Test: 2007 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4

It is not "Trail Rated." Who cares!

 2007 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4

2007 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4

Jeep was given a challenge: to create a new model Jeep. After all, the brand now enjoys a high reputation, which must be the envy of many other manufacturers. But when a new model Jeep made its appearance, it must be good ... not very good. In addition, the company began affixing badges "Trail Rated" on the sides of its products that manage to escape the Rubicon Trail without leaving feathers.

Suddenly, Jeep has decided to produce a new model with no version is "Trail Rated" Compass 2007. Since he showed his nose on stage in Detroit last January, the Jeep purists scream loudly that the Compass does not deserve the famous grille seven nostrils, and product planners Jeep lost the ball.

The new Jeep Compass represents what is believed to be an urban SUV. Available in configurations and AWD traction, this little truck is now the cheapest model Jeep, posting a price below that of the new Wrangler. Compass shares its engine and platform with the Dodge Caliber, which sells very well in these times.

Until I see the Compass close, I thought it looked a little weird in photos. However, this Jeep is much more beautiful in the flesh, it is even attractive. This is probably due to the novelty aspect, but the Compass attracts a lot of attention. The front, with his face to the true trademark of Jeep and its round headlights, has a beefy air, and the family resemblance is unmistakable. The swollen wheel arches front and rear seem to be inspired from the look of the Wrangler and the rear door handles are set in the frames, which gives it an air of small truck vehicle with two doors. In addition, 18-inch chrome wheels, while optional add style to the set.

Open the hood and you'll find the same 172 hp engine in the Caliber R / T. What's funny is that you can get a manual 5-speed with the 2.4-liter engine in the Compass; this is not the case of the Caliber. By cons, my test car was equipped with the automatic transmission (CVT) optional.

While the powertrain is suitable for normal driving, the engine is noisy, and the sound it emits is not particularly pleasant. The CVT works well when you are not

hurry, but when you press the accelerator, the engine speed rises to 6000 rev / min and remains there until you have mercy and you lift your foot. Meanwhile, the Compass actually accelerates, but the four-cylinder does not seem to appreciate. With Autos tick manual mode with six preset ratios, and makes driving more enjoyable. My average fuel consumption during the week was 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Test

2007 Jeep Wrangler

Two extra doors, it changes everything

There is not a single vehicle has a greater fame than the Wrangler. I'm not talking about prestige here, but respect and admiration. The Wrangler is truck worship, and I do not know anyone who does not like it.

Wrangler in its entire splendor.

It's funny to see how many things we tolerate in a Wrangler that simply does not accept another truck. Noise, driving behavior, fuel consumption and convenience almost nonexistent.

In my opinion, the Wrangler corrects several deficiencies in 2007 compared to TJ last year, thanks to the new four-door version; the potential customer has to increase.

Allure successful

Unsurprisingly, not confuse this vehicle with anything other than a Wrangler. And even by grafting two extra doors, styling and utility is still robust. I think the grille is a little cheap as it is now plastic, but overall, I love the look that is both modern and retro.

And when you come across other drivers YJ, TJ Wrangler and on the road, do not forget to greet them. They greet you. It's like learning the secret handshake when you become a member of an exclusive club: it feels like a family member ... one big family. For those who are wondering, my experiences at the wheel of Compass and Patriot earned any greeting Jeep purists.

The hardtop that my tester team is divided into three parts: two panels of the front part can be removed quite easily. For cons, the rear is much heavier and requires tools if you want to remove the Wrangler. In addition, the paint on these boards seems to scratch easily. At least we can enjoy the sun without having to remove the entire roof.

The handling of the Wrangler may seem awkward, but everything changes when you leave the pavement.

More efficient engine

To the dismay of purists, the initial announcement that the 3.8-liter V6 engine from the Grand Caravan and Town & Country would find its way under the hood of the Wrangler has been criticized somewhat. It also made me raise an eyebrow, but I must admit that this engine performs its task with gusto. At least, it is an improvement over the old six-cylinder in-line petrol which gorged like a drunkard. My average fuel consumption of 13.9 liters per 100 kilometers is more significant than the 19 liters observed during my testing a TJ Rubicon in 2005.

Despite having the aerodynamics of a brick, its fuel consumption is acceptable.

