Jeep Compass
| Jeep Compass | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–) |
| Production | 2007 – present |
| Assembly | Belvidere, Illinois, (Belvidere Assembly), United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Crossover compact SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler PM/MK platform |
| Related | Mitsubishi Lancer Dodge Caliber Jeep Patriot Mitsubishi Outlander |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4 L GEMA I4 •Displacement:144.0 CID (2,360 cc)[1] •Stroke: 3.82 in (97 mm)[1] •Bore: 3.46 in (88 mm)[1] •Power: 172 hp (128 kW) 2.0 L GEMA I4 •Displacement:121.9 CID (1,998 cc)[2] •Stroke: 3.38 in (86 mm)[2] •Bore: 3.38 in (86 mm)[2] •Power: 154 bhp (115 kW)[2] |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual Automatic (CVT) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | 2007-09: Template:Auto in 2010-: Template:Auto in |
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 does not carry the "Trail Rated" badge found on other SUVs in the Jeep family. 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. [3]
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.
In a press conference on November 4, 2009, Chrysler LLC, now 20% 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.[4]
Total U.S. sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2007[5] | 39,491 |
| 2008[6] | 25,349 |
| 2009[7] | 11,739 |
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 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.[8] The Compass has not 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.
Notes
- ^ a b c "Jeep - Specs & Upgrades:". Chrysler LLC. Retrieved 2008-04-16.
- ^ a b c d "Chrysler Sebring Model". Chrysler LLC. Retrieved 2008-04-17.
- ^ Jeep Compass concept vehicle Retrieved from www.ultimatecarpage.com on 1 June 2009
- ^ Pund, Daniel (2009-11-04). "Chrysler-Fiat Press Conference: Jeep Product Plan". Blogs.insideline.com. Retrieved 2009-11-23.
- ^ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail". CheersandGears.com. 2008-01-03. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
- ^ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
- ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
- ^ McCraw, Jim (April 12, 2006), "The First Front-Wheel-Drive Jeep", The New York Times, retrieved 2010-03-26
References
- Kranz, Rick (June 13, 2005). "Jeep will reportedly build two car-based vehicles". AutoWeek. Retrieved June 13, 2005.
- Valcourt, Josee (January 9, 2006). "Jeep's target: Everybody". Detroit News. Retrieved January 9, 2006.
External links
