[ben]

I never considered getting a Compass, but I would agree on the 2d viewing versus real-life. The rear fender flares as I call them are much more prominent and I think distracting in real person versus how they are perceived in pictures.

 

[tcperconti]

Well the Compass is a little smoother On Road and the Patriot is a little smoother Off Road - I think that's just because the suspensions are tuned a little different. The interiors are pretty much identical - as are the vehicles. (FDII aside)

Yep. I think that you categorized the differences nicely and fairly.

Not sure how anyone can say that they're not basically the same vehicle. They're more different than the Caliber but the Compass & Patriot are much more alike than they are different.

Because some people are insecure about being accused of not owning a "real Jeep". (Jeep snobs thumb their nose at the Compass as not being a "real" Jeep) They don't even want their vehicle to be associated or connected to (what they consider to be) "not a real Jeep". Basically they are afraid of "Not a real Jeep by association".

What some may not be able to see is that Compass is reaching out to the non-traditional Jeep market while NOT compromising those offerings that are closer to Jeep's "core". I would never own a Compass, but I can appreciate the role it plays... and I can appreciate that by having the Compass, Jeep doesn't have to feel the need to compromise on the other models in order to broaden Jeep's appeal and acceptance.

 

[rpiotr01]

Because some people are insecure about being accused of not owning a "real Jeep". (Jeep snobs thumb their nose at the Compass as not being a "real" Jeep) They don't even want their vehicle to be associated or connected to (what they consider to be) "not a real Jeep". Basically they are afraid of "Not a real Jeep by association".

Don't forget, the Patriot is thought of pretty much the same way as the Compass by the "not a real Jeep-ers." It's usually mentioned that the Patriot isn't a real Jeep, "but at least it looks like one." But like you said, you have to appreciate that in this market the Patriot/ Compass is something that Jeep kinda had to do. I wish the Cherokee was still around and if it were, I'd give it serious consideration. But with gas prices being what they are, it doesn't make sense to have a line-up full of vehicles that all get under 20 per gallon combined... and in many cases, under 20 highway. The Pat and Compass do their job, they bring a different group of people into the Jeep brand.

 

[Neely2005]

Yep. I think that you categorized the differences nicely and fairly.



Because some people are insecure about being accused of not owning a "real Jeep". (Jeep snobs thumb their nose at the Compass as not being a "real" Jeep) They don't even want their vehicle to be associated or connected to (what they consider to be) "not a real Jeep". Basically they are afraid of "Not a real Jeep by association".

What some may not be able to see is that Compass is reaching out to the non-traditional Jeep market while NOT compromising those offerings that are closer to Jeep's "core". I would never own a Compass, but I can appreciate the role it plays... and I can appreciate that by having the Compass, Jeep doesn't have to feel the need to compromise on the other models in order to broaden Jeep's appeal and acceptance.

I absolutley agree with you. I don't understand why other Jeep owners get so uptight about the Compatriot twins. It's not like they stopped making the Wrangler - they're actually making 2 Wranglers now. Would the Jeep owners who hate the Compass & Patriot rather that we spent our money on RAV4's and CR-V's? We're helping strengthen the Jeep brand by buying these great vehicles. Not everyone can drive a Wrangler it's just not practical for a family and the other Jeeps are much more expensive and get much worse mileage - Personally I can't afford either of those things.

 

[nearly.normal.jimmy]

I don't understand why other Jeep owners get so uptight about the Compatriot twins.

They feel threatened.

 

[SMJPG2008]

As for the uptight other Jeep Owners, is maybe because, they don't like change. Heck there are some Wrangler owners that don't even like the 4 door Wrangler and it gets bashed. It has to be a change thing. They can't control it.

 

[Neely2005]

They should be happy that the Jeep brand is prospering. It's better than the alternative...