It took 14.3 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h: this is still laborious than the previous model, but are you saying that the V6 is not an easy task: it must drag a vehicle of 1947 kg (4292 pounds) not too aerodynamic. The engine is smoother, by cons, and quieter to use: you can now start a conversation in the cockpit, even on the highway.

The Wrangler is doing in terms of handling, but it should still be careful with this type of vehicle, of course. Hand brake, no problem for normal driving, but say other SUVs perform better during emergency braking. Turnover Jeep has improved significantly on the highway, which was intolerable in the old TJ. I must say that the wheelbase of the Unlimited likely contributes to improve his behavior.

Say that every step of the way, we sent the first Wrangler: if not cross the obstacle, the other would not be more capable. The Jeep was our reference, which means everything.

Jeep Soft Top Maintenance and Cleaning

Exposure Jeep Soft Top (mold / UV / heat / rain)

Like your Jeep, but you must love your Soft Top too! Elements are hard on your Soft Top rain, mildew, UV rays, heat, bird droppings, tar, tree sap and many other things. Jeep owners we love the outdoors, we love the sun, but the sun is not good for our Soft Tops. The sun's UV rays cause the fabric to fade, son of fail, and our vinyl windows to yellow, crack and fade. For these reasons, we need to spend a little time and effort on our hoods. If you take care of your Soft Top that will last for many years to come, if you have made an investment in a Jeep Bikini Top your top deputy for the summer months do not neglect it. Jeep Bikini Top needs care and maintenance too and what is surprising is that few minute spent on your Jeep Bikini Top will extend the life and improve appearance.

Jeep Soft Top Maintenance

You must keep your Soft Top maintenance on a regular basis, at different times of the year may require more maintenance than others, and the age of your Soft Top. Generally, you must apply protectors every 30 to 90 days depending on the factors mentioned above. There are three areas you should focus on when it comes to your Jeep Soft Top.

These three areas are: 1) The fabric, 2) Windows 3) The zippers

The first two are self-evident, but the zippers are often ignored until it is too late. You want to buy a lubricant to keep the zippers in working order. The four products that you will need are cleaner, protectant, and lubricant polisher.

Application Protectants your Jeep Soft Top

Hoods look like they are made of canvas, but in reality they are made from PVC is to be flexible by adding plasticizers. Acrylic, polyester, cotton blends and other synthetic materials are woven to form your Soft Top. These fabrics are treated with chemical repellents, as they are considered breathable fabrics. As with any Soft Top with time you may encounter a breakdown of tissue leakage and experience. Protective application on a regular basis will extend the life of high and avoid an early start leaking. Protectors will help features and the appearance of condoms preserving your Jeep Soft Top rain, UV rays, moisture and heat.

Soft Top your garage whenever possible

This next topic may seem obvious, but because of the mentality of freewheel Jeep owner a few times it is silent. One of the best ways to protect your Jeep Soft Top is in the garage of your Jeep. In garage your Jeep you reduce exposure to the elements. This does not mean that you can jump Soft Top maintenance, but it means that you are buying time. Keep in mind whenever possible, even if you do not have a home garage, you can garage your Jeep to the mall, the doctor’s office or work. When you go take a few minutes to look around before you park and see if the facility has a parking garage. Take the opportunity and a garage of your Soft Top.

Cleaning your Jeep Soft Top

The most important thing is to buy the right products, on the other hand you should take the time to read the instructions and follow them closely. Some trusted brands to consider are Bestop, Mopar and Raggtopp. These brands offer products that you need, polishing, protector, polishing and lubricant. When purchasing your cleaning products Soft Top these are brands that have been around for a long time, and they know how through tests to keep you Jeep Soft Top in great shape.

Products Jeep Soft Top

Bestop is a longstanding brand is Jeep Soft Tops, Bikini Tops, Safari and Combo Tops Windjammer Duster. Because they understand that condoms necessary maintenance. They offer a cleaner and protector Combo Pack that includes everything you need for your Jeep Soft Top, cleaner, polisher and protector for your windows. You will still need to buy the Zipper cleaner / lubricant.

RaggTopp offers a two pack with cleaner and protector, but you'll still need to buy the polisher windows and Zipper Cleaner / lubricant.

Mopar has the best cleaner and lubricant Zipper for your Jeep Soft Top. Cleaner / Lubricant works on all types of zippers, plastic and metal. The bottle has a special brush that allows you to remove dirt and deposits lodged in the slide channel and apply the lubricant as well. Do not forget your Zippers!

