Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Jeep Compass Latitude 4X4 small SUV. Finally a vehicle actually built in America. Wow have we morphed into a country where we can’t even compete effectively Asian made cars from Japan, Korea and China. However you need to know that workers haven’t lost their jobs, only moved to those Asian companies who make many of their cars here in the U.S.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 72%, Other 28%. It is assembled in Japan, Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Jeep: Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler.
Opinions and Observations:
As a follow up to the overview mention above that asks if it is it really so that American auto workers have been replaced by other auto workers in the world. Should US auto workers be concerned? NO, not at all. The oppressive unions should be concerned because clubs and fists of angry unions no longer intimidate a civilized society. That, thanks to Governors and people who have taken a stand against those unions.
This Jeep comes to us from Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat who owns 20% of Jeep. I suspect that newly formed group of owners have the balls to stand up against unreasonable demands. Why, because the Jeep is competitively priced.
Unions destroyed the U.S. Auto Industry Examiner.com
One major hurdle facing the Big 3 is the simple fact that they pay nearly 3 times as much in wages to their employees than the foreign automakers. Because all Big 3 autoworkers are members of the union rackets, the Big 3 had no choice but to continue paying … unions “for protection” from strikes and shutdowns. In addition to the $80 per hour wage of an average union auto employee, the unions also demanded that the Big 3 provide extremely generous benefits, such as full medical coverage and a requirement that the Big 3 must pay all laid-off union members up to 80% of their full employment wages while idle. Of course, once the huge pensions and benefits enjoyed by union members can be added to this mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. These unsustainable costs to the auto makers, when added to the overbearing benefits to the unions, have essentially priced Detroit’s vehicles out of the market. The high costs of paying the artificial wages and benefits “protection” demanded by the unions have almost destroyed the City of Detroit and, to a larger extent, the economy and image of Michigan.
Alert:
(According to Triple A)
Watch this video from Fox Business News. If your CAR IS OLDER THAN 2012 Avoid using the new E15 Gas in your car. It is just starting to show up at gas stations.
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/2000862202001/
Handling & Performance:
Typical of any capable off road vehicle. If you want silky smooth you will be happier with Lexus, Mercedes, Buick, Chevrolet, Hyundai and the like who make SUV’s for the street. Another capable off road SUV comes from Range Rover at four times the money as this Jeep.
Styling:
Classic! Happily it retains the look of its original design of the WWII Jeep. Even Hummer copied the look but priced itself out of the market. The only thing they left out is Cammo paint.
Fit and Finish:
Off road Good, meaning this is one of the few SUV’s that is really capable of claiming to be an off road vehicle.
Cost:
Competitively priced from owner Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat who owns 20% of Jeep.
Conveniences and comfort:
Enough.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you want an off road SUV this is the most capable in a field of otherwise nice competitors. You can obviously eliminate several based on price. If I are a Jeep kind of gal or guy who gets out of doors and off the highway I suspect you drive a Wrangler. But if you are a soccer mom who gets out on the town you likely go for the classy Grand Cherokee.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Latitude $23,000, Acura RDX $34,000, Chevrolet Cruze $17,000, Chevrolet HHR $19,000, Dodge Caliber $17,000, Dodge Nitro $22,000, Ford Escape $22,000, Honda CR-V $23,000, Hyundai Tuscson $19,000, Jeep Patriot $16,000, Kia Sportage $26,000, Mazda CX-7 $34,000, Mazda CX-9 $36,000, Mazda Tribute $25,000, Toyota 4Runner $41,000, Volkswagen Tiguan $31,000.
Good News:
Classic Jeep styling, priced well, good feature coverage and good off road.
Bad News:
Only fair fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 172 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable transaxle automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, 17” aluminum wheels, rear wiper with washer and defroster, 60/40 split folding seats, front side curtain and rear airbags, stability control and roll over mitigation, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes, cruise control, power windows and speed sensitive power locks, keyless entry, sentry key with theft deterrent system, air conditioning, temp display, heated front seats, passenger front forward fold flat seat, Uconnect audio with CD/MP3 and audio jack input for mobile devices, 12 volt and 115 volt power outlets, tire pressure monitor, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and tilt column, interior removable rechargeable light, power heated mirrors with manual fold away and fog lights.
Gas Stats:
$3.47 / Gal avg. Jan. 5, 2013
For more information.
21 City and 26 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,445.
