Test Drive 2011 Jeep COmpass trail rated - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Stew · 05-21-2011, 01:02 PM

Small SUV

Compare: 2007 Jeep patriot FD1 5 speed manual/2011 Jeep Compass Off Road wioth CVT.

Well, yes, I test drove another vehicle. I am not interested in buying it; I just wanted to see what has really changed since 07. I just want to do kind of a comparison.

2007 Jeep Patriot, 2.4 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual, FD1 4x4 (not trail rated)

2011 Compass: 2.4 4 cylinder, CVT trans with low range, off road FD2 4x4 system.

Yes, mine is a Patriot and the 11 I drove was a compass, but the only difference is the exterior. The drive trains, interior, suspensions, etc, etc are exactly the same. So let’s get started.

Exterior: The Compass is now a really good looking vehicle. The Grand Cherokee style front end really works with the rest of the body, and it, indeed, looks a lot like a small Grand Cherokee. I still like the Patriot better, especially with its 2011 updates.

Interior: This is a revelation! The interior is far and away one of the worst parts of the 07-08 Patriots. Everything you touch is a hard grainy plastic, except for the plastic surrounding the climate controls, head unit, and center vents which is that silver finish that, thankfully, a lot of manufacturers are finally moving away from. Even the arm rests are hard. Seems are also visible everywhere. I am problably making it sound worse than it is as I have really not been bothered by it, by I am trying to stay Objective. Now, the 2011 Compass is totally different. The shape and coloring of the interior are FAR better, the armrests and most touch points are now a soft material. The head unit and gauges are FAR more attractive. The seats are also far superior, no more of the open center headrest, but a true usable full, soft headrest. The new steering wheel is also a HUGE improvement with the cruise controls finally moved to it, rather than the Toyota like stalk (as a note, my Patriot does not have cruise control). The cargo area, which in 07 only had a plastic floor covering, The 09-11s now have a carpeted floor, which is 2 sided and you can flip it over for a plastic tray. The extra sound deadening has also quieted down the interior a lot. VERY NICE! The only qualm and this is a small one, is that the wheel still only tilts and does not telescope. Overall, I am jealous and really loved this interior.

Ride/Handling: Keep in mind my Patriot is an 07 with just over 70k miles, but the ride and handling are still good for a tall crossover, though I can attest all the miles and occasional off-road use has taken it's toll. The Compass suspension was noticeably stiffer than the Patriot, but still not rough even when it was new. The extra inch of ground clearance is really more noticeable from the seat than I expected, you defiantly feel higher off the ground. Steering felt better on center and just the slightest bit heavier. It felt better, but the major difference I was expecting with it being the off-road package and with all the improvements for 2011.

Drivetrain: This is the deal breaker. Both the 07 and 11 have the same 2.4, 172 HP 4 cylinder. The Patriot has a 5 speed. The government highway rating is 27MPG highway. I average anywhere from 26-30+ these days. The 5 speed is actually pretty good. It is easy to use, shifts are longer than a sports car of course, but it is not too long and actually injects some fun in the little SUV. The 07 Patriots engine is quiet and not audible at idle. It is no powerhouse, but it is plenty for a daily driver and getting going, heck, it'll bark em going into second lol. You would think the Compass should be fine here, but when you pair the CVT with the 2.4, it's a mess..... Climbing the engine made lots of noise as the CVT held the revs steady and the power seemed way down compared to the 07. It may have been more livable if it had the autostick feature with 6 programmed gears like the 2WD and FD1 models, but it simply has Drive and Low. The CVT also felt weird wt times. Slowing to a stock, it would like it downshifted an actual gear set and then lunge forward. It was not a pleasant feeling. Also, being the off-road package the fuel mileage is a rather dismal 23 MPG HWY, where the non off-road 4x4 CVT is rated at 26, and the manual at 28. In any case, he CVT needs to go and in my opinion, is the major fault of this vehicle. If makes the drive noisy, it loses power, and seems to be far less efficient than a modern 6 speed automatic.

Overall: I generally liked it. The lack of a telescoping wheel is not a deal breaker............ The CVT transmission is. When I bought my Patriot 3 years ago, the auto being a CVT is the main reason I got the manual. It is a decision I do not regret and would do again.

Thanks for reading

Silverlsinva · 05-21-2011, 04:05 PM

Good review the car mags need to hire u for some real unbiased reviews like they use to have.

ibeck · 05-21-2011, 11:18 PM

Thanks man, this is actually really relevant as I'm looking at trading in my 2002 Grand Cherokee tomorrow either for a new Compass, or Patriot. It's gonna be my daily driver, so the 4 cylinder AT is a no brainer, and I'm going for a Latitude 4x4. Glad to hear you like the new Compass, I just really love the way it looks!!

