1981 Jeep Compass: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

2 builds left the factory as a 1981 Compass, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 1 main configurations
  • 367 vehicles built
  • 4 for sale right now

Which Compass is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your Compass

What 1J4FT47A-9 means

1J4 FT47A · 9
1J4
the World Manufacturer Identifier Jeep registered — assembled in the United States
FT47A
together encode the Compass line — Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), 2.9L 6cyl, Front-wheel drive — as Jeep filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
9
in position 10 — model year 1981
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
1 rare configuration — mostly fleet, export or irregular VIN patterns. Fewer than 20 known vehicles each.

Already looking at a specific Compass?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.