 Jeep Compass Given Green Light for Production?
Posted by mike on 2003/5/23 23:00:00 (284) reads
|
Unconfirmed reports say that the Compass will soon be the 4th model of the Jeep family
We've heard from a few readers, and now this article from Auto123.com, that the Jeep Compass was headed for production. Nothing is for certain yet, but all signs are pointing that way... Yesterday a spokesman for DaimlerChrysler Canada would neither confirm nor deny that Jeep's Compass, a concept last year, has been given the green light for production. But according to a Chrysler Group dealer representative addressing a crowd of U.S. retailers at the National Automobile Dealers' Association in San Francisco earlier this year, it's a go-ahead. Expect prices to be slightly less than the 4x4 capable Liberty it's based on, speculated to debut in the low $20,000 range. The new model has not been designed for serious off-road expeditions but focuses on on-road driving dynamics instead. This poses a major break from Jeep's Rubicon Trail tough brand identity, but alternatively opens opportunities up for an altogether new kind of Jeep, and therefore a new group of potential customers. ...snip... The Compass concept was powered by the Liberty's 3.7-L V6 but production models will feature a variety of engines, most likely starting with a new 2.0-L class of 4-cylinder engines expected to debut about the time the Compass becomes available. The current Liberty sports a 2.4-L 4-cylinder in base trim, so expect something with a similar displacement for the Compass. ...snip... Currently there's no launch date, but it is unlikely production examples will debut before model year 2005. If you'd like to find out more about the Compass, check Jeep in the Concepts section of this website for a detailed review. Be sure to check out the entire article for more information a some photos of the Compass concept car.
Reader Reactions
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. You must login or register to post a comment.
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
 Originally posted by: doug hetrick I'm surprised no one else entered that it is possible that the compass might be made from the next gen lancer platform Program code (MK74). At the belvidiere, Illinois plant. Possible start up Jan 2006. From news artical http://www.globalauto.net/clipsheet.cfm?article_id=831&mode=displayThe MK74 statement is 3/4 way to the end of the artical. |
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: xjgary I agree that the Hummer is just an overgrown Tahoe, but it looks like a tough 4wd vehicle and they have sold over 30,000 of them in the first year. People want something that is capable. That's why all those TV ads show Satern Vues and Chevys and whatevers blasting through virgin territory where there never was any road (one of my pet peeves).The Liberty only sells about 14,500 copies per year, which is far fewer than the Cherokee it replaced. Jeep has always stood out from the crowd by being off-pavement capable. The word "Jeep" was a term. Many topo maps still say "Jeep Trail". If they want to be the same as everyone else and compete for cushy ride or having a high score on the crash/safety index or the Consumer Reports Reliabilty rating or the JD Powers customer satisfaction index, they had better get working, as they have a long way to go.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: xjgary I guess DC didn't learn anything from the Hummer's success. Why don't they just build what people want, like a Diesel Dakar instead of things that most people would be embarrased to be seen in, let alone own.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: doug hetrick Jeep compass. I've seen reports that it will be like the concept liberty platform and other reports that it will be off of the lancer AWD platform. I guess we will find out later. Personally I do not mind a camand car like vehical. Light off road capablility. I kinda like the willys II also.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: OR Bruce Actually, per the earlier "Jeep Sales Down" posting, Liberty sales are up slightly, and at 12845/mo would be 154,000/year, or the same or better than Cherokee. I hate to see Jeep chase the pretender market, but I suppose it's about making money, like endorsing Jeep brand shoes. A Compass probably wouldn't sell as well as a Dodge. Dodge brand shoes wouldn't sell like Jeep shoes either, I suppose. To me, the Compass would cheapen the brand, but I'm an engineer, not an accountant. I only hope they keep making real Jeeps as well. I like driving on Jeep Trails, and like the fact that the maps call them that.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ "What DC did learn from is the huge success of the Jeep
Libery!"
What success? It's numbers are middling, and eclipsed by others in it's category. It's hardly realistic to slam the H2 for lack of off-road ability and not lump the Liberty for the same reasons.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: jeepcj1 What DC did learn from is the huge success of the Jeep
Libery! As long as they also build vehicles such as the
Rubicon, and the future plans for the Grand Cherokee, I
don't see what the problem is for opening a new market
for Jeep!! The Hummer is a fancy Tahoe and nothing
more, it is for the wealthy and has no off road
capabilities - is this really where you want Jeep to go?
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: xjgary I guess DC didn't learn anything from the Hummer's success. Why don't they just build what people want, like a Diesel Dakar instead of things that most people would be embarrased to be seen in, let alone own.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Steve I can see the ads now... Jeep - because sometimes parking lots are gravel...
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Dillinger And DC heads further into the dark voids of the toilet of vehicle design.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: to hell with hondas I was giving this some thought, and im ok with this. I mean this car is obviously gonna produce a lot of revenue for Jeep, which will fund other Rubicon-like projects. Its ok with me as long as they do actually put it into some kind of offroad race.
|
|
|
|
|
Digg This Story
Save This Page to del.icio.us
