Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass

Manufacturer	Chrysler
Production	2006– present
Model years	2007 – present
Assembly	Belvidere, Illinois, (Belvidere Assembly), United States
Class	Crossover compact SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler PM/MK platform
Engine	2.4 L GEMA I4  •Displacement:144.0 CID (2,360 cc)  •Stroke: 3.82 in (97 mm)  •Bore: 3.46 in (88 mm)  •Power: 172 hp (128 kW) 2.0 L GEMA I4  •Displacement:121.9 CID (1,998 cc)  •Stroke: 3.38 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.38 in (86 mm)  •Power: 154 bhp (115 kW)
Transmission	5-speed manual Automatic (CVT)
Wheelbase	103.7 in (2,634 mm)
Length	173.4 in (4,404 mm)
Width	69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Height	2007–09: 64.2 in (1,631 mm) 2010–: 65.2 in (1,656 mm)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Dodge Caliber Jeep Patriot Mitsubishi Outlander

The Jeep Compass (MK49) is a compact crossover SUV introduced for the 2007 model year. The Jeep Compass, along with the Patriot both slot below the Jeep Wrangler as Jeep's entry-level sport utility vehicles, and is one of Jeep's first crossover SUVs.

The Compass did not carry the "Trail Rated" badge found on other SUVs in the Jeep family for the 2007-2010 model years, but received the "Trail Rated" badge for the 2011 model year. This indicates that the Compass targets first-time Jeep buyers and those who drive primarily on paved roads. Traditional Jeep vehicles, in contrast, have a reputation for off-road prowess, and some trace their origins to vehicles once used in ground operations by American troops.

The Compass and Patriot are both based on the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform. These vehicles are differentiated by their styling and marketing: The Patriot is a traditionally styled 4-door Jeep wagon, while the Compass shares a more in-town hatchback look, similar in terms to the Dodge Caliber.

History

Four years prior to the introduction of the production Jeep Compass, a concept vehicle with the same name had its world premiere in Detroit at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. It featured a two door body, all-wheel drive and a 3.7-liter V6 engine.

Jeep made its public debut of the production Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The first Compass was assembled on May 30, 2006, in Belvidere, Illinois, where the Dodge Neon was produced.

2011 updates

2011 Jeep Compass Limited

In a press conference on November 4, 2009 Chrysler LLC, now 25% under Fiat ownership, announced that both the Patriot and Compass would get modifications for 2010, but will be discontinued by 2012, to be replaced by a single Fiat-based model.

For 2011, Jeep redesigned the Compass to more closely resemble the Grand Cherokee, while keeping its own identity. The 2011 Jeep Compass also receives a revised suspension for better handling, a revised interior with more standard equipment, and more option packages including a Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package which includes a continuously variable transmission fitted with a low-range setting, all-terrain tires inside 17-inch aluminum wheels, skid plates, a four-wheel-drive system, and an increase ground clearance of a full inch.

Safety

The Compass was safety tested by Euro NCAP in 2012 and got only two star rating, mainly because it old model (despite its exterior update in 2011) and not developed against the new targets.

Euro NCAP test results
Jeep Compass (2012)
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	22	61%
Child occupant:	37	76%
Pedestrian:	8	23%
Safety assist:	3	43%

Total United States sales

Calendar Year	Sales
2007	39,491
2008	25,349
2009	11,739
2010	15,894
2011	47,709

Powertrain

The Compass uses a 172 hp (128 kW) 2.4 liter GEMA I4 gasoline engine. The 2.0 liter GEMA engine is available on the 4X2 Sport model. A 2,0 liter l-R4 CRD 103 kW (140 PS) Volkswagen-designed diesel engine is available for the European and Australian markets. This engine is the same as used in the Volkswagen Passat.

The car also features an electronically controlled all wheel drive system with variable torque between speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h) and 65 mph (105 km/h) for optimal handling. However, the base model version has only Front wheel drive (FWD), a first for any Jeep. The Trail Rated version of the Compass has passed the same testing of off-road ability as other Jeep vehicles in terms of traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. Although Chrysler has released a high-performance 2008 SRT4 version of the Dodge Caliber, there is no SRT Group (Street and Racing Technology) edition of the Compass.

References

• Kranz, Rick (June 13, 2005). "Jeep will reportedly build two car-based vehicles". AutoWeek. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20050613/FREE/506130722. Retrieved June 13, 2005. 
• Valcourt, Josee (January 9, 2006). "Jeep's target: Everybody". Detroit News. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/AUTO04/601090382/1148/AUTO01. Retrieved January 9, 2006. 

External links

• Official website
• Jeep Compass at WikiCars
• 2011 Jeep Compass specs in automobile-catalog
• Jeep Compass