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2008 Jeep Commander Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2008 Jeep Commander Review
The 2008 Jeep Commander gets a more powerful V8 engine and, for the first time, becomes available with five-passenger seating. This midsize SUV is basically a stretched version of Jeep's Grand Cherokee. Commander comes in Sport, Limited, and Overland trims. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A low-range gear for off-roading is standard on Limited and Overland, optional on Sport. Limited and Overland seat seven. Sports now have standard five-passenger seating, and a 3rd-row bench is optional; 2007 Sports sat seven. Sports have a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. Standard on Limiteds and optional on Sports is a 305-hp 4.7-liter V8. This engine replaces a 235-hp 4.7 V8. Standard on Overland optional on Limited is a 330-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. All engines team with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Commander is rated to tow up to 7400 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. DVD entertainment, navigation system, rearview camera, and power-adjustable pedals are among the options.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.



News
Sources think Commander will be freshened for 2009, but say the update could be delayed or canceled if sales don't improve. A diesel-engine option might provide a sales boost, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel now offered in the related Grand Cherokee should drop right in. Will Jeep take a chance? Stay tuned.
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2008 Jeep Commander Road Test
Pros Cons
Cargo room Fuel economy
Available all-wheel drive Cramped 3-rd row seat
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
3 5 5 5.5

Commander shares Grand Cherokee's engines but weighs 400 lb more, blunting acceleration by comparison. Still, helped by an alert automatic transmission, the V6 has surprising spirit, with adequate power off the line and around town. It labors in highway passing and merging. V8 engines are notably stronger in all situations, with the 5.7-liter supplying the most thrust.
Fuel Economy

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
3 1 1 3.6

All Commanders are thirstier than the class norm. In Consumer Guide testing, AWD V6 models averaged 14.0-15.7 mpg. Despite Chrysler's claim of improved power and fuel economy, an AWD 4.7 V8 averaged a dismal 12.8 mpg. Test AWD 5.7-liter Commanders proved additionally gluttonous, averaging 11.6-12.5 mpg. Jeep recommends 87-octane gas for V6 and 4.7 V8 and 89 octane for the 5.7 V8. The 4.7 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol fuel.
Ride Quality

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
7 7 7 5.5

Quite good for an SUV, especially one suited to off-road duty. Commander absorbs most bumps with little harshness. A solid-feeling structure enhances the impression of car-like comfort, though some testers cited some unwanted float over highway-speed dips and swells.
Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
4 4 4 4.4

Commander has good straightline stability, but its tall build results in body lean that prompts lots of slowing down for tight turns. Due to its boxy shape, Commander is susceptible to crosswind instability. The steering has nice heft and good feedback. Braking is strong.
Quietness

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
7 6 7 5.4

Among the quietest traditional truck-type SUVs. All models muffle tire and wind noise well. The 4.7-liter V8 is notably less refined than V6 or 5.7 V8. The engines emit a refined growl under throttle.
Controls

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
6 6 5 6.3

Due to small markings, the gauges are not as easy to read as on some rivals. Major switchgear is logically placed, however. Most climate adjustments are handled by rotary knobs--a plus--but the optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
Details

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
5 5 6 5.4

The Sport's cabin more rugged than rich, appropriate for a vehicle with off-road pretensions. The Limited's extra trim and leather upholstery creates a more upscale ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
7 7 7 7.1

Ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder space for even large adults, but flat seat bottoms lack support for longer trips. Thick roof pillars and theater-style seating combine to block rear visibility almost entirely. Large door openings make for easy entry and exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
5 5 5 6.1

A high roof, combined with elevated theater-style seating and a generous glass area add to the sense of space. Headroom is adequate, but legroom is very tight, particularly in the 2nd row. Over-firm seats detract from long-trip comfort. Three-abreast travel is best left to brief rides. The cramped 3rd row suits only grade-schoolers, and is overly complicated to access. Tall step-in and modest door openings hamper entry and exit.
Cargo Room

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
8 8 8 8.6

Generous space is made more useful by a wide, flat floor and large hatch opening. A high cargo floor means straining to load larger items, however. Note that with available third-row bench erect, available cargo space shrinks to negligible. In-cabin storage is bountiful, including a moderate-size console box and numerous handy bins and cubbies. Second-row seatbacks fold in three even sections for multiple passenger and cargo configurations.
Value within Class

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
4 5 4 5.8

With its square-rigged styling and seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers an alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar under the skin. These Jeeps have a decent balance of comfort and utility. They can get pricey with options, though. Loaded versions can top $45,000, putting them in league with some premium midsize SUVs that are more refined, get much better fuel economy, and are likely to have higher resale values.
Total Score