Steps Soft Top Maintenance

Just because your Jeep Soft Top looks like the canvas it does not mean it is not? We discussed previously do not clean your Soft Top with common household products. Never use bleach, detergents, ammonia or alcohol-based products. These products will damage your top and reduce the quality and life of your Soft Top.

Wash your Soft Top at least once a month or if you notice the collection of dust or dirt.

Make sure the shampoo / cleaner you use does not contain oils. Oil will act as a dust magnet. As long as you stick to trusted products for your Jeep Soft Top will be protected.

Use a soft bristle brush to get the grime and dirt from the surface.

Make sure to rinse all residue gap will ensure the life Soft Top.

Apply protective Soft Top, that in the shade so that the protector does not dry you allow time to spread it around. Apply it in a circular motion or intersect.

When cleaning windows, cleaning left to right or from right to left so as not to scratch the surface. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the windows.

When applying cleaner on Windows make sure to use a soft sponge or cotton cloth and apply the filter to the inside and outside.

You have made an investment in your Jeep Soft Top, Bikini Top, Safari Top Duster Combo or Windjammer, now protect it. Make sure you trust the industry products Bestop, Mopar RaggTop and follow the instructions and keep a maintenance schedule.

Soft Top Guid for Jeep Acessories

The experience looks beautiful and rugged parts Jeep

Use the best parts and accessories jeep in turn and in the way you always wanted it to be. The automotive market features the most technologically advanced jeep 4 × 4 parts and accessories jeep 4 × 4 so that the brand could meet the increasing demands of customers. Thus, the experience of rage in which the market is booming jeep You can certainly recent redesign your car for the next trip to the beautiful grounds where you want to dive in these beautiful sunny dunes of the Middle East who are tirelessly to waiting for the bold and sturdy wheels to be spread over.

Best jeep accessories for you

Change is something that is essential for all living creatures on this planet. You got you change the period of time if you want to have a happy lifestyle. However, how many times you do not realize that you change, but changing for good. Similarly, you must change your environment and automobile you are for the most part there are people who have a obsession for vehicles they own. Based on common, they need to discover the new look of their vehicle. The look can be changed with just the color, or the use of a 4 × 4 jeep genuine parts or accessories jeep 4 × 4. Anyway, it must be certified and exactly as you. So when you go for such a change, make sure that change is what you have always wanted. At times, there is a disappointment leading to another layer change so that you can actually enjoy your driving experience while saving time for the same thing.

To provide the best standards and enhanced driving experience, engineers and automotive designers work every day to give you what we call "the best". As a result, we obtain a complete comfort, high-end functionality and superb aesthetics in a single car. Do with building and details of jeep  parts and accessories, we now have luxury, greater fuel efficiency and are superb. In addition, even if you're just not happy with the kind of the appearance of your vehicle has, just do a little homework online and get the best store in spare parts that you have discovered.

Use your vehicle with the jeep 4 × 4 parts and accessories that you like and turn your vehicle into your favorite. Also, make sure you buy a cleaning kit and so that you can bathe your baby when you complete just arrived after a long weekend trip. Believe it or not, cleaning your jeep is certainly another way to relax, just next to the off-road adventure. Everyone dirt from all corners flush for your vehicle could inhale and exhale freely. Bring out fresh and perfectly prepared for your trip. In this way, you tend to put a lot of money and you can definitely use elsewhere.

Care Car or Jeep: How to pamper her body

Maintain a beautiful body, flawless and glowing for years: that is very tempting. And it is possible! It is, in fact, nothing could be easier. In a hurry use the roller washes, but the result is sometimes mixed. To really protect your car OR JEEP, nothing beats the "elbow grease". Here's how you get out.

stylish accessories 

You do not have the time to spend your Sunday to "pamper" your car OR JEEP? Choose the easiest solution, but not necessarily the most economical long term use machines in use generally in petrol stations.

However, be sure to gauge your overall self and the attachment of certain accessories (mirrors, skirts ...). Stations refuse access to vehicles with tarpaulins (convertibles, pickups, some 4x4).

Washing the rollers is the most common, cheapest and fastest. But it can leave traces. This phenomenon of "micro-scratches" is mostly related to older generations of brushes. For information, they must be changed periodically after two or three years of operation. Sand and dust are also very abrasive to polish: attention to automatic gates in coastal areas. So repasseront maniacs behind to polish by hand. Above all, do not forget to lower the antenna and firmly close the windows. Or toilet is really complete.

