Test-Drive Tips: 2007 Jeep Compass

My review of the all-new Jeep Compass was just posted in Cars.com’s Research section, but once again it might be helpful for potential Compass buyers to take a second and think about the test drive before rushing to the nearest lot. Here are a few tips:

• Check the price. The Jeep Compass comes with either a five-speed manual or a CVT transmission. There are also front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. Make sure you check the various costs of these features; they impact the price significantly. If you can only afford a $17,000 vehicle, don’t even consider the all-wheel-drive Compass with the CVT. That brought us to a sticker of $21,185 with few other options. Try building a Compass online before heading to the dealership. (You may have to enter your zip code but you’ll be forwarded to the appropriate page after that.)
• Take a long time to soak in the interior. If you don’t like the looks of it now, it will not grow on you. Don’t let the gimmicks like the flashlight and iPod holder sway you from the real issues of how the window buttons work, how the door handles and steering wheel feel in your hand, and how comfortable the seats are.

• When test-driving a CVT model you should floor the gas pedal from a dead stop. (Don’t worry; we doubt the salesman will even notice.) This form of automatic transmission performs in a gradual motion, so you won’t launch with a ton of thrust. It’s an unusual sensation, so make sure you don’t mind the lack of oomph. In this type of vehicle, I didn’t find fault with it.
• Flip down the rear seats and check out the cargo area. Were you expecting to have more or less room than this? What do you usually haul? If you’re moving down from a small or midsize SUV, the Compass has significantly less cargo room. 
• Check the mileage. While the front-wheel-drive Compass gets a decent 26 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the manual transmission, the all-wheel-drive version with the CVT gets only 23/26. That’s adequate economy, but in no way is the Compass a mileage champ, despite its small size.
• Colors matter. While some vehicles look good in any color, I’ve found the Compass to be a more striking design in simple black or white than in the earthy tones familiar to Jeep shoppers. Again, you’ll be living with this purchase for at least the next few years, so don’t settle on a color you don’t like.