[compass]

Hello,
I just came across this forum and it looks really good and very useful to know all about Compass. A fine car for an incredible price.

I am really interested in a Compass North 4X2 here in Canada - and have a few questions, hopeing someone out there can offer some guidance.

1) Is it possible to order a compass at a dealership in Canada, or through jeep.ca direclty and then pick it up via the Factory in the U.S.A. to save on delivery charges? Although I know other costs will be accured to bring it over the boarder from USA to Canada.

2) I've done compariable price to the Ford Escape, Ford Edge, Honda CRV's, Toyota Tuscons etc. - and the Compass, for what I want looks really good - but why it is at a lower base price that other CUV or SUV's which are similiar in it's class?

3) What is the different between a 2007 and 2008 model?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Neely2005]

This website may help answer your second question in regards to pricing / value:

http://driving.canada.com/research/comp ... 1072300301

You can change the other cars to compare them.

:!:

 

[ACX]

I would doubt you can pick it up from the factory in Belvidere.

For pricing, each company sets their pricing independent in Canada and the US. From looking at similar vehicles, I can say the compass may not be 100% as nice as the more expensive competitors (power seats for example), but in many cases you're saving 6-8-10 thousand dollars.

I know my G.F loves her loaded inferno red limited 4x4. We got it for 27,200 (les than a BASE CRV) and 6 months later have had nothing but good experiences.

Valuewise, the compass and patriot basically breaks the scale here. I believe a 5 speed 4X2 may qualify for the 1000 rebate from the government.

Best of luck with your purchase.

There shouldn't be too many changes between the 07s and 08s.

On edit - regarding Chrysler's pricing and lineup, their sales were up 24% last month based largely on new introductions, so I'm happy to report in general they seem to have done something right. 8)

 

[compass]

Compass or Escape

Many thanks to both of you, who have responded to my questions..... really appreciate the advise and help.

We have looked into this a bit more, and are now leaning towards a 2008 brand new Ford Escape XLT model.

After much research and discussion and discusing this with both dealerships - for the Compass and the Escape - overall the Escape looks to be a better built car all the way around, and offers way more interior features - than the Compass. However, I still really like the look of Compass exterior - but compared to the Escape, tends to look a bit cheap on the inside.

The Compass' exterior looks compariable to the new 2007 Ford Edge, but having said that for what the Compass offers with all the features - on the North 4x2 model - the Compass looks like such a good deal; and it should for nearly $15,000 less than the Edge.

Comparred to the Compass and the Escape - basically in the end both are very comparaible in numbers and I feel am getting a way better car overall with the Escape...but having said that - still doing some research.

Still doing research and thinking about it....

 

[ACX]

what features are you getting on the interior of the escape for a comparable pricepoint? Just wondering.

I don't disagree that they did a good job on the new escapes - especially on the interior.. We looked at them but pricepoint was high, and I don't care for the aged motors. I was looking into one (a hybird actually) to replace my work truck but settled on a dodge nitro R/T miraculously enough for LESS money (G/F has the compass)..

I was checking a base XLT 4 cyl 4x4 and the price (with the friends and family discount) was around 27k. That is as much as we paid for a loaded limited 4x4. Family pricing for the limited was 32k, retail was like 36.

either way bes of luck with your purchase.

 

[compass]

ACX - I have just sent you a private message.

All the best

 

[Neely2005]

Re: Compass or Escape

Many thanks to both of you, who have responded to my questions..... really appreciate the advise and help.

We have looked into this a bit more, and are now leaning towards a 2008 brand new Ford Escape XLT model.

After much research and discussion and discusing this with both dealerships - for the Compass and the Escape - overall the Escape looks to be a better built car all the way around, and offers way more interior features - than the Compass. However, I still really like the look of Compass exterior - but compared to the Escape, tends to look a bit cheap on the inside.

The Compass' exterior looks compariable to the new 2007 Ford Edge, but having said that for what the Compass offers with all the features - on the North 4x2 model - the Compass looks like such a good deal; and it should for nearly $15,000 less than the Edge.

Comparred to the Compass and the Escape - basically in the end both are very comparaible in numbers and I feel am getting a way better car overall with the Escape...but having said that - still doing some research.

