The Jeep Commander arrived for 2006 as the very first Jeep to offer a third-row seat, but the 2008 model is offered for the first time with two-row seating. The still-available third seat is best suited for kids, anyway.
The new Commander also gets a new 305-horsepower V-8, which replaces and is quite a step up from a 235-horsepower V-8. You can shoot the works and get a 330-horsepower Hemi V-8, or just get a Commander with its base 210-horsepower V-6.
Engines work with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, but none will win fuel economy contests. After all, the Commander is a pretty heavy mid-size SUV, starting at 4,504 pounds.
Estimated economy of the V-6 model is 14 mpg in the city and 19 on highways. The 305-horsepower V-8 provides 13 and 18, while the ferocious Hemi's figures are 13 and 19.
Figures are a little lower if the Commander is equipped with four-wheel drive, and there's a choice of three of Jeep's accomplished four-wheel-drive systems.
Only 87-octane fuel is needed for the V-6 and new V-8, and the Hemi can run nicely on 87- or 89-octane gasoline.
Jeep began making a four-wheel-drive station wagon in 1946. The Commander actually shares that Jeep's slotted grille, round headlights, trapezoidal wheel openings and boxy shape, with a steep windshield and rear end. It also has styling features of the 1963-1991 Jeep Wagoneer and 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee.
The Commander is basically a stretched version of Jeep's popular Grand Cherokee, which outdid all Jeep models last year with sales of 120,937 units -- barely edging out the Wrangler, which found 119,242 buyers. Commander sales totaled 63,027 units.
Commanders come as the entry Sport, mid-range Limited and top-line Overland. Base prices range from $27,415 to $43,850.
Even the Sport is fairly well-equipped. Standard are air conditioning, tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, power driver's seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and heated power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. There's also a rear-obstacle detection system.
Opt for the Limited and added are leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning, power adjustable pedals and heated front- and-second row seats.
The Overland adds the Hemi V-8, rearview camera, navigation system with voice recognition and a power tailgate.
Safety items for all Commanders include front side air bags, side curtain air bags with rollover deployment, an anti-skid system and anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature for surer emergency stops.
The Sport comes standard with a two-row seating, but you can get the third seat for it in a $2,140 option package, which includes rear air conditioning.
My test Commander Sport had the new V-8, which provides strong acceleration for merging or passing on highways.
I've found the V-6 to be lively in town but a little strained when merging or passing. The Hemi, of course, is the performance champ, and has a cylinder deactivation feature for better fuel economy.
The power steering is quick, but somewhat heavy. Handling is decent, and straightline stability is good. The ride is above-average, thanks partly to the rather long 109.5-inch wheelbase, or distance between axles. Braking is strong, with good pedal feel.
Getting in the Commander's quiet interior calls for only a little extra effort because it's no giant SUV and door handles are oversized. A driver faces easily read gauges and large sound system and climate controls, but thick windshield posts partially obstruct vision.
Front seats are comfortable but offer only moderate support in curves and fast lane changes. Console cupholders are within easy reach, but inside door handles have sort of a stylish half-loop design that's less practical than conventionally designed handles. All doors have pockets, but they don't hold much.
The rear seat area is fairly roomy, and the middle of the back seat is soft enough for a third occupant. A rear center armrest contains two pull-out plastic cupholders. Rear power windows roll down all the way.
There's little cargo room with the rear seat in its normal position, but the second- and third-row seats have split/folding seatbacks that can be flipped forward for more cargo space.
The cargo opening is wide, but the wide cargo floor is rather high.
The Commander can easily tackle tough off-road terrain with a four-wheel-drive system. It's also at home on all types of roads, which is something that couldn't be said for older Jeeps.
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