2008 Jeep Compass making a splash

The 2008 Jeep Compass seems to be making a splash in the market. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Automotives tested the Jeep Patriot which in their opinion was pound for pound the best value crossover SUV.

According to this article, "The Patriot has more space and luxury compared with the other products in its class. It has the power to go anywhere because of its 2.4 liter inline four, which is joined to a new-fangled CVT transmission. While not outstanding in any one area (except ride and off-road-ability), the vehicle is a pleasure to drive and many will love it for its great interior amenities."

Now, the title of this post says it is about the Compass. Yes, the Patriot has a little brother - the Compass. While the Patriot has the length of a seven seater, the Compass is built on a smaller wheelbase, so there is a limit to how big a family it can accommodate. But with about a half ton less weight to carry, and having the same size inline four engine as its big brother, the Compass is a fun-to-drive compact SUV.

The Compass carrying less weight means greater fuel mileage. MPG figures are now similar with the smaller engine equipped RAV4 and CRV. The Toyota RAV4 and the Compass get the same 27 mpg. But because of its bigger engine, the Compass has 172 hp compared to the lesser 150 hp of the RAV4. I like that!

While the article comes out of Jamaica, the facts and figures won't be any different in any part of the world. The Compass looks to be a great value, and if you are a Jeep lover, here is another great option with better fuel mileage.

Choosing a Jeep

With seven models to choose from, how does a Jeep-lover choose which Jeep to get? That is a tough question. Jeeps range from the smaller Wrangler up to a 7-passenger Commander, so there is a wide-range of Jeeps to consider depending on what one is looking for.

Most of the Jeep models have been around for a while. I shared a review of the Commander in my last post. But I hadn't heard much about the other newer models yet, the Compass and Patriot. Today I ran across an article from The Gazette comparing these two. Here are a few of the highlights.

The article was titled "Patriot will go to battle on or off the road." That already tells me a lot of what I want to know. The Compass, however, doesn't quite match up. It comes with standard front-wheel drive which provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions. But "expecting it to be suitable for off-road use is wishful thinking." That's all I need to know. If you are looking for off-road, don't choose a Compass. It looks nice here against the background of the hills, but it doesn't sound like you want to try driving in them very much unless you stay on the main roads.

It seems like the Patriot will fill the bill a little more. The Gazette says, The 2008 Patriot Limited 4X4 is a step up the ladder from the entry-level Compass, slipping in between it and the Liberty. It too has questionable off-road capabilities unless you opt for the optional Freedom-Drive II four-wheel-drive system." Well, here's my question. Who in the world would want a Jeep without 4-wheel drive?

The writer of the article did some trail driving and said it handled the challenge. What he most appreciated was its ability to dig through snow. Living in Eastern Nebraska, that's one of the things I really like about my Jeeps. Again, I say, who would want a Jeep without 4-wheel drive? That's when they get fun. I love watching cars and pickups sitting there spinning in snow and ice while I just drive off like I'm on a dry road. That's fun, fun, fun!

So I guess the end result is, if you are just going to stay on the road, a Compass will work fine and will provide a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. If you might head to the hills, a Patriot will be a little better. However, for real off-roading, it would be better to stick to the tougher models. Again, I really like my Liberty and Grand Cherokee! But I haven't driven any others. I'm sure I would like them as well, as long as they have 4-wheel drive of course!

Jeep Compass - a crossover

The 2007 Jeep Compass is referred to as a crossover. In Automotive Blogs, it is described as "street-bred, with a hint of ruggedness." I like the looks of the one pictured here from Automotive Blogs. I think I could drive one if I had to. It comes with a 2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder engine and either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT2).

I've never driven a continuously variable transmission. It might take a little getting used to. The reviewers said the CVT "felt somewhat odd, because it would rev up nearly to the redline and just stay there for a while if you stomped on the accelerator from a standing stop, easing away from the high RPMs only when you eased off of the accelerator. This may be quite normal coming from a CVT transmission, but it's fairly odd if you're used to an automatic. With more and more cars sporting CVTs these days, we may have to get used to this behavior."

I suppose staying reved up like that will give it more pick-up. With the 2.4 liter engine, that may be necessary. I'm used to the 4.0 litre engine of my Grand Cherokee, which has plenty of get-up-and-go. A 2.4 sounds a little small. However, the CVT may make up for that.

If you've driven a CVT in any vehicle, I would be interested in hearing about your experience.