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.