The good news is I like the Jeep Compass better than the Dodge Caliber. The bad news is I'm not a fan of the Caliber, so a "better" version of that car still doesn't earn my money...or my endorsement. My primary Caliber complaint relates to that model's atrocious interior materials. They seem like a serious backslide in a world where little things are increasingly what make the difference between "good" and "bad" cars...
Some people will still argue that interior materials aren't particularly important to most consumers, but I counter that if all other things between two cars are equal (price, performance, ride quality, ergonomic design, etc.) and one of them has a high-quality interior and one has a cheap interior, which should you buy? On the Compass the interior looks much better than the Caliber's (the Dodge interior screams "CHEAP!" from across the parking lot). With the Compass the contrasting colors on the door panels and seats, at least in the Limited I drove, actually looked pretty good (think Saturn Sky versus Pontiac Solstice). But dig a little deeper and the low-quality plastic becomes obvious. Hey, at least you have to dig to discover this. The Compass also suffers from the same lack of power that hobbles the Caliber. I like some of the little touches, like the auxiliary audio input that's easy to access (some car makers like to hide these...) and the flashlight built into the cargo area dome light. I also much prefer this car's exterior styling over the Caliber, and my 8-year-old son absolutely loved the Compass' looks ("I like those round headlights -- they're cool!"). However, the lack of power and cheap interior materials (albeit better than the Caliber's) can't be overcome by cool body lines and some nifty features. I'd go CX-7 or Escape. BTW, this is our newest long-term car, so expect to see coverage and blogs on the Compass for the next year.
By rsholland
on July 31, 2006
11:42 AM
I've commented before that I think the Compass is all wrong for Jeep. It's the polar opposite of what Jeep stands for. I'm speaking from a marketing standpoint.
It's not that I'm against a car-based CUV for Jeep. I'm against having a Jeep "car." I think the Patroit, which is basically a Compass that has spent a few weeks at the gym, is a far better solution (and will address the same Compass market), both from a functional standpoint and from an brand image standpoint.
I posted over in Straightline that the Compass will be about as successful as the 1953 Willys Aero. I still stand by that statement.
http://66.160.188.111/Straightline/1179
I like the Patriot a lot, especially with the Freedom II (sort of) off-road package.
By mirth
on August 1, 2006
08:22 AM
Yeah, I don't really see a differentiation between the Patriot and Compass audience either.
By roar02ram
on August 1, 2006
08:33 AM
And personally, the Compass is uglier
By steve_
on August 1, 2006
02:32 PM
I always thought of the AMC Eagle as the Jeep "car."
By scott65
on August 1, 2006
08:52 PM
So Jeep is putting out 2 cars (Compass / Patriot) based on the same platform. Wow, badge engineering without even changing the badge!
Sidenote: I drove a Caliber yesterday and was quite, well, disgusted with the plastics. Everything felt flimsy and tacky and something out of a late 80's Hyundai. Horrible interior. And CVT drivedrains suck the fun out of any car.
By gljvd
on August 1, 2006
10:21 PM
well if they are increasing the quality of the interior hopefully by the time the patriot comes out it will be decent.
By fzr1000
on August 28, 2006
10:58 AM
Yes, this is badge engineering at it's worst. The Jeep Compass has no place being called a Jeep. It doesn't even have 4WD. It's an All Wheel Drive vehicle AWD. What's next, is Ford gonna put Aston Martin badges on its Focus?
By chuck1959
on September 10, 2006
05:28 PM
Well, I respectively disagree. IMO It does have a place. Jeep has to compete with the others...Caliber etc. I knew someone would comment it's not "JEEP" enough. Just like the Charger should not have been a sedan...which I agree....but the market does dictate what manufacters have to produce.
Is it just me, but aren't the rear door handles missing?
By natd7677
on January 4, 2007
09:02 PM
The rear door handles seems to be mounted on the window frames.
By lbeasman
on March 4, 2007
06:17 AM
I have a Jeep Compass since September '06. Nice car. Yes, it has alot of plastic but which car of this price doesn't . The seat are covered with a cloth that does not get dirty. I have the 4X4 verison with the stability package. I have been in several snow events and noticed that it works.
The only down side is the mileage--the last tank was 17 mpg. I was hoping for a little above 20 mpg.