Scrappy Doo · 05-23-2011, 12:18 PM

Way to go STEW! Another class act of a review.

The dealerships are going to ban you from any more testdrives until you buy something.. HA.

Let the journey continue.

Stew · 05-24-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverlsinva

Good review the car mags need to hire u for some real unbiased reviews like they use to have.

I would love that, be much better than my current job as a call center jockey haha

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibeck

Thanks man, this is actually really relevant as I'm looking at trading in my 2002 Grand Cherokee tomorrow either for a new Compass, or Patriot. It's gonna be my daily driver, so the 4 cylinder AT is a no brainer, and I'm going for a Latitude 4x4. Glad to hear you like the new Compass, I just really love the way it looks!!

Definatly drive it and go up hills, etc. I do believe the CVT in the non Off-road package 4x4 would be much better. i have convinced 2 people to buy patriot FD1s over the last couple years and they love them

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrappy Doo

Way to go STEW! Another class act of a review.

The dealerships are going to ban you from any more testdrives until you buy something.. HA.

Let the journey continue.

I think it has officially turned into an addiction LOL. Hey, i finally got to sit in a new Focus, WOW! They have really outdone themselves on that little car! I haven't driven it yet because my interest really lies with the 5 door and they haven't had any yet, just sedans. I still wish chevy would give us the 5 door cruze they showed and i loved the look of it. Another car that has gotten my attention, but isn't out ye, is the Hyundai Veloster. It is smaller than what I have been looking at, but with 18 HP and 2600 pounds and a Dual Clutch Tranny with paddle shifters (and the rumor of a 208 HP turbo version), it may not be fast, but it should be a blast to drive.

CausticGuy · 06-12-2011, 08:54 PM

We had an 07 Compass Limited, every option except 4 wheel drive and the upgraded sound system. It also doesnt have navigation as the early 07 didnt have it available. My wife has always loved the car. We traded it in for an '11 limited 2 months ago and she loves this one even more. The leather and interior in the new Jeep is amazing. Road noise is way down from the '07 and the suspension and steering does feel alot tighter. As for the CVT tranny, its always been ok for us as we've gotten the 4x2 both times and 90% of her driving is around town The CVT does great at getting us high MPG in town. I wish she'd have gotten the GMC Terrain but I couldnt talk her into it and the Compass saved me about $5k option for option.

