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Stepping on the Cherokee's toes | 2017 Jeep Compass First Drive

The only thing the 2017 Jeep Compass has in common with the model it replaces is its nameplate. And, considering that the old Compass was never competitive in the hotly contested compact crossover segment, that's a very good thing. Even better, after spending a solid day driving the reborn Compass over the rivers, through the woods, and everywhere in between, we're more than happy to forget the ill-conceived first-gen Compass entirely. Put simply, to say that the new Compass is better than the old one is an understatement of Rubicon-size proportions. Whereas the old Compass was saddled with Chrysler's old MK platform (a crossover-spec version of the unloved Dodge Caliber chassis), the 2017 Compass shares its basic underpinnings with the smaller Jeep Renegade, with the main difference being a 2.6-inch wheelbase stretch. That doesn't sound like a lot, but in person the Compass feels much larger than the Renegade, partly because its bodywork bulges out in a more muscular way than its more playfully styled, smaller sibling. "Mini Grand Cherokee" is a phrase that's been bandied about quite a bit, but only because it's true. The most notable styling flourish of the Compass is the D-pillar that's shaped sort of like a shark's dorsal fin. We think it's pretty cool from the outside, but it results in a huge expanse of plastic interior molding with tiny little windows barely able to let in any light. If we were buying a Compass, we'd definitely want the big panoramic sunroof to keep the cabin feeling open and airy. An optional gloss-black-painted roof makes those rear pillars stand out even more. There's a familial resemblance between the Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee inside, due in part to the overall curvature of the dash and the location of the air vents. Directly in front of the driver are two clear gauges, which flank a digital cluster that, depending on trim level, is available in either 3.5-inch or 7.0-inch sizes. The Compass is clean and tidy inside, and while FCA's Uconnect system – available with 7.0- and 8.4-inch center screens – is getting a bit old, it still works well and offers all the infotainment options buyers expect in 2017, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. We're also pleased to see Jeep stick with round dials for radio volume and tuning, and simple switches for climate control settings in the center stack. There's an unexpectedly meaty steering wheel for the driver to grab hold of.

Jeep follows up Super Bowl spot with call to help the USO

Once again, Chrysler had one of the most talked about Super Bowl commercials with its two-minute Whole Again Jeep spot, which was used to highlight its Operation SAFE Return program for US military personnel returning home from active duty. As part of this campaign, Jeep announced today that it will be donating up to $300,000 to the United Services Organizations (USO), and you can help.
Simply tweet using the #joinOSR hashtag on Twitter, visit the Yahoo! homepage or go to the Jeep Operation SAFE Return website, and Jeep will donate $1 to a fund that provides returning troops things like employment assistance and incentives to buy new vehicles. Jeep is also donating to this charity to the tune of $250 for each Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (including the Freedom Edition model) and Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition model sold.

This Jeep Forward Control is incredibly clean, for sale

Jeep loves going all out on its Moab Easter Safari concept cars. This year was no exception; aside from an insane 707-horsepower Wrangler, the plucky little FC-150 was the star of the show. Of course, it was artfully restored and given plenty of love before the annual, off-road adventure. Sadly, you can't buy a brand new FC-150 from Jeep anymore, or even any sort of pickup truck for that matter. No, the last time you were able to buy an FC-150 was way back when in 1965. Thankfully, at least one dealer recognized the heritage of this stunning little machine, and has listed a pristine example for sale on eBay for sale on eBay. This one was built in 1958, and only 11,595 miles read on the odometer. That's insanely low for a car this old and this rare. The President Red and Plantation white exterior looks straight from the factory, as do the wheels and tires. Though, you have to imagine that most everything on this car has been restored considerably given the lifespan, even without the dealer outright saying it. Four-wheel drive and a four-speed manual gearbox come standard; there's even a spare tire in case things go wrong on the trail. The cherry on top being the stunningly clean, no-nonsense interior. It's about as factory fresh one might get in a 60-year old Jeep. With a current bid of $14,600 (per this writing), it's not even that expensive. If you're looking to snag a handsome piece of Jeep history, look no further than this. But hurry, there are only a few hours left to bid. Related Video: This article originally appeared on Boldride.com. Jeep Auctions Truck SUV Off-Road Vehicles Classics eBay