Ride & Handling

Before this review starts sounding like a bash fest, there is some good news. For an entry-level product, the Compass handles a lot better than it should. Steering feel is light without giving up any accuracy. You can zip through traffic and around corners just like you can in any sporty compact car.

There was a fair amount of road noise on the highway, which can be expected in the compact segment, but it wasn't as noticeable as in the Dodge Caliber. Wind noise was light, and the ride over a torn-up highway of grooved pavement was much better than I imagined. An above-average driving feel like this is much harder to attain than a quality interior, so it's a good thing Jeep got this right.

    See also:

    Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
    The Daytime Running Lights (low intensity) come on whenever the engine is running, and the transmission is not in the PARK position. The lights will remain on until the ignition is switched to t ...

    Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
    The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system required for this vehicle. The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or side air bags in a frontal or side collision is required. B ...

    Driving Through Water
    Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water, there are a number of precautions that must be considered before entering the water: CAUTION! When driving through water, do not excee ...