- suv
- Lakeland, FL
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- autoshopper.com
2009 jeep compass review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The most car-like of the jeeps. introductionthe jeep compass is built like a car and drives like a car. It's a solid, sophisticated, 16-valve engine. It features electronic variable valve timing that continually changes the torque curve, bringing more versatility to the 165 peak pound-feet of torque, and more capability to the 172 peak horsepower. The cvt comes with the auto stick manual shiftgate feature. It has a strong steel structure and a well-planned subframe. Side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control with anti-rollover sensors are standard. inside, the instruments and controls are well placed and easy to use. There's good interior space all around, with rear seats that fold flat to make about 54 cubic feet of cargo space. Options for added versatility include reclining rear seats and a passenger front seat that also folds flat, creating either a table or eight-foot-long space for storage. While the new interior design is a step up versus the cut-rate feel of the last version, it is still largely plastic and doesn't offer a rich or warm feel. Power windows and power door locks are optional. for 2009, the compass also gets more sound insulation in the engine compartment and floor, as well as revised suspension tuning on the sport model for a more comfortable ride. Jeep's uconnect tunes and uconnect gps systems are also offered for the first time. lineupthe 2009 jeep compass comes as two models, sport and limited, each with front-wheel drive (2wd) or all-wheel drive (awd). It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission or a cvt automatic 1100) with auto stick manual shiftgate. It makes 158 hp and 141 pound-feet of torque and only comes with the cvt. the compass sport 2wd 18,465) and awd 20,215) come standard cloth upholstery; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; outside-temperature indicator; am/fm/cd stereo with auxiliary audio jack; 60/40 split rear seat; fog lamps; roof rails; and p215/60r17 tires on aluminum wheels. The awd sport adds a locking center differential. The quick order package 2,125) adds power windows and locks and keyless remote entry; cruise control; yes essentials cloth upholstery; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining split folding rear seat; map lights; removable and rechargeable interior lamp; floor mats; rear privacy glass; and a 115-volt power outlet. The front and rear fascia and side moldings have shiny aluminum accents, and, like the sport, the limited awd gets a locking center differential. options for the limited include the sport options, plus a security and cargo convenience group 695) with front side airbags, daytime running lights, bluetooth connectivity, an alarm and a tonneau cover; chrome-plated 18-inch aluminum wheels 825); and uconnect gps that includes a navigation system with real-time traffic information, sirius satellite radio, bluetooth connectivity and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to hold music and picture files, as well as navigation map information 1,200, $925 with the security and cargo convenience group). safety features that come standard on all models include dual front air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags; tire-pressure monitor; antilock brakes with brake assist (which applies more brake force than the driver is applying if sensors determine it's needed in a panic stop); traction control; and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants are optional and we recommend them. walkaroundjeep sent its brand in a new direction in 2007, introducing two car-based suvs, the compass and patriot. Of the two, the compass has more of a crossover look, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels and more laid back lines. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the c-pillars to preserve the character line. (the patriot, on the other hand, is more upright, looking like a smaller version of the commander and a throwback to the old cherokee. Jeep's other compact suv is the truck-based liberty. It looks similar to the patriot, but is even more upright and masculine.) the liftgate on the compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle, while those of the patriot and liberty are vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle (leaving more sheetmetal and reducing visibility) while the others, again, are square. that slope at the rear of the compass is matched by the steeply raked windshield, leading up to a roof that's slightly lower than that of the patriot and almost five inches lower than the liberty's. Black plastic roof rails continue from the top corners of the windshield all the way to the spoiler over the liftgate, channeling water over the roof. the compass limited has aluminum-looking trim on the sides and bumpers. The less-costly sport looks classier in its cleaner monotone. The optional 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels on the limited will appeal to those who want their jeep suv to look more like a cadillac escalade. interiorthe jeep compass cabin is roomy and comfortable. The front bucket seats are very comfortable without being soft. The sport is available with jeep's yes essentials upholstery, a rugged fabric that's stain, odor and static resistant. The front seat jacks upward, which is nice because the long dash makes it hard to see the ground in front of the car, even though the hood is short. The 2009 changes make it quieter and more attractive, but the compass still appears to be built to a price. It's also more rounded and has nicer graining than last year, but it's still made of hard plastic. The center stack trades a cheap-looking silver plastic for matching black and adds some nice chrome trim. The center stack is wide and intelligently designed: rectangular vents on top, a single-disc am/fm/cd stereo or the navigation system below it, and below that are three climate control knobs and various buttons for options (including the available heated seats). The shift lever, manual or automatic, sprouts from the dash. This practical high forward position was introduced by honda, but actually originated in rally racing cars, where ergonomics really matter. moving rearward, between the front seats, there are two fixed cupholders now nicely lit with leds, another small trough for cell phones and the like, the emergency brake handle, and a split center console bin with two levels of storage. The console top is an armrest and it's newly padded. legroom is good, both front and rear. The compass will be a fine vehicle for a family trip, with reclining rear seats optional on sport and standard on limited. There are cupholders in the rear but no net pockets on the front seatbacks, which would be nice. Grab handles make it easy to climb out. the rear 60/40 seatbacks fold flat with the touch of a finger o.
Lakeland, FLLakeland, FL at autoshopper.com