As we approach the end of the Compass's long-term test year, I recall that in earlier posts I reported feeling that while driving the Compass crossover I required the extra height of a booster seat. I complimented the Compass for its design, but felt like I lacked the feeling of road control because it is not a full fledged SUV.
It is funny how times have changed. After months of driving the Compass and really getting used to its build I was surprised to see that the Jeep Cherokee parked next to my Compass in the parking lot looked huge, if not monstrous, next to the Jeep Compass...
Ironic, of course, since the Cherokee is by no means one of the largest in its class on the market, but all a matter of comparison I suppose!
Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator
Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator
redliner says:
03:44 PM, 08/ 1/07
That's not any old Cherokee, its an SRT.
gharry says:
03:50 PM, 08/ 1/07
Umm ... SUVs and Road Control in the same sentence?? I guess a few might conceivably be thought of as in control (perhaps the BMW SUVs), but 'hulking whales' is probably more appropriate to the majority of SUVs. Can you tell I'm biased??
carlisimo says:
04:05 PM, 08/ 1/07
I have to echo gharry's comment; I would expect better road control out of a crossover, and blame the lack of it on ride height and a typically poor suspension.
redliner says:
04:24 PM, 08/ 1/07
....but the jeep site says that the Compass has a suspension tuned for "superior handling". They would not lie about somthing like that now would they?.......
jriz says:
09:30 AM, 08/ 2/07
Considering the Compass is a redressed Dodge Caliber, it's hardly a crossover, let alone an SUV. A Jeep badge can't change the fact its a front-wheel-drive, four-door hatchback with limited ground clearance and available all-wheel drive. Jeep's marketing department should be commended.
bimmerjay says:
10:08 AM, 08/ 2/07
James, I'm possibly sensing sarcasm in your thinking Jeep's marketing department should be commended. So the LT test is almost over, maybe a good riddance party is in order. :-)
"....but the jeep site says that the Compass has a suspension tuned for "superior handling". They would not lie about somthing like that now would they?......." lol
neely2005 says:
11:00 AM, 08/ 2/07
Jriz:
The Compass has 8.1 Inches of Ground Clearance. The Caliber (which IS a Crossover BTW) has 7 inches.
The Compass is available in AWD / 4WD and can be Locked in 4WD - the Caliber AWD can't be locked in 4WD.
The Compass is also Taller & Wider than the Caliber. These vehicles have a lot of similarities but they also have a lot of differences and it is Not just a matter of sticking a Jeep badge on it.
mopar424 says:
06:05 PM, 08/ 2/07
I bet I can guess which is faster. :)
SubyTrojan says:
06:50 PM, 08/ 2/07
The red one!
firstwagon says:
08:09 PM, 08/ 2/07
"The Compass has 8.1 Inches of Ground Clearance. The Caliber (which IS a Crossover BTW) has 7 inches.
The Compass is available in AWD / 4WD and can be Locked in 4WD - the Caliber AWD can't be locked in 4WD.
The Compass is also Taller & Wider than the Caliber. These vehicles have a lot of similarities but they also have a lot of differences and it is Not just a matter of sticking a Jeep badge on it."
Trust me, it;s just a Caliber with a Jeep badge. Different body work and a Jeep like grill does not make a Jeep.
Don't believe me?? Look under a 90's Cherokee and then look under a Compass/ Patriot. The Cherokees components look massive compared to light duty car parts on the Compass clones. Then remember that the Dana 30/35 you find in a Cherokee are considered light duty with off roaders and are often swapped out for stronger stuff.
The Compass is a tall car with an all wheel drive system for rain and snow, nothing more.
The Jeep styling and name are just for marketing purposes.
(Sorry if the sales guy told you otherwise)
neely2005 says:
05:30 AM, 08/ 3/07
firstwagon:
Of course the parts look smaller - it's called progress. Stronger metals & alloys have allowed for similar strength in a smaller package.
The AWD system in the Caliber is a Totally different system than the Freedom Drive I 4WD system in the Compass.
Just as the Freedom Drive II Trail Rated 4WD system in the Patriot is different than the Freedom Drive I system in the Compass.
The sales person didn't have to tell me anything, as unlike you I've actually done extensive research on all 3 (Caliber, Compass & Patriot) vehicles.
steel5blue says:
03:27 PM, 08/ 3/07
Let's all be glad that the Edmunds' long -term test of the jeep compass is coming to an end soon, and with it the steady stream of inane, irrelevant observations and misinformed comments.
And neely, I have long admired your restraint and objectivity in the face of utter ignorance and polemic. thank you.
bimmerjay says:
07:15 PM, 08/ 3/07
"The AWD system in the Caliber is a Totally different system than the Freedom Drive I 4WD system in the Compass."
No, they are the same hardware - electronic clutch-pack based AWD that defaults to FWD under normal conditions. The Compass just has a name for its system and a button that tells the pack to provide a 50/50 power split.
"Just as the Freedom Drive II Trail Rated 4WD system in the Patriot is different than the Freedom Drive I system in the Compass."
Freedom Drive II is the same clutch-coupled AWD system as FD I. FD II just gives you additional features like ESP, brake-based traction control and HDC. The hardware is still the same. The Patriot is 'Trail Rated' because it also comes with larger wheels/tires, more rugged, longer travel suspension and skid plates.
neely2005 says:
05:08 AM, 08/ 7/07
bimmerjay:
I suggest that you drive a Caliber R/T AWD, a Compass with Freedom Drive I & a Patriot with a Freedom Drive II (which also has a low range gear and hill descent BTW) and you'll quickly see that these are 3 completely different AWD / 4WD systems.
navigator89 says:
10:26 AM, 08/11/07
Now that's the best Jeep out there, the GC SRT8. Imagine pulling up beside Cayennes, X5s, Range Rovers and all and leaving them in the dust!
donbirren says:
02:05 PM, 04/30/11
Here I am at the very end of this blog and not on mention of the Compass' four wheel drive capabilities. My 2007 has convinced me that I will ALWAYS own an AWD car for driving in Chicago winters. It handles poor conditions like a mountain goat!