More than four decades after Bob Dylan sang about the times they are a-changin', rugged auto manufacturer Jeep has done a little changin' of its own.
Witness the Compass. Straying from its rugged over-hill-and-dale roots, Jeep ventures more into the mainstream and main street traffic with its new-for-2007 vehicle that has the underpinnings of a car.
Similar to the Dodge Caliber, the Compass takes Jeep to compact depths, eschews off-road features and joins the crossover generation - a hybrid of sport-utility vehicles and wagons.
Jeep didn't completely strip the Compass of all its forebear's strengths - there is all-wheel drive - but the attempt here is for a little more refinement.
Here to decide if the five-
passenger Compass measures up to the task are Wheels editor Amy Rollins and freelance automotive writer Dave Mikesell.
AMY: The Compass' styling cues include Jeep's recognizable seven-slot grille, round headlights and trapezoidal wheel openings, all meant to say "Jeep' to the Compass' target demographic: median
age of 40; 60 percent female/
40 percent male; median annual household income of $60,000;
50 percent college graduates; and 55 percent married. It's no "cute ute,' nor is it one of Jeep's traditional Rubicon Trail-rated tough guys. It's somewhere in between.
DAVE: The Compass comes in two trims - the base Sport and Limited - and each comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices range from $15,425 for the 2WD Sport to $21,180 for the AWD Limited. We both tested the AWD Sport, which starts at $17,025 and with a well-stocked options package remains at a price point within reach of many consumers.
AMY: Size-wise, the Compass and Caliber share the same wheelbase of 103.7 inches, but the Compass is wider and taller, with more front and rear head room and rear leg room. The Compass fares very well in comparison to other compact SUVs in the headroom and legroom categories.
My only concern would be for the middle passenger in the back seat. That passenger not only has the drivetrain hump to contend with, but also a pair of cupholders that fold down from the back of the center console.
Put someone like Dave there with his stork-like legs, and you'd hear a lot of howling and yowling. I'd designate that spot as the kids' seat.
DAVE: The only engine offered is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 172 horsepower and
165 lbs.-ft. of torque. Our
tester came with the optional automatic continuously variable transmission ($1,000) instead of the standard
5-speed manual. While the CVT is a plus (the infinite number of gears makes for seamless shifts), the engine could use a boost for open-road driving, which seems to be the goal for the Compass.
AMY: I agree with you here, Dave. The Compass' acceleration was acceptable, but you'd better not pull out in front of anything too close.
I didn't find anything objectionable about the way the Compass handled. It's pretty straightforward and easy to drive, commute in and park.
The full-time, on-demand 4x4 system is called Freedom Drive I. It's activated by pulling up on a switch located on the floor console and can be done on the fly. This system is designed for on-road use; there is no low-range gearing.
DAVE: Safety features headline the list of standard items on the Compass. There are curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, an antiskid system with rollover sensors and traction control. Also standard are power steering, CD player, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails and alloy wheels.
In addition to the continuously variable transmission, our tester came with a $2,600 Customer Preferred Package that includes air conditioning, power/folding mirrors, power windows with driver's one-touch down feature, power locks, remote keyless entry, height-
adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split reclining and folding rear seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, removable and rechargeable interior light, auxiliary power outlet and deep-
tinted rear glass. This package includes most items that come standard on the Limited model. Even with destination charges, our vehicle's bottom line was $21,185.
AMY: Dave's done a dandy job of outlining the Compass' features, but there are a few more to mention:
\u25B6 The front floor console has a sliding armrest that can move forward up to 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers.
The armrest's lid includes a flip pocket designed to hold a call phone or MP3 player. Ten CDs can fit in a storage bin beneath that. To me, this is clever packaging.
The cargo area's vinyl floor is removable and washable. Neatniks will love this feature.
DAVE: Despite its compactness, the Compass has decent interior space with a cargo volume of
60.7 cubic feet, thanks to the ability to fold the front passenger seat and the rear seat.
AMY: EPA mileage ratings stand at 23 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. The 13.6-gallon gas tank - virtually the smallest of the compact SUV niche - is filled with 87 octane gas.
DAVE: Jeep has made a bold move by going the gentler, softer route. Time will tell if this was the way to go.
AMY: Americans' appetite for SUV styling, versatility and visibility isn't waning, but mutating as we remember characteristics of cars we admire: better gas mileage and handling.
Jeep has designed the crossover Compass to go in a direction buyers will hopefully find to their liking.
Amy Rollins is Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-6901 or arollins@coxohio.com.
