- 11,582
- Garland, TX
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- autoshopper.com
2008 jeep compass review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Small crossover with big-suv virtues. introductionthe jeep compass is a car-based vehicle that's enjoyable to drive and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. First introduced as a 2007 model, the compass is built on a front-wheel-drive, car-based structure, a modified version of the platform that supports the mitsubishi lancer and jeep patriot. one way to measure the value of the compass might be to compare it to the trusty jeep cherokee that was enormously popular for 18 years and finally ended its run in 2001. It's a solid, sophisticated, 16-valve engine. It features electronic variable valve timing that continually changes the torque curve, bringing more versatility to the 165 peak pound-feet of torque, and more capability to the 172 peak horsepower. The cvt comes with the auto stick manual shiftgate feature for 2008. The auto stick enables the driver to shift up and down over six preset gear ratios, making it feel like a six-speed gearbox without a clutch pedal. also new for 2008, jeep has recalibrated the engine and transaxle for improved drivability and reduced noise. Chrome interior accents brighten the 2008 models, and air conditioning and a tire-pressure monitor are standard equipment. the safety, ride and handling of the compass are all excellent, with a strong steel structure and well-planned subframe. Side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control with anti-rollover sensors are standard. Power windows and power door locks are optional, however. Some cannot. inside, the compass is thoughtfully designed. The instruments and controls are well placed and easy to use, though the materials feel cut rate. There's good interior space all around, with rear seats that fold flat to make about 54 cubic feet of cargo space. Options for added versatility include reclining rear seats and a passenger front seat that also folds flat, creating either a table or eight-foot-long space for storage. lineupthe jeep compass comes as two models, sport and limited, each with front-wheel drive (2wd) or all-wheel drive (awd). It comes standard with a five speed manual transmission or a cvt automatic 1100) with auto stick manual shiftgate. It makes 158 hp and 141 pound-feet of torque and only comes with the cvt. the 2wd sport 16,475) and awd sport 18,225) come standard cloth upholstery; air conditioning; outside-temperature indicator; am/fm/cd stereo with auxiliary audio jack; vinyl load floor; center console sliding armrest with cell phone or mp3 pocket; 60/40 split rear seat; tilt steering column; fog lamps; roof rails; and p215/60r17 tires on aluminum wheels. The front and rear fascia and side moldings have shiny aluminum accents. options for the limited include the sport options, plus its own security and cargo convenience group 495) with daytime running lights, alarm, cargo cover, and jeep's uconnect wireless cell phone link; chrome-plated 18-inch aluminum wheels 825); the boston acoustics sound system 495); and a dvd-based navigation system with six-disc cd changer 1,395). A rallye group for sport 1,985) and limited 1,850) includes driving lamps, a rear stabilizer bar, rear spoiler, bright exhaust tip, and mopar body trim; for sport, it also adds p215/55r18 tires on aluminum wheels. safety features that come standard on all models include dual front air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags; tire-pressure monitor; antilock brakes with brake assist (which applies more brake force than the driver is applying if sensors determine it's needed in a panic stop); traction control; and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants are optional 250) and we recommend them. walkaroundjeep sent its brand in a new direction in 2007, introducing two car-based suvs, the compass and patriot. Of the two, the compass has more of a crossover look, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels and more laid back lines. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the c-pillars to preserve the character line. (the patriot, on the other hand, is more upright, looking like a smaller version of the commander and a throwback to the old cherokee. Jeep's other compact suv, the liberty, is redesigned for 2008. It looks similar to the patriot, but is even more upright and masculine.) the liftgate on the compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle, while those of the patriot and liberty are vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle (leaving more sheetmetal and reducing visibility) while the others, again, are square. that slope at the rear of the compass is matched by the steeply raked windshield, leading up to a roof that's slightly lower than that of the patriot and almost five inches lower than the liberty's. Black plastic roof rails continue from the top corners of the windshield all the way to the spoiler over the liftgate, channeling water over the roof. the compass limited has aluminum-looking trim on the sides and bumpers. The less-costly sport looks classier in its cleaner monotone. The optional 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels on the limited will appeal to those who want their jeep suv to look more like a cadillac escalade. interiorthe jeep compass cabin is roomy and comfortable. The front bucket seats are very comfortable without being soft. The sport is available with jeep's yes essentials upholstery, a rugged fabric that's stain, odor and static resistant. The front seat jacks upward, which is nice because the long dash makes it hard to see the ground in front of the car, even though the hood is short. The interior isn't very exciting to look at (boring in beige but better in gray) and the feel is far from luxurious. But it is quite functional. The center stack is wide and intelligently designed: rectangular vents on top, a single-disc am/fm/cd stereo below it, and below that a slot that might hold a paperback book. Lower still are three climate control knobs and various buttons for options (including the available heated seats). The shift lever, manual or automatic, sprouts from the dash below these buttons. This practical high forward position was introduced by honda, but actually originated in rally racing cars, where ergonomics really matter. moving rearward, between the front seats, there are two fixed cupholders, the emergency brake handle, and a flip-up center console containing a slot for a cell phone or mp3 player. The console top is an armrest, and can slide forward three inches to accommodate drivers of different sizes. legroom is good, both front and rear: 39. 4 inches in the rear. The compass will be a fine vehicle for a family trip, with reclining rear seats, optional on sport and standard on limited. There are cupholders in the rear but no net pockets on th.
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