Donny and Marie Osmond say they are a “little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll.” Jeep could say the Compass is a little bit Jeep and a little bit SUV. Based on the Dodge Caliber platform, the Jeep Compass is just what many families need. The Compass is a split between a compact station wagon and an SUV. The standard model is a front-wheel drive linked to a 5-speed standard transmission. If you live outside the city, an all-wheel drive is optional. Also, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is $1,100. The Limited model had both of these options and the more powerful 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. There is a base 158 horsepower 2-liter engine, too. I had the 2.4 with 172 horsepower.
Don’t assume that the Compass is an offroad Jeep, because while it carries the Jeep label it’s really a compact wagon. However, there is the persona that you are in a real Jeep due to the family resemblance to a Jeep, especially around the front-end styling. The Jeep Inferno Red metallic paint job was not only perfect, it screamed Jeep!

Anti-locking all-disc brakes and side front and rear air bags were standard issue.
The test Limited model had almost all of the possible options, including the 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels with P215/55R performance tires at $825. A power sunroof added $1,295, but that also included an upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system that had a subwoofer and two facing forward speakers in the lift-up cargo gate. The list of standard accessories was long, and included about everything we have come to expect, including power windows, mirrors that fold away, a 115-volt outlet in the center console, cruise control and even heated seats.
    Sturdy leather covered are the seats and steering wheel. There is much more. Even a navigation system at $1,200. The best price yet for the nav and the 30 gigabyte hard drive capable of holding more than 4,000 songs.
    There are some concerns with the 2010 Compass, starting with the CVT transmission. It is not as smooth as the old-time automatics with actual gear changes. The CVT is simply a couple of pulleys that change their size as the engine applies power. I see no real advantage to this idea except there are fewer parts and less weight. But, as the test time went on, I became quite comfortable with the CVT. It is a much better and smoother unit than the first examples.
    The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is adequate around town, but if you think you’re going to pass on a two-lane road you better make sure you have plenty of room. In addition, the engine is a little rough and noisy, especially at lower speeds. For this, you can expect 21/24 mpg. You could get as much as 29 mpg if you go cheap and buy the base model for about $18,000. Jeeps are selling so well that it may be difficult to get the dealer to go lower.
    There is a surprising amount of possible cargo space even with the rear split back seat up. Fold it down and fold the front passenger seat flat and a small load of 2x4 lumber could be hauled home. Up to 25.6 feet of space is possible with the rear seat folded down.
    After a few days, the Compass became a friend, and it was easy to maneuver around town. There is a lot of charm to the Compass, and one if its best assists is the Jeeplike styling. The $30,100 price for our test Limited is within range of its competition from Honda and Toyota. The tester was loaded with about every option possible. This model is greatly improved since its introduction two years ago.
    Give a Compass a test drive. There is a good chance you’ll buy one.