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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Jeep Compass

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Jeep Compass

Overview

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2009 Jeep Compass Review

By KBB.com Editors

Timing may not be everything, but it certainly counts for something. Consumers have shown a definite penchant for smaller, more fuel-efficient crossover utility vehicles, which bodes well for the 2009 Jeep Compass. Sharing much of its mechanicals with the Jeep Patriot, the four-cylinder Compass is designed for buyers who seek on-road comfort and convenience with a dash of Jeep off-road heritage Jeep purists will likely find more to like in the Patriot, with its more traditional Jeep styling and off-road abilities.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2009 Jeep Compass is a Jeep for people who don't own one. A compass, that is. So we think you'll like the Compass if you're drawn to the Jeep brand but don't consider yourself a serious off-road enthusiast.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your taste runs towards the SUV side of the sport utility-station wagon continuum, you may want to pass on the contemporary, car-like contours of the Compass in favor of something with a more conventional four-wheel-drive shape and more definite off-highway credentials.

What's New for 2009

The 2009 Jeep Compass gets an interior makeover sporting a new dash, soft touch materials on the doors and center console and more sound insulation around the engine and interior floor.

Driving the Compass

Driving Impressions One reason for the popularity of crossovers is that many people are discovering they can have the added traction of all-wheel drive wrapped in the comfort and roadability of a...

car, not a truck. Though it's offered in both front and all-wheel-drive models, Jeep expects many buyers to opt for all-wheel drive, especially in snow-belt states. Jeep's Freedom Drive I is a full-time, fully-automatic all-wheel drive system, requiring no input from the driver. On dry pavement, it channels up to 100 percent of available engine power through the front wheels, but it is continuously variable in response to driving conditions and, when needed, can direct as much as 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also engage a 4WD lock mode, for better grip in deep snow, sand or mud.

Favorite Features

Overall Design
Crossover styling runs the gamut from spruced-up wagons to shrunken SUVs. The 2009 Jeep Compass design hits a nice note, closer to the former than the latter. The body tells you that this is a car-based, street-oriented vehicle (not a truck-based off-roader). And there are just enough styling features (front end, trapezoidal wheel flares) to identify it as a Jeep.

Fuel Economy
As a breed, SUV's are not known for operating efficiency. Seen in this light, the compact Compass' fuel economy numbers look very respectable.

2009 Jeep Compass Details

Interior

The contemporary interior of the 2009 Jeep Compass seats four to five adults. Six-footers fit easily up front, though they'll find legroom snug in back, especially if like-size folks are in front of them. All controls and switchgear are straightforward in design and easy to reach. The seats are cloth in the Sport and leather-trimmed in the Limited version. Plenty of on-board storage spots are available to stow water bottles, CDs and what-have-you. Split rear seatbacks and a fold-flat front seat increase hauling options. Cargo capacity ranges from 22.7 to 53.6 cubic feet, depending upon how the seats are configured. Drivers must deal with rear quarter blind spots created by the wide rear pillars.

Exterior

Jeep describes its designs as falling into two categories: Jeep Classic and Jeep Modern. Count the Compass as in the latter category, compact division. The 2009 Jeep Compass is close kin to the Dodge Caliber, and the two vehicles share the same basic shape, with a laid-back windshield and a curving roofline. Jeep's variation on the theme starts with a familiar face. The seven-slot grille, clamshell hood and round headlamps immediately mark the Compass as part of the Jeep clan. A high, beveled beltline and trapezoidal wheel openings add an updated take on traditional Jeep design. The wedge-shaped rear pillar, asymmetrical tail lamps and beefy bumper tie the package together in back. When you get right down to it, the Compass looks exactly like what it is – a cross between a station wagon and a sport utility vehicle, made by Jeep.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Jeep Compass is offered in Sport and Limited models; in both trim levels, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optionally available. Notable among the Compass Sport's standard features are a handful of safety-related items, including side-curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control. Limited models add more power and luxury features including leather-trimmed heated front seats and the uconnect tunes audio system which includes a 30 gigabyte hard drive. Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels (in place of 17-inchers) are also standard on Limited.