Alternatively, the high-pressure washing. It allows you to clean the tunnels wheels and underbody. In addition, the jet does not scratch the paint. Nevertheless, if the body is too dirty, impose an additional pass him detergent. Attention, consider taking "boots and oilskins" because washing areas are not always "nickel-chrome" and it happens quite often that one is a victim of projections of the jet. Never ever to spread the jet engine, the pressure of the water is such that it could penetrate electrical or electronic circuits.

In all cases, leaving the washing, remember to give some shots brakes leaving the washing area to find a satisfactory efficiency.

It is clear, these washes are not worth the "elbow grease". In the end, you may be disappointed with the paint, which will appear dull. In this case, do not hesitate to complete the job yourself, following our other boards.

Maintenance Car or Jeep: Battery

The key maintenance

Maintenance Car or Jeep: Battery

Check the

Everyone knows it, but the battery contains electrolyte, a liquid mixture of water and sulfuric acid. And a battery with a low electrolyte level gives signs of weakness. To check the level, simply remove the cap or closure bar filling holes. Take a screwdriver if necessary. Must be able to verify that the liquid covers all the elements of the battery, ie the lead plates. The electrolyte level must exceed the plates of about 1 to 1.5 cm.

Top up

If one or more elements do not bathe in water, it must be refilled. In theory, with only distilled or deionized water. But if your battery is completely empty, do not hesitate to add a little water. It will be less severe than continue to run under these conditions. Attention! Never add special sulfuric acid battery is only used to fulfill a new battery delivered dry.

Finally, do not forget that some maintenance free batteries cannot do this upgrade. The caps are sealed.

Clean the terminals

A slight deposit of sulphate (like limestone) between the terminal and the terminal of the battery is sufficient to limit the current. It may even prevent starting the car in cold weather. A wire brush or sandpaper can easily remove this white residue. If this is not enough, consider replacing pods.

Also remember to tighten the clamp that holds the battery. More stable, no risk of upsetting the lead plates and thus lead to a short-circuit elements.

Grease the terminals

After cleaning, coat with grease, pods and the plastic green or red. You retarderez the formation of sulfate. Attention! This should only be done once the lugs tight. It does nothing to prevent electrical contact between the terminals and the terminal.

Place washers anti-sulfate

If your battery has a tendency to "sulphated", you can put washers to prevent the formation of this substance. They insulate the terminals and the terminals of gassing and leaking acid led to the formation of sulfate.

Protect the battery tray

Sometimes the metal bracket suffer acid attacks the battery. In case of damage, remove the battery, then remove and scrape the rust is on the tray. Finally repaint the tank with rust.

Check the alternator

If you have followed all the advice Caradisiac and your car still sputters, take a look at the starter. It may cause malfunction of the battery. Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage at the battery terminals. Engine stopped for several hours, your battery should read between 12.5 and 12.7 v v if it is fully charged. Below 11.7 V, it is flat.

If you control the engine running, the alternator should read between 14 and 14.7 v v. below it does not work. Beyond it loads too. Should check the status of the controller. Then do not hesitate to consult a specialist.

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Test Jeep Grand Cherokee S-Limited

After unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in February, under the designation of Sport Concept, this version of the Grand Cherokee, Jeep has decided to start marketing. Available only in Europe, finishing this extra range changes name and is called S-Limited. The term sports package whose vocation it is to compete in the German rightly disappears because the changes do not involve motor or settings but only on the outside and inside.

Test Jeep Grand Cherokee S-Limited

What is this car? . The American brand is rooted in the collective memory because of the Willys, the road simple but robust born in 1941 and used by the GIs of the U.S. Army during World War II.

This love is renewed during the 80s when Renault bought for a few years, the brand American Motors Corporation (AMC), owner of Jeep.

 who usually enjoys the little ostentatious display of wealth, wear a different perspective on the Grand Cherokee, which is the 4th generation and its judgment will be more lenient as to other luxury SUVs like the Range Rover, the BMW X5 The Volvo XC90, or worse, the Porsche Cayenne.

The version tested. Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 CRD S-Limited finishes and costs $ 62,600.

