We had heard rumors of the lackluster interior quality in the Compass, and perhaps it was our low expectations that had us thinking it wasn't really that bad. Granted, the plastics that cover the dash and door panels are rock hard and unpleasant to the touch, but the construction and build quality seemed fairly solid. Those truly concerned with any quality issues will be glad to know that Jeep is offering a refreshed interior for the 2009 model year. We did like the dash layout, which is simple and well organized, and we loved the storage compartment on the dash in front of the passenger seat. We also found the cloth seats to be extremely comfortable and supportive. Oh man, are we starting to like this thing?

We still enjoyed our time in the Compass more than the nay sayers had us believing we would. Its smooth ride and decent handling make a compelling argument for a car-based Jeep, as does its excellent fuel economy. While we think the "modern styling" can use some work, we see the Compass as a vehicle with lots of potential, some of which is realized in the Patriot. But if Jeep tweaked the "modern styling", added a little extra power and vastly improved the interior quality, it would have an excellent small CUV on its hands. Unfortunately, those are some IFs big enough to drive a Jeep through.

Reddit commenter nomopongo beat us to the punch, so we'll just quote him/her here: "The Prius does not use a conventional fuel tank, and because of this, you can't use the refueling numbers in order to calculate MPG, unless you do it over many fill ups. The Prius uses a resin gas bladder in order to minimize fume-related pollution. The article is wrong."

The Prius hybrid indeed uses a laminated resin fuel bladder inside its gas tank to reduce the amount of gasoline fumes that escape, thus reducing air pollution. Nominally, the gas tank of the Prius can contain 11 US gallons, but owners of the car have reported fill ups from "empty" varying from 8 gallons to over 12 gallons.

Chrysler wants to pare its model lineup, and the most frequently cited example of why is this Compass. We can't think of a better candidate to disappear. Well, maybe the Aspen. Or the Nitro. Gee, it's kinda easy once you get started, isn't it?

Anyway, this Caliber-in-disguise is better to drive with the five-speed manual than the last one we tested (which used a CVT). It cruised along fairly quietly on the freeway, and it wasn't so coarse and buzzy around town--all because we got to choose how hard it revved and when. But it rides and handles like the too-tall econobox it is. If this is the driving experience you want, you're better off shopping a PT Cruiser or Chevy's HHR, both of which offer more utility.

The two Jeep models have been widely criticized for their interiors — mostly due to the use of cheap, hard plastic and less-than-stellar fit and finish.

The interior upgrade comes much sooner than the typical mid-life refresh as the two models have only been on the market for about a year.

Ralph Gilles, a Chrysler designer, also revealed that the Detroit automaker wasn't completely satisfied with the interiors at launch. "Even before these products were launched, we did some soul searching," Gilles told Automotive News.

The lackluster interiors have hurt the Compass and Patriot, making them the two worst selling Jeeps in the U.S. market.

1. Jeep Compass – Jeep’s recipe for disaster is both simple and comprehensive: laughable aesthetics, second-rate road manners, poky performance and interior materials pulled from the bottom drawer of Chrysler’s parts bin. But the Compass’ mortal sin-– for which we’ve slated it before, from which it can never be redeemed-– is the fact that this re-skinned all wheel-drive Dodge Caliber wears the storied Jeep badge. For shame.

Todd Turner, president of Thousand Oaks, Calif., consultant Car Concepts Inc., said he can think of at least three more vehicles Chrysler should drop: the Jeep Compass, Chrysler Aspen and Jeep Commander.

The Compass fills a spot also occupied by the Patriot, another compact utility vehicle. Jeep needs a small, fuel-efficient vehicle to hedge against rising gas prices, but it doesn't need two of them, Turner said.

Chrysler is not a strong enough brand to pull off a luxury SUV, such as the Aspen, he said. And the Commander crowds a market already covered by the Grand Cherokee, Turner said.

If Jeep wants to add a large SUV, it needs more separation, he said. The Commander is only 1.9 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee.

"The Commander just has to be stopped," Turner said. "It's so close to the Grand Cherokee that it makes no sense."

Pulling the plug on models, though, is not an easy decision, said Phillippi of AutoTrends.

Even if sales are modest, some vehicles help cover costs for new factory equipment, Phillippi said. The Compass, for example, is made at the same plant as the Patriot and Caliber.

“The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass,” said John Plecha, Director – Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. “It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own.”

The Jeep Compass Rallye Package – available in Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue – includes:

* Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
* Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
* Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
* Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass’ forceful personality
* Chrome Rallye badge
* Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliqués

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited). Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.