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Jeep Compass: Is It A Real Jeep?
2007 Compass
The Jeep Compass! Well..well..well..What have we here? The Compass was introduced in 2007 and the 2008 prices currently list from about $17,000 base to over $22,000 loaded. Wait just a minute! Being a totally new design one would think that the designers would be able to incorporate more "Old School Jeep" into this newcomer. It's a relatively nice looking vehicle with some Jeep features externally...BUT... It is built on a car-based platform...excuse me while I ______! The platform being that of a foreign car no less... I'm getting sicker! With front wheel drive...I can't take any more! Yes, the Jeep Compass is built on a modified Mitsubishi Lancer platform. Although you can get it in all-wheel drive as well as 2-Wheel drive, can it really qualify as a true Jeep? Please don't misunderstand me. I have no problem with the vehicle being constructed on a car platform... or, it being on a foreign car platform... or, it even being front-wheel drive. My big problem, and I know it's just MY opinion, is that the Compass has the Jeep name attached to it. And that doesn't seem right... to me. 
Chrysler could easily have built this thing, and called it a Dodge Whiz or even a Chrysler Sizzler...
but not a Jeep.
If Jeep were a free standing automotive manufacturer, maybe it might be feasible to build a more car-like model to try and compete. However, Jeep is a subsidiary/division of the huge Chrysler Corporation. "You can fool some of the people some of the time"....(or whatever!)...but the Jeep heritage is important and should not be used to make unsuspecting buyers think they are purchasing some of that rugged history when they are not getting the real thing. Your Name or Your Label should mean something. It would be like trying to pass off a Ford Pinto as a Shelby Mustang Cobra. Don't laugh... weirder things have happened in the automotive industry. Well, I didn't tell you much about the Compass and it's finer features. You can see more details about the
Jeep Compass on the Jeep.com website
if you wish.
To me though... it's Not A REAL JEEP!
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