Like its platform sibling, the Dodge Caliber, the Jeep Compass can be had with an optional audio system with flip-down speakers mounted in the liftgate. When the speaker box is lowered (pictured), the speakers point directly outwards.
It might seem gimmicky. And maybe it is...
But editor James Riswick and I field-tested the system and, yes, the sound is both louder and clearer for bystanders when the speaker box is lowered. Now you can even further annoy other tailgaters as you endlessly loop Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part II" song.
Actual audio quality of the Compass' system, in case you're wondering, is pretty good. The 368-watt Boston Acoustics system has two tweeters in the dash, a 6x9-inch speaker in each door, a cargo area-mounted subwoofer and two 3.5-inch speakers in the rear liftgate's flip-down box.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
billt9 says:
03:37 PM, 09/13/07
Functionally very good feature.
Could have hired smarter artists to design the shape.
This unit looks like it was styled by an engineer.
jriz says:
03:39 PM, 09/13/07
Personally, I think they missed a perfect opportunity to put an optional Pimp My Ride-friendly LCD screen right where the handle is.
actualsize says:
10:58 AM, 09/14/07
billt9: Hey! Take that back. I resemble that remark!
bromans: You ever work in the ad business? Nice product facing job.
estreka says:
01:33 PM, 09/14/07
Would it be easy for someone to replace the speakers? That's usually the first thing I do when I get a car. Memphis Audio has the best speakers.
bimmerjay says:
02:59 PM, 09/14/07
"Would it be easy for someone to replace the speakers? That's usually the first thing I do when I get a car."
The first thing I would do after getting this car is to replace the car with a different one.
SubyTrojan says:
04:14 PM, 09/14/07
LOL! Be nice, J! Most of the time with this vehicle, the editors are just making the most of what they've been "dealt."
neely2005 says:
04:40 PM, 09/14/07
For Bimmerjay nothing can top his AMC Gremlin - he just finished paying it off.
ateixeira says:
01:17 PM, 09/19/07
I'll 2nd the idea of putting an LCD screen there. Perfect spot!