SUV to die for

I've always wanted to drive a real jeep. From the very first time I saw MacGyver ride one, I had wanted one myself. It didn't matter whether it was a Cherokee or a Wrangler or whether it was pink or blue. As long as it was a jeep, it will do. So, fast forward to now. There are so many jeeps being sold in the market now and my penchant for this sturdy vehicle has roused curiosity as to which model is really the best model. So I scoured the internet and read some reviews on the good 'ol jeep.

Let's start with 2008 Jeep Compass 4-door Sport Utility Vehicle shown below:

According to the Kelly Blue Book Review here, the Jeep Compass is designed for buyers who seek on-road comfort and convenience with a dash of Jeep off-road heritage. Aas a 2008 model, it boasts of "air conditioning, chrome lock knobs and a tire pressure monitoring system. The CVT2 automatic transmission is fitted with AutoStick manual-shift mode and the Limited trim now offers navigation."

As they say, first impressions last so let us first take a look at the exterior. According to the Kelley Blue review, the Jeep Compass is close kin to the Dodge Caliber, and the two vehicles share the same basic shape, with a laid-back windshield and a curving roofline. Jeep's variation on the theme starts with a familiar face. The seven-slot grille, clamshell hood and round headlamps immediately mark the Compass as part of the Jeep clan. Summing it up, the review says the Compass looks exactly like what it is -- a cross between a station wagon and a sport utility vehicle, made by Jeep.

On the inside, the contemporary interior of the 2008 Jeep Compass seats four to five adults. It has wide spaces and can easily seat Six-footers All controls and switchgear are straightforward in design and easy to reach. The seats are cloth in the Sport and leather-trimmed in the Limited version. Plenty of on-board storage spots are available to stow water bottles, CDs and what-have-you.

Now the power behind the look. According to the review, the 2008 Jeep Compass is offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of two transmissions; a five-speed manual or the optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2) automatic. The 172-horsepower engine works well in the Compass platform and returns above-average gas mileage. The engine is a little loud at full throttle and, as with any small displacement engine, passing takes planning. With the manual transmission, steep grades may require downshifting to maintain speed. Driving the optional CVT2 takes some getting used to because it doesn't have the distinct shift points that our ears are conditioned to hearing.

I hope this gives you a good idea whether the 2008 Jeep Compass is the perfect car for you. Will be keeping my eyes open for more Jeep reviews -- after all, there are plenty out there and we need all the information we can get to make that right decision.