For 2008 the four door (five passenger) Jeep Compass SUV is available in four trims (Sport and Limited 4X2 and 4X4)at an MSRP range of $16,475 to $22,255. All are equipped with a 172 horsepower, 2.4 liter I4 with a five speed manual, automatic optional.

Not a lot has changed on the Compass from the previous model year. It remains a popular small SUV for its good pricing and car-like, sporty handling with mild off-road capabilities. (Competitors would be the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4.) In general, however, reviewers just aren't impressed with the total package. Leg and headroom are good in the front but frankly there's not much special about the interior. The materials seem sub-par, storage is stingy at best, and the dashboard is poorly designed and unattractive.

Outside the Compass doesn't live up to the Jeep image and has yet to find a look as distinctive as its cousins the Liberty and the Grand Cherokee. For exterior appeal there's little choice but to describe the Compass as that red-headed step child at the family reunion. It just doesn't seem to fit in the Jeep line-up. (It's also important to remember that IntelliChoice gave the 2007 version of the Compass a "Worse than Average" rating for the five-year predicted cost of ownership.)

A solid point in favor of the Compass is the fact that it gets high government crash test ratings (4 out of 5 stars for front crashes and 5 for side impacts) and comes with an outstanding set of safety features. Standard features include stability control, traction control at all speeds, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, and comprehensive air bag coverage including bags in the curtain position. (Additionally the vehicle has been designed with crush zones.)

Like most assessments of the Compass this one has to come down somewhere in the middle. It's a small SUV with as many good features as bad, an acceptable daily drive but perhaps not one with the shelf life you'd like to see for the money.