The 2008 Jeep® Compass is a compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) with the makings of a fine family car. As USA Today says, "Compass is a marvelous, affordable package that's a lot more fun to drive and has a lot more utility and room than you expect. And it just happens to be a Jeep."
The 2008 Jeep Compass departs slightly from Jeep tradition in that it is more pavement-focused. The Compass has a Jeep-like overall form, and the signature grille is a Jeep family tie-in, but this family-friendly wagon is mostly intended 
for road duty. This fact is readily apparent in the Jeep Compass pricing that begins at an MSRP of just $18,055 for the two-wheel drive Sport model.
The Compass is available in two trims, the Sport and the Limited, both of which are available with either two- or four-wheel drive, and both of which come with a 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder engine. A smaller 2.0-liter 158 hp I4 is available as a credit option on the base model. The Sport is equipped with 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels while the Limited gets 18-inch wheels and other exterior accents. Eighteen-inch chrome-clad cast-aluminum wheels are optional on the Limited.
Inside the Compass, you’ll find front seats that impress reviewers for roomy comfort. USA Today describes them as "shaming the chairs in some much-higher-priced machines." A major plus for the Compass is its ease of entry and exit, aided by a lower ground clearance. Cars.com finds the cabin "easier to enter than any of the other Jeeps." Jeep has livened up the two-tone interior for 2008 adding a bit of chrome trim to the dashboard, door locks, door handles and radio knobs.
Jeep has also improved the standard features list for the 2008 Compass. While air conditioning was previously an option in all front-wheel drive models, it's now standard equipment on all but the base model. A tilt steering wheel is standard, and the base Sport comes equipped with an AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack. The Limited includes heated front seats and cruise control. An especially cool option on all models is rear-facing speakers that fold down from the liftgate for tailgating and picnics. As for interior storage, the Chicago Tribune admires the Limited 4WD's center console armrest, which has a flip-open cover "that holds and conceals your cell phone or MP3 player." Cargo room behind the rear seat is 22.7 cubic feet, which increases to 53.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. For flexibility, the rear seats also recline.
The Chicago Tribune gives the Compass 2.4-liter 172 hp engine a thumbs up, saying, "it boasts plenty of power to keep up with or lead the pack. Even steep inclines didn't give it a case of the droops." The 2008 Jeep Compass comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A Continuously Variable Transaxle automatic transmission, which Jeep calls the CVT2, is optional for either trim. The Limited adds an AutoStick feature to the CVT2 for manual shifting. NewCarTestDrive.com gives praise to the CVT2, noting that the Limited's combination of CVT2 with six-speed AutoStick "is the best of both worlds and works more precisely than the manual/automatic transmissions in many expensive sports sedans."
The Compass’ available four-wheel drive system increases its versatility and its appeal. For maximum traction in slippery situations, the system has a lock function that splits power 50/50 between the front and rear axles.
The EPA rates the 2008 Compass with 4WD and the 2.4-liter engine with automatic CVT transmission at 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The same model with the manual transmission is expected to get 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The 2WD with the manual transmission is rated for 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. Considering the utility and flexibility of the Compass, these mileage figures are quite good.
The Compass, which is one of Jeep's first vehicles to get a four-wheel independent suspension, delivers good handling and a comfortable ride. The Washington Post says the Compass has "excellent urban maneuverability," noting, "It's an easy commuter. City parking is a cinch." The Detroit Free Press also approves of the ride, explaining, "It also corners well and is comfortable and quiet in long highway runs." U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman confirms, "Maneuverability is great, and the smooth ride and solid workmanship leave competitors like the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox looking a bit out of shape." Reviewers also approve of the Compass’ braking competence. Consumer Guide says, "Brakes have good pedal feel," and USA Today adds, "Brakes and steering felt about the way you'd want, responsive without being touchy."
The Compass also comes with multi-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are optional for front-seat occupants. The Compass' crush zones are designed to help reduce injuries in the event of an accident. The 2008 Jeep Compass does well in federal government crash tests. The Compass receives four out of five stars for both driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests. In side crash tests, it gets five stars for front-seat and rear-seat safety. Both the front- and four-wheel drive models get a rollover rating of four stars. The Compass is also equipped with an array of active safety equipment including antilock brakes, electronic stability control, all-speed traction control and Brake Assist.
In this age of gas pains and escalating prices, it’s good to find a vehicle like the 2008 Jeep Compass. It’s economical to buy and affordable to operate. Compass is definitely headed in the right direction.
