Jeep Compass, 2007: The Weekly Driver

After examining the 2007 Jeep Compass inside and outside for several minutes, a good friend made an astute comment. "I like the exterior; it has a European look," he said. "But the interior looks like it's still from 20 years ago."

My friend is a car buff. He subscribes to car magazines. He once restored a Triumph. And he's eagerly awaiting the purchase of his first Corvette. In short, he knows automobiles.

His comment about the new Jeep took me by surprise. But it was also spot-on, since I hadn't noticed the new-old contrast. My friend's observation was also reiterated by several national automotive magazines. For instance, Consumer Guide commented: "Compared with others of its ilk, Compass lacks the overall refinement of the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, especially in interior decor."

Nonetheless, Jeep took a chance with the Compass, so give the manufacturer credit. It's Jeep's first car-type sport utility vehicle. And despite its dated interior, which one prominent internet site described as "screaming of rental car," the Compass has strong attributes.

My weekly test drive was the Compass Limited 2-Wheel Drive wagon. It had a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 172-horsepower engine with a five-speed manual transmission.

The Jeep's exterior styling features the manufacturer's traditional seven-slot grille and round headlamps. But the '07 model has also been modernized with 18-inch alloy wheels (optional), a one-inch additional ground clearance over previous years as well as a more angular body.

The new good looks are also an overt sign that with its 07 Compass, Jeep has seriously entered the non-serious off-road SUV market. The Jeep Liberty and Wrangler are more suited for off-road treks. The Compass, which features its name in huge letters across the back lower trim, is a street machine with some resemblance to the off-road Jeep offerings.

The new-look also gives Jeep a chance in the compact SUV market segment that includes some vastly popular (and also primarily road) opponents - Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki Grand Vitara.