2008 Jeep Commander  - Jeep's Seven Passenger Model

The 2008 Jeep Commander represents the model's second year in production. The Commander is unique in the lienup because it is the largest and the only to have room for seven.  Furthermore, the Commander carries on the Jeep tradition as a vehicle with the same rugged off-road capability and comfort expected of the Jeep name. For 2008, the Commander got an all-new 4.7L V8 along with several new entertainment and safety technologies. The Jeep Commander has an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg Hwy, and 14 mpg City. This Jeep is most certainly capable of venturing beyond the road, in fact it offers more capability over rugged terrain than most drivers will ever use. It can haul up to seven people and a lot of stuff just about anywhere it can fit. Furthermore its handling is surprisingly smooth and spry.

Commander Power

Power for the Commander comes from the choice of a V-6 or two different V-8 engines. The Sport trim starts with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6, the Limited gets a 290-hp, flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8, and the top-of-the-line Overland has a 330-hp 5.7-liter V8 Hemi. A five-speed automatic transmission mates all the engines with either a two- or four-wheel drive system. All are available with 2WD or 4WD. The 4.7-liter SOHC V8 is available on Sport as part of an option package. It is rated 305 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. This engine also comes with a five-speed automatic, but a more heavy-duty unit with a split second gear that provides a shorter ratio on kick-down than on up-shift. Optional on Limited is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (again, as part of a larger package), producing 330 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The Hemi features the fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders under light-load conditions. The mid-level 4.7-liter V8 is upgraded for 2008, gaining 70 horsepower for a total of 305 while also gaining slightly in fuel economy performance. With its responsive acceleration and 6,500-pound towing capacity, the 4.7-liter V8 is a fine choice in the Commander. The top-line 5.7-liter V8 Hemi makes the Commander downright quick and is best for those who need to tow trailers up to 7,400 pounds.

Design of the '08 Commander

The Commander is instantly recognizable as a Jeep, thanks to liberal use of Jeep design cues, such as the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings, and squared-off lines with flat surfaces. Exposed Allen-head bolts along the wheel openings and in the headlamp module are decorative, intended to create a technical look. The roof rack rail has three integrated tie-downs on each side. On Limited and Overland, assist handles extend from the roof rail down the back of the D-pillars, adding to the rugged, utilitarian appearance of the vehicle. The assist handles are black with chrome inserts on Limited, and black with platinum inserts on the Overland. On top of the rear bumper is a diamond-plate-texture step pad. The pad's nonskid surface is helpful when stepping on the rear bumper to gain access to the roof of the vehicle for tying down kayaks, bicycles and other gear. Based on the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Commander is the second-largest civilian-production Jeep in history. Outside, Overland is distinguished by Platinum-look trim, a unique wire-lattice grille and 18-inch wheels instead of 17s and Limited can be distinguished by its chromed grille and exterior chrome accents.

Jeep Commander Drive

As far as off road technology, Commander Sport 4WD adds Quadra-Trac I, an automatic full-time all-wheel-drive system enhanced by electronic traction control. Limited 4WD has Quadra-Trac II, a full-time active four-wheel-drive system that includes a two-speed transfer case (so you can select a lower gear range for crawling through seriously rugged, muddy, or sandy terrain; or neutral for towing); plus electronic traction control. Optional with the Hemi is Quadra-Drive II ($795), Jeep's most sophisticated 4WD system. Three limited-slip differentials (one in each axle and one between the axles) are electronically controlled, sending torque to the wheels, or single wheel, with the best traction. The system also includes low-range gearing and traction control. Overland 4WD comes standard with Quadra-Drive II. Belied by the utilitarian styling, however, is the Commander's responsiveness and ride quality.  It rides surprisingly well for a tall, seven-passenger SUV. On the highway, the Commander is a notably smooth and comfortable cruiser. It's reasonably quiet, allowing easy conversation, a pleasant surprise given the squared-off styling and all-terrain tires. The tall ride height and off-road capability make the Commander handle poorly, though. While not tippy, the Commander is prone to body lean in turns and heavy braking, and isn't as nimble as the latest crossover SUVs.

Cabin of the Jeep Commander

The Commander offers utility and a roomy, airy cabin. The rear seats are progressively stepped up, theater style, giving back-seat riders a view of the road. This feeling of airiness is enhanced by a pair of glass roof panels, though the third row is best reserved for kids. Utility comes in the form of a perfectly flat cargo floor when the rear two rows are folded down, providing 68.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Those in the front seats enjoy a comfortable cabin, much of which is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Commander Lineup

The 2008 Jeep Commander comes in three trim levels: Sport, Limited, and Overland. Standard on Commander Sport are cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, power windows, power heated mirrors, front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, rear obstacle detection, liftgate glass that opens by remote control, all-terrain tires on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, and cruise control with switches on the steering wheel. For 2008, the tilting steering column adds a telescoping feature.

Limited 2WD comes standard with a wide  array of comfort and convenience features, including leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription, Boston Acoustics speakers, power adjustable heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, third-row heat and ventilation, sunroof, remote starting, rain-sensitive wipers, automatic headlights, universal garage door opener; and a security system. For 2008, the Limited model adds a standard rear backup camera and Jeep's MyGig Entertainment System, which has a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a 20-gigabyte hard drive to hold music and picture files.

The top-of-the-line Overland comes standard with the Hemi and a trailer-tow group. It raises the interior plush factor with suede-trimmed leather seats embroidered with the Overland logo; leather-wrapped shift knob and grab handles; Berber floor mats; and woodgrain trim on the center stack, console, steering wheel (which is also leather-wrapped) and front door panels. Overland also adds conveniences, such as a power liftgate, UConnect hands-free cell phone link, and a cargo net. For 2008, Overland trades a standard navigation system for Jeep's MyGig Multi-Media Infotainment system, which adds voice control and a navigation system with real-time traffic to the MyGig Entertainment System.

Summary

Standard safety features include all-row side-curtain air bags, front-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes w/brake assist, electronic stability control w/roll mitigation and trailer sway control on models with the tow package. Overall, the 2008 Jeep Commander is a vehicle that is attractive to families that need four-wheel-drive capability for whatever reason, plus seven-passenger seating capability and big cargo capacity. With a wide range of engines, options and prices, the Commander is versatile enough to appeal to a broad array of buyers.