Jeep Compass





The second of the revolutionary concept models out at this show is the Jeep Compass, also sharing the same platform as the Jeep Patriot. Clearly going after the rally sport crowd, Jeep is looking to the Compass to give the Evo IX and WRX Sti a run for their money. Still sporting the seven-slot grille, Jeep designers have gone for sophisticated rally toughness, rather than trail-rated 4x4 competence. Still, Jeep assures us that this will be the most capable Jeep in its class, with tractive ability at all four wheels that none of its competitors can match. The Compass will run the same 2.4-liter I-4 from the Patriot (and Caliber), but you can expect some power massaging beyond the estimated 170 horsepower predicted for the optional sport package. The second-generation continuously variable transmission is also in the concept Compass, as will be -- we’re guessing -- a six-speed manual transmission. This is a completely new segment for Jeep and will be an important test as to whether buyers are interested in a Jeep vehicle that doesn’t have some type of trail-rated capabilities. We’re told to look for the sporty car-based rally star to compete with Toyota’s Scions, the Pontiac Vibe, and Mazda 3, with a considerable price advantage.


Jeep Patriot





In keeping with Jeep’s new strategy of two vehicles per platform (a la Grand Cherokee and Commander), here come the little guys. Based off the new Neon platform with quite a bit of chassis reinforcement, the Jeep Patriot is the more classically Jeep of the two concepts. Enlarged wheel arches, tall and flat body panels, an upright stance, and a seven-slotted grille are all Jeep design cues deliberately intended to perpetuate Jeep’s robust, strong, and capable 4x4 off-road image. With that said, the Patriot is reported to offer a new 4x4 system that most likely includes a low range gear, and surely will include some type of added traction control device that acts much like a limited-slip, with the intent of making the Patriot the most capable vehicle among its competitors (CR-V, RAV4, Sportage, and Escape). For U.S. markets, expect the engine to be the new 2.4-liter I-4 “World Engine,” mated to the new continuously variable transmission. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection diesel will be offered (only for international markets so far) as well. Look for pricing to be aggressive, hovering just above and just below the $16,000 mark. Production versions could make it to dealerships as early as mid-2007, as a 2008 model.





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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

The Jeep Patriot looks like a Jeep.

The Compass looks nothing like a Jeep, except the traditional grill and headlamps.

I say no to Compass, yes to Patriot.

Compass = a liberty with a body kit = gross


-Adam

I would buy the patriot, definitely.

The compass = t3h b00 b00

patriot = not bad
the other one sux

I love the patriot.. I hate the compass.. What were they thinking??





Red 2005 Saturn Ion-3 Coupe

yuck

I'd drive a compass if it can really give the WRX STi a run for its money for alot cheaper, otherwise its just NASTY looking (not in a good way either)


if it ain't broke...MAKE IT GO FASTER

Jeep should stick to trucks and let Mitsu and Sube make the real rally vehicles. It's obviuos they haven't got a clue when it comes to styling. the Patriot however rocks....but alas without real 4WD Suzukis new 2006 Vitara is the only choice for people wanting a REAL small SUV.



"Formerly known as Jammit - JBO member since 1998" JBOM | CSS.net

Compas with better headlights would be tits,


The patriot is garbage, typical Jeep rehash.


And anything based of the Neon platform should be shot, gutted, and buried. didn't they learn that with the PT cruiser?

I personally don't like either or them. The compass looks too much like a matrix, and the patriot just looks off to me.

patriot is cool but a range rover wannabe

There are some things about the Compass I don't mind and the Patriot doesn't really look like anything new, but I still would pick that over the Compass.

Have a good one,
Justin

WTF is the moron in charge of Jeep thinking??? Jeeps are/were suv's and trucks built to handle offroad as well as onroad and not built off of car chassis! with that said the Compass is UGLY and looks like it came out of a Murano's tailpipe but the Patriot looks like a Jeep. Man I knew the Daimler arm of the company would screw up Jeep but not like this, putting the Jeep name on these vehicles would be a disgrace to it's heritage.

ill take a old flat fender willys

if i pretend its not a jeep the compass is absolutely amazing

looks WAY better than the murano. looks a bit smaller and lighter hopefully as well.


the patriot just looks like jeep boxiness of 20 years ago. didnt liek it then dont liek it now.

ug





:::Creative Draft Image Manipulation Forum:::

hehe.... look at all the Jeep models they NEED to introduce
after they scrapped my XJ

I really like the patriot. to repeat everyone else. "it looks like
a Jeep". I would definitely take it over the CR-V, RAV4, or an
Escape. a 170hp+ 2.4L can go a long way if the Jeep stays
around the 3000-3300lbs mark (lets hope).

I don't like the compass. Some styling of its cues seem out
of place: the side markers are left stranded -separated from
the headlights, and the rims are too skinny to match a Jeep
brand item(although we know most consumer model never
see the same, flashy, rims found on the concept model, and
that's a good thing in this case ).

Having said that, I understand Jeep's willingness to expand
its brand. If Porsche could sell an SUV than Jeep can sell a
rally-type wagon. A dirt-road trotting wagon is closer to a trail
rated image than an suv is to a premium sports car. Moreso,
ever since Jeep scrapped the Cherokee in favor of the liberty -
- people have been crying murder (literally). Maybe they're
trying to right some wrongs (and make money doing it at the
same time).






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