 

[SMJPG2008]

I agree

 

[johnda]

I suppose that depends on your point of view. I'd say the Compass is for people who like exciting/cutting edge things and the Patriot is for people who prefer boring/traditional things.

boring?? BORING??? :doh:

I like the Patriot. I am also a guy who has owned amongst other cars, over 51 years of driving, a 56 Chevy Bel Air powerpack, a 57 Triumph TR-3, a 1960 Fiat Abarth Zagato, a 1961 Corvette, a 1962 Corvair Monza, a 1967 Mustang, a 1968 Cougar XR-7. When I was at Cocoa Beach for the Apollo mission news coverage I drove a Shelby GT 350 mustang, I also drove professionally and had my trusty hands on Porsche Carrera's, BMW 507's, AC Bristol's, XK140MC Jaguars, MG's, Mercedes 300 SL's and other fine machines.:blah:

Sure, I'm a tad older now, turning 70 in December, and don't bother getting to 60 MPH in less than 7 seconds, but I am NOT a person who likes boring cars. Traditional yes, boring no.

 

[SMJPG2008]

I am NOT a person who likes boring cars. Traditional yes, boring no.

I love it!!


By the way I want a 55-57 Chevy Bel Air.

 

[Neely2005]

I suppose that depends on your point of view. I'd say the Compass is for people who like exciting/cutting edge things and the Patriot is for people who prefer boring/traditional things.

boring?? BORING??? :doh:

I like the Patriot. I am also a guy who has owned amongst other cars, over 51 years of driving, a 56 Chevy Bel Air powerpack, a 57 Triumph TR-3, a 1960 Fiat Abarth Zagato, a 1961 Corvette, a 1962 Corvair Monza, a 1967 Mustang, a 1968 Cougar XR-7. When I was at Cocoa Beach for the Apollo mission news coverage I drove a Shelby GT 350 mustang, I also drove professionally and had my trusty hands on Porsche Carrera's, BMW 507's, AC Bristol's, XK140MC Jaguars, MG's, Mercedes 300 SL's and other fine machines.:blah:

Sure, I'm a tad older now, turning 70 in December, and don't bother getting to 60 MPH in less than 7 seconds, but I am NOT a person who likes boring cars. Traditional yes, boring no.

Boring Compared to the Compass - JMHO. But again beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think they both look good I just prefer the look of the Compass.

 

[Az-Patriot 55]

I think they are both great, but I do like the patriot more. I just got off of a jeep group on facebook and my blood is boiling due to some of the comments on their discussion board about the patriot, I didn't even dare to open up one about the compass.
I can't stand people that think there is only 1 jeep, a two door wrangler. I'm sorry, but 1 automobile does in not make up an entire car company. Change is what keeps the world going. Jeep had to evolve in one way or another like everything else. I think the Patriot and the compass are going to propell Jeep into the future.

 

[WhatARiot]

Simple and boring are two different things, simple and clean, may be perceived as boring while, bubbly lines, and collagen infused fender flares may be considered interesting, fresh, or new... its the difference between the overstuffed sofa, with the frilly dust ruffle, and the cleaner, more modern sofa with simple, clean, sharp lines.

The main competitor up against the riot (for me) was the scion XB... so it shows you where my taste is. I just really couldn't get past those obnoxious front bumpers...

 

[SMJPG2008]

I can't stand people that think there is only 1 jeep, a two door wrangler.

That's what I've ran across. There's been the Wagoneer, Cammanche, Cherokee, there is a Jeepster (guy here in town has one I love it), etc. Jeep is the Make, Wrangler, Patriot, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Liberty, Commander is the Model.

 

[DJ XS]

I think the Compass looks better in pictures and the Patriot looks better in person. Something about the lines of the Compass translate better in 2d.

I was buying a Compass instead of the Patriot based on web pics and research till I got to the lot and saw them both in person.

