2008 Jeep Compass

Pros: Comfortable front seats, great windshield wipers, good AWD system, decent gas mileage

Cons: Abominable CVT transmission, high sticker price, lack of amenities, did I mention the horrible transmission?

The Bottom Line: The Compass is okay on a day-to-day basis, but overpriced, under-optioned and saddled with a horrid transmission. I wouldn't buy one, but didn't mind renting one for a week.

Review: I recently spent a week in a Compass. Not as in, "WKLT will GIVE YOU a new JEEP and all you have to do is sit in it for one week and eat nothing but bean burritos!!" No, not like that at all. More like my employer decided: "We'd like to send you to ...

Pros: Decent space, decent fuel economy, discount price, and a few clever cabin features.

Cons: Playskool interior materials, glacial acceleration, droning engine note, buoyant ride and handling, poor visibility.

The Bottom Line: If you're going to compromise your brand's off-road image, you'd better do it with a darn good cute-'ute. The Compass isn't cute, nor is it much of a 'ute.

Review: Background Every few years, a vehicle is released that becomes the four-wheeled equivalent of Judas: everyone loves to hate it. Earlier in this decade, that vehicle was the Pontiac Aztek. Further back, the position was occupied by the Yugo, ...

Pros:

Fairly good gas mileage, roomy, decent air conditioner.

Cons: No power, huge blindspots, bad design, hard to park.

The Bottom Line: Stay away from this sad,  weak buggy. You will regret driving this thing!

Review: We were given a "complimentary upgrade" to this sad buggy since they were out of sedans at the rental place in Phoenix. l did NOT want this thing, but she assured me it was better, she said it had power windows and locks while the other vehicles were ...