05-21-2011, 01:02 PM	#1
Stew Drives: 92 Luminadead/01 Dakota/97 F150 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Eastern, Ky Posts: 3,789	Test Drive 2011 Jeep COmpass trail rated Small SUV Compare: 2007 Jeep patriot FD1 5 speed manual/2011 Jeep Compass Off Road wioth CVT. Well, yes, I test drove another vehicle. I am not interested in buying it; I just wanted to see what has really changed since 07. I just want to do kind of a comparison. 2007 Jeep Patriot, 2.4 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual, FD1 4x4 (not trail rated) 2011 Compass: 2.4 4 cylinder, CVT trans with low range, off road FD2 4x4 system. Yes, mine is a Patriot and the 11 I drove was a compass, but the only difference is the exterior. The drive trains, interior, suspensions, etc, etc are exactly the same. So let’s get started. Exterior: The Compass is now a really good looking vehicle. The Grand Cherokee style front end really works with the rest of the body, and it, indeed, looks a lot like a small Grand Cherokee. I still like the Patriot better, especially with its 2011 updates. Interior: This is a revelation! The interior is far and away one of the worst parts of the 07-08 Patriots. Everything you touch is a hard grainy plastic, except for the plastic surrounding the climate controls, head unit, and center vents which is that silver finish that, thankfully, a lot of manufacturers are finally moving away from. Even the arm rests are hard. Seems are also visible everywhere. I am problably making it sound worse than it is as I have really not been bothered by it, by I am trying to stay Objective. Now, the 2011 Compass is totally different. The shape and coloring of the interior are FAR better, the armrests and most touch points are now a soft material. The head unit and gauges are FAR more attractive. The seats are also far superior, no more of the open center headrest, but a true usable full, soft headrest. The new steering wheel is also a HUGE improvement with the cruise controls finally moved to it, rather than the Toyota like stalk (as a note, my Patriot does not have cruise control). The cargo area, which in 07 only had a plastic floor covering, The 09-11s now have a carpeted floor, which is 2 sided and you can flip it over for a plastic tray. The extra sound deadening has also quieted down the interior a lot. VERY NICE! The only qualm and this is a small one, is that the wheel still only tilts and does not telescope. Overall, I am jealous and really loved this interior. Ride/Handling: Keep in mind my Patriot is an 07 with just over 70k miles, but the ride and handling are still good for a tall crossover, though I can attest all the miles and occasional off-road use has taken it's toll. The Compass suspension was noticeably stiffer than the Patriot, but still not rough even when it was new. The extra inch of ground clearance is really more noticeable from the seat than I expected, you defiantly feel higher off the ground. Steering felt better on center and just the slightest bit heavier. It felt better, but the major difference I was expecting with it being the off-road package and with all the improvements for 2011. Drivetrain: This is the deal breaker. Both the 07 and 11 have the same 2.4, 172 HP 4 cylinder. The Patriot has a 5 speed. The government highway rating is 27MPG highway. I average anywhere from 26-30+ these days. The 5 speed is actually pretty good. It is easy to use, shifts are longer than a sports car of course, but it is not too long and actually injects some fun in the little SUV. The 07 Patriots engine is quiet and not audible at idle. It is no powerhouse, but it is plenty for a daily driver and getting going, heck, it'll bark em going into second lol. You would think the Compass should be fine here, but when you pair the CVT with the 2.4, it's a mess..... Climbing the engine made lots of noise as the CVT held the revs steady and the power seemed way down compared to the 07. It may have been more livable if it had the autostick feature with 6 programmed gears like the 2WD and FD1 models, but it simply has Drive and Low. The CVT also felt weird wt times. Slowing to a stock, it would like it downshifted an actual gear set and then lunge forward. It was not a pleasant feeling. Also, being the off-road package the fuel mileage is a rather dismal 23 MPG HWY, where the non off-road 4x4 CVT is rated at 26, and the manual at 28. In any case, he CVT needs to go and in my opinion, is the major fault of this vehicle. If makes the drive noisy, it loses power, and seems to be far less efficient than a modern 6 speed automatic. Overall: I generally liked it. The lack of a telescoping wheel is not a deal breaker............ The CVT transmission is. When I bought my Patriot 3 years ago, the auto being a CVT is the main reason I got the manual. It is a decision I do not regret and would do again. Thanks for reading

05-21-2011, 11:18 PM	#3
ibeck OT's Most Wanted Drives: 2011 2LT RS, 2011 Legacy 2.5i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Chester, OH Posts: 12,487 View My Garage	Thanks man, this is actually really relevant as I'm looking at trading in my 2002 Grand Cherokee tomorrow either for a new Compass, or Patriot. It's gonna be my daily driver, so the 4 cylinder AT is a no brainer, and I'm going for a Latitude 4x4. Glad to hear you like the new Compass, I just really love the way it looks!! __________________ 2011 SIM 2LT RS- Volant Powercore CAI, Poweraid Throttle Body Spacer, CNT Catback Exhaust, Passport Escort 9500i 2011 Legacy 2.5i- Floor mats. Oh and LED license plate bulbs. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ibeck1013 Twitter: https://twitter.com/turkishbaus

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05-21-2011, 04:05 PM	#2
Silverlsinva Drives: 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Grigio Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Manassas, Va Posts: 3,124	Good review the car mags need to hire u for some real unbiased reviews like they use to have.

05-23-2011, 12:18 PM	#4
Scrappy Doo Drives: Callaway Rogue Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: W8n 4 Snow, Minnesota Posts: 4,731	Way to go STEW! Another class act of a review. The dealerships are going to ban you from any more testdrives until you buy something.. HA. Let the journey continue.

06-12-2011, 08:54 PM	#6
CausticGuy Drives: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Norton Shores Posts: 209	We had an 07 Compass Limited, every option except 4 wheel drive and the upgraded sound system. It also doesnt have navigation as the early 07 didnt have it available. My wife has always loved the car. We traded it in for an '11 limited 2 months ago and she loves this one even more. The leather and interior in the new Jeep is amazing. Road noise is way down from the '07 and the suspension and steering does feel alot tighter. As for the CVT tranny, its always been ok for us as we've gotten the 4x2 both times and 90% of her driving is around town The CVT does great at getting us high MPG in town. I wish she'd have gotten the GMC Terrain but I couldnt talk her into it and the Compass saved me about $5k option for option.