All Cars, All the Time

2007 Jeep Compass

Yikes! Is this a case of a car having a "two face?" I don't recall the concept being so "Aztek like" as this critter is. I have two different views to show you.


The top picture is the concept and bottom production. The front styling of the production model is angled in such a way that it looks bulbous to me. The rear and side views are much better in my opinion. It’s just tough to get over the front end.















Moving on to the interior, there is nothing there to stir the soul. In this picture the steering wheel is a giant mass of biege. The overall design seems blocky and the plastics don't appear to be of the "soft touch" variety (although, that might not be the case). Overall a very plain dash, almost spartan really, that doesn't bring in any outdoorsy, Jeep queues that I can see.



I'm not impressed with this car as a Jeep. Whereas the design works as the Caliber, I just don't think that putting a Jeep grill on a Neon replacement is the way to go here. Bringing in new buyers to the brand? Well maybe, but at what cost and are these folks simply going to be cross shopping with Dodge dealers to see who gives them the best price? I don't think that the styling is that catchy and it doesn't even say "faux offroad" to me. A much better use of the Caliber platform is the Jeep Patriot. Which, at least in concept form, has a much more authentic feel to it.