Jim

I was on the same boat. Up until I got to the dealership, I had not seen any Patriot on the road. I had however checked both out on the webpage. I had done my extensive search and had decided to get the Compass. Once I got there I test drove the 4x4 Compass and I was surprised as to how car like it felt. I was pretty much convinced that was it when out in the back of the car lot a glimpse of hope emerged. The 4x4 Patriot with FD II package was calling my name. I test drove that and I knew then that it was for me. Unfortunately the manager did not want to compromise with some of the rebates and prices the salesman said where available so I left. I quick did an about face and headed for another dealership and found my baby!

I know I went on a bit, but it all relates back to the topic at hand. The Patriot kicks the Compass's ass. The lines, the smoothness, the Trail Rated capabilities. Compass owners stay on the road, we Patriot owners will stay off, OFF ROAD THAT IS.

 

[Neely2005]

I was on the same boat. Up until I got to the dealership, I had not seen any Patriot on the road. I had however checked both out on the webpage. I had done my extensive search and had decided to get the Compass. Once I got there I test drove the 4x4 Compass and I was surprised as to how car like it felt. I was pretty much convinced that was it when out in the back of the car lot a glimpse of hope emerged. The 4x4 Patriot with FD II package was calling my name. I test drove that and I knew then that it was for me. Unfortunately the manager did not want to compromise with some of the rebates and prices the salesman said where available so I left. I quick did an about face and headed for another dealership and found my baby!

I know I went on a bit, but it all relates back to the topic at hand. The Patriot kicks the Compass's ass. The lines, the smoothness, the Trail Rated capabilities. Compass owners stay on the road, we Patriot owners will stay off, OFF ROAD THAT IS.

Well that's just it, I Never drive Off Road and to me the Compass seemed to drive a Little better On Road. So it made No sense for me to buy the Patriot after driving both vehicles - Even though I had originally intended to buy the Patriot. I'll agree that the FDII Patriot is a different vehicle than the Compass (it's also heavier, slower and worse on gas than the other Patriots & the Compass) but aside from the FDII Patriots (which is maybe 5 - 10% of the Patriots out there?) the Compass and the Patriot are almost identical so I fail to see how one can kick the others ass.

 

[Gaze]

Let's keep this civil guys... no need to bash one car or the other...

I went to the dealer with an open mind. I had test driven the compass at the Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals, but the only Patriot they had was the one on display. So I went to the dealer the following week and took a look at both of them. I felt as though they performed almost identical under "my buying criteria" and they would both work perfectly for what I needed. I chose the Patriot simply because I liked the boxier shape in comparison to the crossover look of the Compass. They really are, however, the fraternal twins of the Jeep family!

 

[Neely2005]

Let's keep this civil guys... no need to bash one car or the other...

I went to the dealer with an open mind. I had test driven the compass at the Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals, but the only Patriot they had was the one on display. So I went to the dealer the following week and took a look at both of them. I felt as though they performed almost identical under "my buying criteria" and they would both work perfectly for what I needed. I chose the Patriot simply because I liked the boxier shape in comparison to the crossover look of the Compass. They really are, however, the fraternal twins of the Jeep family!

Yup they're the Compatriot Twins and they're both great!!!

 

[tcperconti]

I think they are both great, but I do like the patriot more. I just got off of a jeep group on facebook and my blood is boiling due to some of the comments on their discussion board about the patriot, I didn't even dare to open up one about the compass.
I can't stand people that think there is only 1 jeep, a two door wrangler. I'm sorry, but 1 automobile does in not make up an entire car company. Change is what keeps the world going. Jeep had to evolve in one way or another like everything else. I think the Patriot and the compass are going to propell Jeep into the future.

There IS only one Jeep... but it isn't a 2-door Wrangler. It is a 1950's era Willys Wagon.

 

[srothfuss]

I like both the Compass and the Patriot...

I'd imagine that both can perform well at each given "role," regardless of what that might be. At least in my neck of the woods I see far more Jeep Compass's and Patriot's than I do the Caliber. I think that is all that really matters.