Still doing research and thinking about it....

The 4 cylinder Escape costs more and has less power than the Compass...

Check out these links:

http://driving.canada.com/research/comp ... 1072902901

http://driving.canada.com/research/comp ... 1072902801

:!:

 

[Webmaster]

We also compared the Escape and the Compass. We found out that there were a LOT of problems with the transmissions in the Escape. Many, many horror stories even on the new (07) Escape at the time. Although I like the looks of the new 08 Escape, I'm still uncertain of the transmission reliability. Plus the Escape was a minimum $4K more when we compared apples to apples. So that was enough for us to rule out the Escape.

Some examples of the Escape tranny problem:
#1 @ 12K miles: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee9509b
#2 @ 50K km: http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_69384.html
#3 @ 30K miles: http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_69384.html
and the list goes on. Just google Ford Escape Transmission. If that doesn't scare you off, I don't know what will :lol: :lol: and I'm a Ford guy. I've driven all Fords from 94 until 07 I bought the Compass last year.

 

[compass]

Thank you for your replies.

We still leaning towards the new 2008 Escape, and have now kind of ruled out the Compass - although I would rather have the rounded back of the exterior of the compass.

With the Ford Family Pricing, the Escape comes in just over $2-3 more than the Compass - but we feel are getting a way better car overall - expecially for the interior features and new bolded smoother look on the outside.

It is so interesting to read other people's thoughts - so keep them coming.....

The Compass is #2 on on our list and we're still researching both the Escape & Compass - so nothing is completly ruled out yet - a big factor will be the price - and I know the compasses price is a very good deal, but at the same time - the Escape for about $2-3000 more - offers way more things....and a better crash test rating at 5/5 - vrs the Compass with a 4/5. Also the Escape is the #1 best selling SUV in Canada in the last 4-6 years.... :wink:

 

[Neely2005]

The Escape doesn't even offer Side Airbags or Curtain Airbags.

Not to mention that Chrysler may be increasing it's warranty coverage for the 2008 models.

 

[compass]

I am sure there are some other links out there - to tell you about the Escape's interior and exterior features...but speaking of side-air bags - this is what I found:

1) - I don't know about previous models of Escapes - But the 2008 Escape - under Ford.ca - says this:

All 6 airbags now standard - The dual front airbags in our Personal Safety System® are now joined by front-seat side airbags and the side-curtain airbags of our Safety CanopyTM System as standard equipment on every Escape.

http://ford.ca/main/default.asp?language=en&section=1&source=&sVehCategory=FordSUVs&model=Escape

2) - In addition to the aforementioned side-curtain airbags (front and rear), all Escapes include standard front-seat-mounted side airbags and Ford's Personal safety System, which includes "smart" frontal airbags.

http://news.en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/sc/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4914554

3) - 2008 Ford Escape is new inside and out with more standard safety features, including Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags. AdvanceTrac® with RSC® – Ford Motor Company's exclusive roll-stability control system – is now standard on gas models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/2008-ford-escape-and-mercury-mariner-priced-below-outgoing-model/

 

[kwc]

one thing for sure ... the Compass will do better with the gas mileage than a comparable Escape. One of my co-workers has a stripped Escape (2007 model) with a 4 cyl 5 speed ... and she gets 27 mpg. and that's front wheel drive. My neighbor has a 2005 model with a V6 and auto, and he gets 24 tops, and that's really taking it easy on the highway. My 4x4 Compass with CVT has been averaging a little over 26 mpg with mixed driving (in town and highway). My co-worker's 4 cyl Escape doesn't have much power at all either.