Optional Equipment

Cousin to Dodge's Caliber, the Compass shares many of the interesting interior options available in the Caliber. Among them: A flip-up holster built into the center armrest for an MP3 player or cell phone and, in back, a cargo bay ceiling light that doubles as a pop-out flashlight. The available Boston Acoustics premium sound system (nine speakers, 458 watts) includes a pair of speakers mounted on the lift gate that do dual duty; open the hatch and you can swing down the speakers to provide the soundtrack to your next tailgate party. Other stand alone options include Freedom Drive 1 four-wheel-drive system, 2.4-liter PZEV engine, 2.0-liter engine, uconnect gps and CVT2 automatic transmission with Auto Stick manual shift mode. The Sport Special Equipment package adds 115-volt outlet, Stain Repel seat fabric, cruise control, fold-flat passenger seat, removable/rechargeable LED cargo lamp and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

Under the Hood

The 2009 Jeep Compass is offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of two transmissions; a five-speed manual or the optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2) automatic. The 172-horsepower engine works well in the Compass platform and returns above-average gas mileage. The engine is a little loud at full throttle and, as with any small displacement engine, passing takes planning. With the manual transmission, steep grades may require downshifting to maintain speed. Driving the optional CVT2 takes some getting used to because it doesn't have the distinct shift points that our ears are conditioned to hearing. A more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine is available for the Patriot, but only on the 4x2 Sport trim.

2.0-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
141 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/27

2.4-liter in-line 4
172 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
165 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/27 (FWD, manual), 21/25 (FWD, automatic)
23/28 (4WD, manual), 21/24 (4WD, automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Jeep Compass vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Jeep Compass Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.3

Out of 10

Based on 343 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

7.5/10
Reliability

8.1/10

Performance

7.6/10
Comfort

7.8/10

Styling

7.9/10

Comfortable,reliable,handles great. Not too big

By Bertha (NY) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reasonable price for Jeeps. Great quality car."

Cons: "Does not have heated seats but otherwise GREAT CAR"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great Car!! Handles well. Comfortable, reliable, good looking car. Used on country roads and handles beautifully in snow, rough roads and highway. Not too big of an SUV. Just right for a small family of 2-4."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle for the price

By Smitty (IL) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "price, size, gas mileage, comfort"

Cons: "would like to remove back seat headrests"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I drove several other vehicles and my wife liked the Compass best. I waited for the 2014 with the 6 speed auto-didn't like the CVT. Once I tried the 2014 I drove the 2.0 and the 2.4 and bought the 2.4 that same day. Just took a 1900 mile road trip and was very happy with the Compass- got between 28-32 mpg and hauled plenty of things in back. Quiet, comfortable- simple controls (couldn't stand the confusing layout on the Ford Escape). We got the Sport (base model) FWD with AC, pwr windows, 2.4 engine, 6 speed auto, for about $21,500.Added tow pkg and will tow 2000 lbs. Very happy with it, and fun to drive."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Jeep at good price

By Carolyn (NJ) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great price; good character"

Cons: "Need a little more room inside"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I was looking for a Jeep that wouldn't break my bank, but still had style. I'm happy with it...just wish for a little more room inside (have two boys in car seats). I feel very safe though and that's important."

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Love my new Jeep......

By Jeep13 (AR) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,370

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great on gas, cargo space, easy to drive."

Cons: "seats could be more comfy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased my 2013 Jeep Compass 3/10/13.... First I read dozens of reviews, disregarded the silly ones, like no storage room please LOOK at what storage this vehicle provides, back windshield wiper, don't like them don't purchase a vehicles this has them... I love my Jeep! Great gas mileage, a dream to drive, plenty of cargo room (at least for us, we checked it out. Love how it hugs the curves I feel very secure driving my Jeep. My only complaint so far would be the comfort of the seats (I did not test drive for 2/3 hours to see how comfortable they are. All & all I am very happy with my Jeep... I recommend this vehicle 100%.."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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2010 Compass --- horrible car!!!

By Surfcitycos (CO) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "None"

Cons: "Everything!! Gutless!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have owned a 2010 Compass for almost 2 years. Gutless is being nice. No get up and go what so ever. Do not pull in front of anyone, you will get run over. Hard to see out of. Gas mileage OK. Makes a weird sound while driving slow, sounds like it has a flat tire. I own the front wheel drive. Does not drive in the snow, horrible. Will not move if it snows, brake light, ABS and traction light will go on if you try and move the car in the snow. Needs a boost to get going. Do not buy this car!! Run from this car. Worst car I have ever owned."

3 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Get The Lifetime Warranty!!!

By Starsmom (NC) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great price, fun to drive"

Cons: "The CVT transmission"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love this car. I do a lot of interstate driving and with the right tires, this car drives as smooth as a luxury car. However, I suggest to anyone buying this vehicle to spend a little extra and get the lifetime, wrap-around warranty. Before I had 80,000 miles on the vehicle, the transmission needed replacing. The warranty took care of it. All I had to pay was $100 deductible. My brother has the same car. Luckily, he bought the warranty because he had to have his transmission replaced at about 60,000 miles. I found thru research that it is a problem with the Compass. Don't let that sway you. It's a great car. Just get that warranty!"

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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See all 343 reviews