white letter Goodyear tires, so that might be why). Visibility to the left and right is blocked by the thick windshield pillars but you get accustomed to that and compensate by leaning forward to see, and you'll need to use your side mirrors because the back view isn't all that great.

Pros ... gas mileage, great in snow, roomy, lots of backseat legroom (and the backseats do have some recline so you can adjust them ... and they fold down for more carrying capacity), CVT transmission is smooth, glovebox doesn't lock.

Some "expert" reviews say that the Compass has sluggish acceleration but we haven't experienced that ... we don't have any trouble merging into interstate traffic or maintaining the flow in traffic.

The interior has been slightly changed since the 2007 model, with a better dashboard layout.

The only other vehicle that we would ever consider as a replacement would be a Ford Escape. The Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 are much more expensive and have less cargo space. And the roof rack systems for the Honda and Toyota are more $$ (we carry kayaks or solo canoes on our Compass).

Hope this helps!

 

[Piecey]

It does, thanks.

I'll take a look at all the things you listed in your con list, since I'll pretty much be the one driving it (Trading the Grand Am, keeping the Ranger, so I'll need the Compass to transport kiddo)

I know what you mean about the money, we looked around a few weeks ago but kept going right back to the Compass. For the money we just didnt find anything else close.

 

[sbell111]

Seems tiny compared to my Grand Cherokee. I'm not sure that I sould make the adjustment. Also, the Compass has no side airbags.

 

[Piecey]

I grew up in Grand Cherokees.. my Dad has had one or two since I was born, that much space would be great! My family is very much a Jeep family... but to go from a Grand Am to a Compass I think I'll be fine!

I just don't want something that big... I'm still "eh" about driving DH's Ranger but the Compass still has the smaller feel to it.

 

[ringaswan]

Seems tiny compared to my Grand Cherokee. I'm not sure that I sould make the adjustment. Also, the Compass has no side airbags.

not quite true ... see here

Compass has side CURTAIN airbags front and rear, and front seat side mounted airbags are an option.

 

[sbell111]

not quite true ... see here

Compass has side CURTAIN airbags front and rear, and front seat side mounted airbags are an option.

I stand corrected. The website that I glanced at was clearly in error.

 

[declansdad]

We have a 2007 Compass Sport 4X4 with about 52000 miles on it. We really like it ... good gas mileage and it's very roomy.

Cons ... needed new tie rods at 42000 miles ... this seems to be a Compass/Caliber issue & I don't know if it's been addressed in the newer models. Tire noise is loud (we have the raised white letter Goodyear tires, so that might be why). Visibility to the left and right is blocked by the thick windshield pillars but you get accustomed to that and compensate by leaning forward to see, and you'll need to use your side mirrors because the back view isn't all that great.

Pros ... gas mileage, great in snow, roomy, lots of backseat legroom (and the backseats do have some recline so you can adjust them ... and they fold down for more carrying capacity), CVT transmission is smooth, glovebox doesn't lock.

Some "expert" reviews say that the Compass has sluggish acceleration but we haven't experienced that ... we don't have any trouble merging into interstate traffic or maintaining the flow in traffic.

We also have a 2007 but it is 2 wheel drive. We have had the same problems with the tie rods and the road noise, and I agree with the visibility issues.

It has been great on gas and I haven't found there to be acceleration issues either.