 

[Neely2005]

I am sure there are some other links out there - to tell you about the Escape's interior and exterior features...but speaking of side-air bags - this is what I found:

1) - I don't know about previous models of Escapes - But the 2008 Escape - under Ford.ca - says this:

All 6 airbags now standard - The dual front airbags in our Personal Safety System® are now joined by front-seat side airbags and the side-curtain airbags of our Safety CanopyTM System as standard equipment on every Escape.

http://ford.ca/main/default.asp?language=en&section=1&source=&sVehCategory=FordSUVs&model=Escape

2) - In addition to the aforementioned side-curtain airbags (front and rear), all Escapes include standard front-seat-mounted side airbags and Ford's Personal safety System, which includes "smart" frontal airbags.

http://news.en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/sc/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4914554

3) - 2008 Ford Escape is new inside and out with more standard safety features, including Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags. AdvanceTrac® with RSC® – Ford Motor Company's exclusive roll-stability control system – is now standard on gas models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/2008-ford-escape-and-mercury-mariner-priced-below-outgoing-model/

http://driving.canada.com/research/comp ... 1072902801

I guess one of these sites is wrong then.

 

[compass]

Yes - thank you Neely2005.

I also noticed that from driving.com- and it is very strange.... Because under 2008 Escape XLT - I4 - All 6 airbags are included....

I wonder who we can contact to advise driving.ca to up date their information?

Researching the 2007 Ford Escape - I'm not sure - but it doesn't appear that side curtain airbags are a standard feature on the 2007 models.
2008 they are standard features.

Canadian Driver - also mentiones 2008 Ford Escape, has a safety canopy feautre - as a standard feature/equipment where by side curtain airbags and other airbags are included.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/08escape.htm

 

[Neely2005]

one thing for sure ... the Compass will do better with the gas mileage than a comparable Escape. One of my co-workers has a stripped Escape (2007 model) with a 4 cyl 5 speed ... and she gets 27 mpg. and that's front wheel drive. My neighbor has a 2005 model with a V6 and auto, and he gets 24 tops, and that's really taking it easy on the highway. My 4x4 Compass with CVT has been averaging a little over 26 mpg with mixed driving (in town and highway). My co-worker's 4 cyl Escape doesn't have much power at all either.

Good Point. Compared to the Compass the 4 Cylinder Escape is Slow & Thirsty. It has less power and weighs more and has a less efficent engine.

Even the V6 doesn't put out that much more power:

http://driving.canada.com/research/comp ... 1081801304

Looking at the above link the Compass beats the Escape in pretty much every category. It costs less, has more power, better mileage, disc brakes on front and rear, heated leather seats, more airbags, stability control... about the only thing that Might be better is the Look of the interior but the Compass / Caliber R/T & Patriot beat the Escape in pretty much every way possible.

Compass are you looking for a 2 Wheel Drive or a 4 Wheel Drive?

:!:

 

[mcatenacci]

Personally, I wasn't even in the market for a new vehicle, but I just fell in love with the Compass, the more I learned about it, the more I liked. I wouldn't have bought any other vehicle.

The gas consumption is pretty impressive and I haven't even broken in the engine yet. I'm getting 10L/100km and that is being stuck in major traffic every day. The power is pretty good for a 4 cylinder, except with the AC on But it's still good.

When I test drove the Compass the first time, the beige interior & base model threw me off and looked cheap for some reason, but in the darker colour, it's not so bad, check them both out for a good comparison, I don't mind the interior at all anymore, I got the limited so the leather heated seats are very nice for the price!

The exterior beats the Escape hands down!!!! I love the look of the Compass. To me, the 2008 Escape looks outdated. I would test drive them both if you haven't already to get a better comparison, I LOVE the way the Compass drives!

But you will definitely be saving money with the Compass, as well as in gas, and it's a very safe vehicle with the 4x4 in winter driving, and has many other safety features that I"m sure you're aware of.

Good luck

 

[i2canoe]

The exterior beats the Escape hands down!!!! I love the look of the Compass. To me, the 2008 Escape looks outdated. I would test drive them both if you haven't already to get a better comparison, I LOVE the way the Compass drives!
Good luck

DITTO :!:

 

[compass]

Neely2005 i am looking at a I-4 - 4 cylinder in the 2008 Ford Escape,
And when you say the Compass beats the Escape almost on every category - it only has a 4/5 crash test rating vrs the 2008 Escape which has a 5/5.

I agree with everyone when they say the Compasses Exterior - rounded back is much more appealing - vrs the square boxy back of the Escape. Here as well, the Compass doesn't offer a lift-gate back - where as the Escape has the glass part on the back which can be raised as well as the full trunk back = a bonus feature.

