[oohsoobad2]

I saw the Compass today on the test track and also on the highway. I didnt get to see it up close but It looked better than it did in pics. If anyone doesnt know its built at the same place the Caliber and is very similar. It goes into production next month.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

It is the sister car to the Caliber and is built on the same platform as it too, but with Jeep design. It looks OK, just not a Jeep person I guess.

 

[High Caliber]

I saw them both at the North American Auto show. They were pushing the Caliber but my whole group liked the Compass much better.

 

[sonicman]

yeah and unlike the caliber, supposedly get the 2.4 engine w/ manual at launch =)

 

[Xordok]

Sonic.. Sorry to disapoint you (like I was when I had the bad news...).. But the Manual transmission is only available in 1.8l... The 2.0l and 2.4l are available with the CVT..

 

[sonicman]

but allpar.com said so!

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

yeah and unlike the caliber, supposedly get the 2.4 engine w/ manual at launch =)

Unless you’re looking at the SRT-4, the 2.0L and 2.4L Caliber will only be available in a CVT. They may provide a manual transmission option but at this time we haven’t received any information regarding this offering.

Sorry.

Dan

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

Sonic.. Sorry to disapoint you (like I was when I had the bad news...).. But the Manual transmission is only available in 1.8l... The 2.0l and 2.4l are available with the CVT..

I believe he's talking about the Jeep Compass. So far we can't confirm or deny anything regarding this model but anything is possible. Officially it is still considered Concept vehicle.

Dan

 

[Steve Desjardins]

The compass is still considered a concept even though I have brouchures and its on dealer connect locate options?

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

The compass is still considered a concept even though I have brouchures and its on dealer connect locate options?

My mistake,
Full specifications on the Compass have yet to be released, so officially we cannot comment on them.

At this time the Compass's tentative release date is scheduled for summer 2006, this may be subject to change without prior notice.

Please keep in mind US and Canadian Operations are not the same and thus we cannot comment on Canadian Operation timelines.

Dan

 

[Steve Desjardins]

either way keep up the great work! Its a great time to be with DCX.

 

[sr4tuner]

I hope they get the srt version too it looks nicebut nothing like what traditional jeeps look like compared to the grand cherokee and the patriot

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

Just wonder how Jeep owners will react when the Compass joints their family. It is not your average looking Jeep mind you.

 

[Xordok]

As for the Compass.. I LOVE the Concept.. But the "retail" and "final" version we see on brochures and stuff is ... EURK!!!

See the difference:

Recently released Concept version (mid-late 2005):

Brochure / Final / Retail version:
http://www.jeep.com/07compass/gallery/

Really disapointing if you want my point of view..
If the final version would've been like the concept, I would've considered the Caliber for the Compass.. BUT... Not anymore..

 

[Silverfox]

It actually retains a lot of the original design elements of the concept, from what I can see. It is most definatly the Caliber's sister vehicle, too.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

It needs the "fogs" placed where the concept was, but actually molded into the front grille though. I don't mind it, its OK I guess.

 

[sr4tuner]

Now i need to see a caliber next to the jeep i think the jeep will look better non srt trim but i have to see the srt form of both next to each other

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

Just wonder how Jeep owners will react when the Compass joints their family. It is not your average looking Jeep mind you.

The reaction is half and half, most of the jeep faithful dismiss the vehicle because it’s not a true off-roading vehicle. (The reality is that 95% of jeeps never see off-roading) Others are convinced that the Compass will dilute the Jeep heritage, pretty standard fair for any new vehicle.

My outlook on it is that if people are calling/writing in to tell us they love/hate a new vehicle then we did good. If we release something and everyone sort of shrugs and says nothing, it’s usually tells me the vehicle is bland and unappealing.

I for one like the rally-esque look of the Compass and the rear seems to be better blended into the Jeep body then it was on the Caliber. Since I have no need for a full size vehicle, the Compass meets my needs and hopefully my budget.

Here are a few more shots of the production version, click on them for a larger picture:


Enjoy,
Dan

 

[245/45ZR-17]

SRT4 Compass...AWD...? Could something like this be in the works?

IMO it doesn't look nearly as good as a Cailber from the front end, but I kind of like the rear on the compass more.

 

[suzq044]

it would probably look @ least 80% better from the front, if they painted the bumper the same as the rest of the car. and the rear bumper too.