Individuals and families seeking a practical, domestically produced SUV with Jeep's brand identity, often at an accessible price point.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Equinox.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Combines SUV styling and utility with a car-like ride and handling, offering practicality and everyday usability. Shares platform with Mitsubishi Outlander.
Powertrain Options:
Available with a choice of two inline-4 engines, front-wheel drive or Jeep's Freedom Drive I all-wheel-drive system.
Interior Versatility:
Offers a practical interior with folding rear seats for expanded cargo space, suitable for hauling gear and everyday tasks.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Printed
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 200-300 pages (typical for this era and model)
๐ Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Driver And Passenger Safety:
Seat belt operation and care, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, child seat installation and restraints, LATCH system.
Climate control system operation (HVAC), audio system functions, steering wheel mounted controls, security system features (alarms, immobilizer), cruise control system operation.
Before Driving:
Fuel recommendations and capacity, vehicle break-in procedures, proper cargo loading and weight distribution, checking tire pressures.
Driving:
Engine operation and starting procedures, transmission engagement and operation (automatic/CVT), understanding DOHC technology.
Identifying warning lights, basic steps for common issues (overheating, flat tire, dead battery), fuse identification and replacement.
Driving Techniques:
Proper engine and transmission operation, cruise control usage, fuel economy driving tips.
Safety Features Operation:
Seat belt adjustment and use, child restraint system installation, understanding airbag deployment.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Focuses on understanding vehicle features, performing basic checks and fluid top-offs, and handling common roadside emergencies. Does not cover in-depth mechanical diagnostics or repairs.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Printed Booklet
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Standard professional printing
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Stapled or perfect bound (common for owner's manuals)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for automotive use
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
GEMA 1.8L (RPO: ECN)
Engine Description 1:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Global Engine Alliance)
Displacement 1:
1998 cc
Horsepower 1:
156 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1:
141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Secondary Engine
Engine Code 2:
GEMA 2.4L (RPO: ED5)
Engine Description 2:
2.4L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Global Engine Alliance)
Displacement 2:
2378 cc
Horsepower 2:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Management
Engine Control Module:
ECU (Electronic Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics.
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - 'CVT2'
Features
Cvt Features:
Simulated gear shifts, available manual mode (AutoStick on some trims).
โ โ โ โ (4 Stars) for FWD / โ โ โ (3 Stars) for AWD
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard on AWD models, available on FWD.
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard on all models (market dependent).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front-seat mounted airbags, optional front-seat side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front and rear occupants, height-adjustable front belts.
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child protection rear door locks.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics premium audio system available on higher trims.
Display:
Center stack display for audio and climate controls, basic trip computer functions.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system, integrated into steering wheel or column stalks.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system for convenience.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack available for connecting external music players.
Power Ports:
12V power outlet(s) for accessory charging.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API certified).
Engine Oil Type 2.4L:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API certified).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent HOAT).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF +4.
Transmission Fluid Type Cvt:
CVT Fluid (Mopar CVTF+4 or equivalent).
Known Issues
Common Complaints 2007:
Transmission issues (CVT belt slippage/failure, rough shifting), minor electrical gremlins, early signs of rust on body panels, some reports of catalytic converter issues.
Engine Issues:
The GEMA engines are generally reliable but can be sensitive to oil maintenance. Carbon buildup can occur on intake valves, potentially affecting performance.
Cvt Reliability:
The CVT transmission, while providing good fuel economy, has been a noted area of concern for reliability in early models of this generation.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Heritage:
Jeep, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a storied history dating back to World War II, known for its ruggedness and off-road capability. The Compass aimed to blend this heritage with the growing crossover segment.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
The Jeep Compass was introduced for the 2007 model year.
Platform Sharing:
It was part of Chrysler's 'Project X' initiative and shared its 'MK' platform with the Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Outlander, signifying a period of platform consolidation and shared development.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Model Lifecycle:
The first generation (MK) ran from 2007 to 2016, with a significant facelift for the 2011 model year.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Recognition:
Received good ratings in NHTSA crash tests for its time, indicating a decent level of structural integrity and occupant protection for the era.
Design Awards:
Not widely recognized with major design awards, but contributed to Jeep's expansion into the compact crossover segment with a distinctive styling.
Ratings
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimates for 2007 models ranged from approximately 19-21 MPG city and 24-27 MPG highway, depending on engine and drivetrain.