Its look. Well, yes, there is no more class than the Range Rover. But the Jeep Cherokee just behind the British. Less than a Lexus RX eco friendly, less bestial than the Infiniti FX, it remains a less noisy and less glitz Audi Q7 BMW X5 that even if the S-Limited finish gives the SUV 4.82 m U.S. a sporty look. So remember, black is invited on several factors, whether the 7 bars grille with its chrome grille, the bottom of the headlights, rear spoiler, rear side windows and dual exhaust. The 20 "rims, also black and metallic, completing the range and enhance its somewhat aggressive to make it more manly while remaining rare sobriety. Measured yet I remain on the drawing of the front missing singularity.

Board. Inspired inside the demonic equipped V8 SRT 6.4 l 468 hp Grand Cherokee S-Limited adopts the attributes with sports pedals and chrome heated and ventilated seats in Nappa leather and suede that provide lateral support. Certainly, the improvement is obvious compared to the older generation and the interior is very plush, but when it is said to belong to the luxury SUV and when a customer is willing to pay more than $ 60,000, you must proposed finishes and materials without reproach. That side of our American Indian, despite interbreeding with Italy's Fiat, not equal European productions. This is not the carbon inserts that run the dashboard and door trims which are all. On the transmission tunnel and in the lower part, plastics are hard as our neighbors across the Rhine also treat these parties. Similarly, we remain perplexed by the very vintage display on the screen of the GPS 6.5 "which is more of an old Atari 520 ST is a PC art.

If there is no need to board contortion must however have the arm elastic superhero Mister Fantastic to grip the handle sharply away from the door so its opening angle is wide.

For the rest, considering the size, space is like the plains of the American West, immense and intense brightness in the Mojave Desert with the presence of the panoramic sunroof as standard. We do not sulk the pleasure of being pampered, including the back where occupants have, too, heated seats which are, moreover, tilt 18 °.

Despite a power tailgate and a Quadra-Lift air suspension that lowers for easy loading, the Grand Cherokee is an SUV, which means no threshold hilltop not the most convenient. Nevertheless, his chest with a removable flashlight in the left wall engulfs a large volume of 782 l (and 1750 liters seats folded), a value significantly higher than the Toyota Land Cruiser SW (701 l) or Volkswagen Touareg (580 l ).

Driving. Last remnants of belonging to Daimler, the Grand Cherokee inherits the platform of the Mercedes ML and automatic transmission. If the first element is a good thing and does not suffer any reproach because of additional benefits, arm multilink rear instead of a rigid axle, guaranteeing comfort, we do not say that transmission.

Jeep Interior Accessories

With only five reports, she is limping face competition that features 7 (Volkswagen Touareg) and even 8 (Range Rover, Audi Q7, BMW X5). So sportiness takes for his grade. Slow, unresponsive, it must also be done with the 2347 kg of the vehicle. It will wait until next year to finally get a box of eight reports should make accreditation more in line with the temperament claimed by its looks.

Fortunately, the V6 CRD directly from VM Motori in that is also found on the Lancia Thema will watch him in height, thanks in part to 550 Nm of torque. Apart from a sound agricultural cold, the diesel unit is ideal companion for a journey along the course.

Jeep but not limited to bitumen and smooth Indian has other strings to his bow that I unfortunately could not test. That of a beast, first of all, able to tow up to 3.5 tonnes and with a stabilizer trailer. It will be the ideal partner for anyone with a boat.

On the other hand, its off-road capabilities are in no way tainted by its 20 "rims. His permanent AWD, the transfer case 2 speed Quadra-Trac II, the air suspension system Quadra-Lift which, together with Select Terrain system allows you to vary the ground clearance between 16.5 and 27 cm to fit the terrain (sand / mud, Sport, Auto, snow, rock), an angle of 34.3 ° and a departure angle of 27.3 ° make a true adventurer in chic outfit.

Budget and ecological assessment. Only $ 300 purchase separate finishing Overland S-Limited. So why not take the plunge as this modest sum comes in addition to the elements that give this sporty (grille, rims, exhaust, pedals, carbon fiber insert), the Quadra-Trac II and audio system with 19 HP signed Harman Kardon.

Compared to the competition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is well placed in terms of tariff given its particular equipment supplied. The list is so long that I'm just going to list the main in addition to those already mentioned above: heated steering wheel, bi-Xenon headlamps, hill start assistance, parking aid with front and rear camera, control system lowering, collision warning, motion detection in the rear region, Blind Spot Monitoring and adaptive cruise control.