Compass has a spot for Bagpipes
2007 Jeep Compass
Boomer: Jeep has gone through many changes, but one thing for sure, they never stop coming up with newer versions of the original Jeep as well as great names. Now we have the 2007 Jeep Compass.
X: I know! This Jeep is a small car-based SUV that is not meant for off-road driving, a first in decades for Jeep.
Boomer: The Compass actually shares its platform with the Dodge Caliber and a new Jeep soon to be introduced called the Patriot. On the Jeep Compass front wheel drive is standard and all wheel drive optional.
X: I felt that the front passenger area was roomy but the second row of seats was tight for anyone over 5’3. I heard you making weird noises during our drive to The Horny Toad with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ed.
Boomer: It was tight, even for a “shorty” like me, but I was complaining about you repeating yourself ten times about where we were going.
X: I didn’t repeat myself ten times, it was just that Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ed kept asking me where we were going, so I kept saying it louder.
Boomer: Great Melanie, but it’s not like we were going to the Cheesecake Factory which sounds normal, you kept saying horny toad and they looked uncomfortable.
X: Come on give me a break, its not like they thought I was talking about oversexed frogs! They’re from New Jersey and Uncle Ed’s a retired Port Authority Lieutenant, you don’t think they’ve never heard the words horny or toad?
Boomer: Forget it. As I was saying, it was tight in the Jeep, but for the first time I could travel in a jeep and feel like I was in a car. Your dad loves jeeps because you can hear and feel the pavement like you’re on a dirt road 24/7. This was more comparable to riding in a car.
X: I think it was a smart move for Jeep. After all, most people like the look of a jeep, which the Compass has retained, they just prefer a smoother ride. Now a buyer in the $15,000 to $19,000 range can consider the Jeep Compass as a possibility.
Boomer: It was a little small in the cargo area as well, but the 60/40 folding rear seats were so easy to handle. Once I put both the folding seats down, the trip to the 9-11 memorial event went smoother. I don’t think I’ve ever transported bagpipes before.
X: They fold up pretty small, like a large athletic bag, but the clothing and accessories required a little more room. It was strange looking at Uncle Ed in a skirt.
Boomer: Melanie, it’s called a kilt and is the traditional way to dress when playing the bagpipes. There is so much history to “pipers;” someday I’ll explain it to you.
X: We traveled quite a bit with Uncle Ed and Aunt Barbara and the gas mileage was fantastic. I realize the 172 hp 2.4 liter four cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission kept the fuel costs down. We did get 30 miles to the gallon even though the manual projects 23/26 mpg.
Boomer: I appreciated you going with us. I love to hear Ed Shannon play the bagpipes.
X: I agree, but the songs he played for the 9-11 memorial made me very sad.
Boomer: Uncle Ed lived thru 9-11 and lost ten of his men. The bagpipes are his way to deal with the pain. He played the pipes at 27 funerals in New York. He says that was how he said goodbye to our heroes.
X: I’m glad he doesn’t play the tuba! I don’t think we could have fit it in the back of the Compass. I’m really trying to make light of a sad subject, so let’s move on.
Boomer: As far as the interior of the Jeep is concerned, I have to say it didn’t possess the high quality of the Jeep Commander or some of the other Jeeps over the years, but it was a nice entry level package. The instruments were placed well and easy to read. There are great cup holders and a nifty place to put your cell phone I’ve not seen in other vehicles. The center console has a flip up area and when opened up had a perfectly placed slot that held my cell phone upright.
X: I actually liked the placement of the name Compass. It is located on the rear bumper in a silver tone, across the length of the tailgate area, which I thought was very cool. Actually, what I liked the best was the type of packaging for the owner’s manual.
Boomer: That’s right, the owner’s manual was neatly fitted into a fatigue color khaki material pouch with a leather Velcro closure. It has such military feel to it, yet custom fitted. Nice touch!
X: The other nice touch was the sunroof and the exterior color green (Green Metallic Clear) with two tone leather seats. A green with a pastel pebble beige insert. I guess you could say I felt outdoorsy but also stylish for a great price. The one we test drove was $25,550 which included almost $4,000 in options.
Boomer: I think the Jeep Compass is where a Boomer and an X would both agree with the comfort, size and price tag. Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ed are my age and they liked it.
X: They liked everything about it, except the how fast I was driving.
Boomer: I wasn’t worried Uncle Ed’s a retired cop. I figured he could get us out of a ticket.
X: Sure, just let him get out of the Jeep in his skirt. That would have worked!
Boomer: It’s a kilt and with his legs, we surely could have gotten out of a ticket.
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