The compass although a lot less in price - in my case I figured it out again, it actually is $3000-$3500 less - doesn't have extra features like cruise control - although I won't soley rest $3500 just on that. Overall the 2008 Escape - for all the extra interior features seems like a way better car.

This forum is really good and I must admit at first I was completly sold on the Compass - I really loved it - but then after looking at both a 2007 and 2008 Ford Escape and then looking at the Compass again - the Escape seems so much better -especially if you take into account the interior of the Compass - to me it looked rather cheap inside - vrs the 2008 Escape - more upmarket....

Yes, test driving is definately a factor and I've already test driven both models/years - of the Compass and the Escape. The Compass had blind spots (I felt) in the back - and vrs to the Escape - had better visability.

Although the 4 Cylinder for the Escape (In the brochure) says it gets only 153 HP - vrs my 1997 Dodge Neon - I'm already sold on the Escape. But I think the Compass gets 173 HP....

 

[mcatenacci]

Yes the Compass gets 172 HP... I noticed the blind spots too during the test drive, but after only 2 weeks of driving, now I am used to them and when you position the mirrors properly, they're not bad at all. Have you checked out a Limited Compass?? Mine has everything and I managed to get $3000 off the price so take that into account too. My Limited has cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, and all the bells and whistles. Like I said, with the darker colour interior (pastel slate grey), it doesn't look bad at all! The Compass is still very safe, it has tons of other safety features that can prevent you from getting into an accident, especially in snow, I feel 4x4 is a must in Canada...

Good luck with the decision![/code]

 

[Neely2005]

Neely2005 i am looking at a I-4 - 4 cylinder in the 2008 Ford Escape,
And when you say the Compass beats the Escape almost on every category - it only has a 4/5 crash test rating vrs the 2008 Escape which has a 5/5.

I agree with everyone when they say the Compasses Exterior - rounded back is much more appealing - vrs the square boxy back of the Escape. Here as well, the Compass doesn't offer a lift-gate back - where as the Escape has the glass part on the back which can be raised as well as the full trunk back = a bonus feature.

The compass although a lot less in price - in my case I figured it out again, it actually is $3000-$3500 less - doesn't have extra features like cruise control - although I won't soley rest $3500 just on that. Overall the 2008 Escape - for all the extra interior features seems like a way better car.

This forum is really good and I must admit at first I was completly sold on the Compass - I really loved it - but then after looking at both a 2007 and 2008 Ford Escape and then looking at the Compass again - the Escape seems so much better -especially if you take into account the interior of the Compass - to me it looked rather cheap inside - vrs the 2008 Escape - more upmarket....

Yes, test driving is definately a factor and I've already test driven both models/years - of the Compass and the Escape. The Compass had blind spots (I felt) in the back - and vrs to the Escape - had better visability.

Although the 4 Cylinder for the Escape (In the brochure) says it gets only 153 HP - vrs my 1997 Dodge Neon - I'm already sold on the Escape. But I think the Compass gets 173 HP....

2 Wheel Drive or 4 Wheel Drive?
XLT I4 or XLS I4?

That's why I said "almost". The Escape has slightly better crash test ratings and a better interior. The Compass is better in pretty much every other category. BTW: The Dodge Caliber also has 5/5 crash test ratings and is very similar to the Compass so you might want to check that out too.

Do the front seats fold flat on the Escape like they do on the Compass?

What extra interior features are you referring too on the Escape? Pop Out Dome Light Flashlight? Sliding Cell Phone Holder / iPod holder Arm Rest / iPod jack on the radio??? Which trim level of Compass are you comparing with? Sport, North or Limited?

The interior on the Compass is okay. I wouldn't call it cheap. But if you get a Compas Limited with the Leather it looks much better.

Yeah the Escape has a little more power thatn your 1997 Neon (132 Vs. 153) but it also weighs about twice as much as your Neon.
People were complaing that the Compass is underpowered and it has more power and weighs less than an Escape.

Check out this Link and Scroll Down to see the differences:

http://driving.canada.com/research/comp ... 1081801301

:!: