What Is It?
2007 Jeep Compass
What's Special About It?
Without a lower-priced compact SUV with carlike ride and handling in its lineup, Jeep's lineup has had a hole big enough to drive a Hummer through. No longer. Jeep got to work and came up with the 2007 Compass. Due out by early June, the Compass will compete with the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Base price will be around $16,000.
Bulging fenders and the classic Jeep façade give the Compass the tough look customers expect from the brand. Unibody construction, a 103.7-inch wheelbase and overall length of 173.4 inches put it square in the compact SUV segment. The tallish body provides lots of room. Rear-seat legroom is a generous 39 inches while cargo capacity stands at 60.7 cubic feet.
A choice of front- or four-wheel drive will be offered and motivation will come from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder pumping out a stout 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft, thanks to variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. A five-speed manual is standard, and a CVT that simulates six stepped gears when shifted manually, is optional. Eight inches of ground clearance and a locking center differential on 4WD versions mean this ain't just a soft roader.
Base and Limited versions will be offered and a number of key features — such as stability control, side curtain airbags, ABS, and CD audio with MP3 jack — are standard on both, with the Limited adding leather seating, heated seats, chrome trim and 18-inch alloys.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Jeep finally offers something viable for those shopping in the sub-$20,000 compact SUV segment. — John DiPietro
2007 Jeep Compass
What's Special About It?
Without a lower-priced compact SUV with carlike ride and handling in its lineup, Jeep's lineup has had a hole big enough to drive a Hummer through. No longer. Jeep got to work and came up with the 2007 Compass. Due out by early June, the Compass will compete with the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Base price will be around $16,000.
Bulging fenders and the classic Jeep façade give the Compass the tough look customers expect from the brand. Unibody construction, a 103.7-inch wheelbase and overall length of 173.4 inches put it square in the compact SUV segment. The tallish body provides lots of room. Rear-seat legroom is a generous 39 inches while cargo capacity stands at 60.7 cubic feet.
A choice of front- or four-wheel drive will be offered and motivation will come from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder pumping out a stout 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft, thanks to variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. A five-speed manual is standard, and a CVT that simulates six stepped gears when shifted manually, is optional. Eight inches of ground clearance and a locking center differential on 4WD versions mean this ain't just a soft roader.
Base and Limited versions will be offered and a number of key features — such as stability control, side curtain airbags, ABS, and CD audio with MP3 jack — are standard on both, with the Limited adding leather seating, heated seats, chrome trim and 18-inch alloys.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Jeep finally offers something viable for those shopping in the sub-$20,000 compact SUV segment. — John DiPietro
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