Introduction

Jeep Compass - 2007 First Drive: Since the beginning, the word Jeep has stood for just one thing: Rugged, go anywhere off-road capability. But with the introduction of its new Compass sport-utility vehicle, the folks at Jeep are trying to stretch that definition in an attempt to appeal to a broader range of American car buyers.

In fact, you might think of the compact Compass – which is built on the same all-new underpinnings as the recently introduced Dodge Caliber – as a kinder, gentler Jeep. In place of the “Trail Rated” badges that proclaim the off-road capability of other Jeep models, the Compass sports more sophisticated lines and an available all-wheel-drive system that’s probably better suited to the ways in which most SUV owners typically use their vehicles.

While we question the decision to dilute the Jeep brand’s long-established gonna-get-through-come-hell-or-high-water position in the minds of car buyers – a clearly focused brand identity is, after all, the most valuable asset any company can have – we’re here to tell you the 2007 Jeep Compass is still an appealing little trucklet in many ways.

Model Mix

As the Jeep brand’s attempt to target first-time new car buyers, the 2007 Compass is designed to be affordable, without scrimping on important standard features. To that end, the first of the two available trim levels – the front-wheel drive Compass Sport – starts at just $15,985, including a $560 destination charge. For that money you get a fairly well-equipped small SUV with 17-inch painted alloy wheels, front fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster and wiper/washer, outside temperature display, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, and a stereo with four speakers, a CD player, and an auxiliary input jack for connecting an iPod or other MP3 player. Adding all-wheel drive bumps the Sport’s starting price up to $17,985. While those base prices mean having to settle for such quaint features as crank windows and manually-adjustable mirrors, you can outfit the front-wheel drive Sport with most of the amenities we expect in modern cars and still keep the price under the $20,000 mark.

The top-of-the-line Limited gets more of the good stuff standard including 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, tinted glass, leather upholstery, heated front seats, reclining rear seat backs, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, keyless entry, a universal garage door opener, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and floor mats. Prices start at $20,140 for the two-wheel drive Limited and $21,740 for the all-wheel drive version.

Available options include 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT), a power sunroof, an alarm system, Sirius satellite radio, and a premium Boston Acoustics audio system with nine speakers including a pair that flip down and out from the raised rear liftgate to allow you to share your Chamillionaire CDs with a sure-to-be appreciative world. Load it up with all the goodies and a Compass Limited model with all-wheel drive tops out at about $23,500.