AWD Sport V6 AWD Sport 4.7 V8 AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation Class Average
59 59 59 63.7
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
53
Average Score
63
High Score
76
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2008 Jeep Commander Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/02/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Sport 4-door wagon $27,835 $25,613 $730
AWD Sport 4-door wagon $29,835 $27,418 $730
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $36,625 $33,436 $730
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $39,245 $35,783 $730
2WD Overland 4-door wagon $39,805 $36,266 $730
AWD Overland 4-door wagon $43,270 $39,375 $730
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
See Dealer A $2.99 per gallon gasoline incentive is offered on qualifying 2008 and 2009 models. See dealer for details. Customer 07/07/08
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Sport
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, front and rear traction control.
Limited adds to Sport:
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd row seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), 4-way power passenger seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, power sunroof, glass roof panels, remote engine start, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, hard drive, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic on/off and self-dimming headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, hill ascent/descent control.
Overland adds to Limited:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation system w/traffic information and voice recognition, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, power liftgate.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class IV hitch receiver, wiring harness, trailer sway control, 245/60R18 all-terrain tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear electric limited-slip differentials, front and rear traction control, hill ascent/descent control, skid plates, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 26/28S
Sport
$2,140
$1,883
Rear air conditioning, 3rd-row split folding seat, cargo area carpeting, floormats, fog lights.
Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U
Sport
$5,970
$5,254
Quick Order Pkg. 26/28S plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, remote engine start, power sunroof, glass roof panels, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, automatic headlights, roof rack, alarm.
Popular Equipment Group
Sport
$1,095
$964
Power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, Boston Acoustics sound system, remote engine start, 115-volt power outlet, roof rack. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28S.
Navigation and Rearview Monitor Group
Sport
$1,400
$1,232
Navigation system w/voice recognition, hard drive, traffic information, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.
Rearview Monitor Group
Sport w/Pkg. 26/28S
$850
$748
Sport w/Pkg. 26/28U or Sun and Sound Group
$500
$440
Rearview camera, hard drive. Replaces Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U and Sound Group 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc player.
Rearview Monitor DVD Group
Sport
$1,700
$1,496
Rearview Monitor Group plus DVD entertainment system. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.
Sun and Sound Group
Sport
$1,195
$1,052
Power sunroof, glass roof panels, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28S.
Chrome Edition Group
Limited, Overland, Sport
$800
$704
Chrome door sills, chrome fuel filler door, chrome side steps.
Quadra-Drive II Group
AWD Sport/Limited
$795
$700
Front and rear electronic limited-slip differentials, 2-speed transfer case, hill ascent/descent control, tow hooks, skid plate. Sport requires 4.7-liter V8 engine, Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.
Trailer Tow Group
Sport
$205
$180
Class II receiver hitch, wiring harness. NA w/ 4.7-liter V8 engine.
Trailer Tow Group IV
Sport, Limited
$280
$246
Class IV receiver hitch, 4-pin adapter, wiring harness, trailer sway control. Sport requires 4.7-liter V8 engine.
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine
AWD Sport
$1,580
$1,390
2WD Sport
$930
$818
5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
Limited
$645
$568
Comfort and Convenience Features
MyGIG Multimedia
Limited
$900
$792
Navigation system w/voice recognition, DVD player, hard drive, traffic information, wireless cell phone link.
DVD entertainment system
Limited, Overland
$1,200
$1,056
Mobile satellite TV
Limited, Overland
$470
$414
Requires DVD entertainment system.
UConnect
Sport, Limited
$310
$273
Wireless cell phone link. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.
Saddle-brown upholstery
Limited
$150
$132
Power sunroof
Sport
$1,000
$880
Includes glass roof panels. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28S.
Power liftgate
Sport, Limited
$400
$352
Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.
Floormats
Sport
$30
$26
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Exterior Appearance Pkg.
Limited
$75
$66
Fender flares, chrome assist handles.
Engine-block heater
Limited, Overland, Sport
$40
$35
Special paint
Limited, Overland, Sport
$150
$132
Premium paint
Limited, Overland, Sport
$225
$198
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires
Sport, Limited
$190
$167
Unique alloy wheels
Sport
$100
$88
Chrome alloy wheels
Limited
$820
$722
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2008 Jeep Commander Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Commander 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 109.5
Overall Length, in. 188.5
Overall Width, in. 74.8
Overall Height, in. 72.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4710
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 68.5
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 42.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.7
Rear Head Room, in. 40.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6 sohc V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.7 /226 4.7 /287 5.7 /345
Horsepower @ rpm. 210 @ 5200 305 @ 5650 330 @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 334 @ 3950 375 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed automatic 13/18 13/18 13/17
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Jeep Commander 4-door wagon
4WD Rollover 3
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain Lifetime/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  Jeep Commander
Trim Level:  Sport
Arrival Date:  02/28/2008
Engine:  sohc V8
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $29,415
Price as Tested:  $34,925
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3409
Mileage at End of Test:  3884
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  37.011 gals.
 

Major Options:  Customer Preferred Package (3rd Row 50/50 Split Bench, Cargo Compartment Carpet, Luxury Front and Rear Floor Mats, Fog Lamps, Front and Rear A/C w/Heater) Popular Equipment Group (115-Volt Power Outlet, Heated Front Seats, 6 Boston Speakers, Remote Start System, Adjustable Roof Rail Crossbars, Power Adjustable Pedals) Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Quadra-Trac II Active Full-Time 4WD

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  12.83 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Jennifer Geiger On the plus side, Commander has a comfortable ride and a cavernous interior with unfussy, flat-folding seats handy for moving almost anything. On the other hand, the 4.7-liter V8, while strong in any situation, is loud and I swear I can almost hear it chortling gluttonously on gasoline. Sure enough, I averaged 11.7 mpg over several days of normal commuting.

John Biel Even with almost $5000 in options, the tab for the Commander Sport in this test came to $34,925 delivered, which seems appropriate for a sturdy-feeling SUV. It's definitely not "car-like," in the event that matters to shoppers whose tastes and needs might really be more in tune with a crossover, and even the "small" V8 in the test vehicle returned mileage that might give shoppers pause in a time when oil prices are in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Rick Cotta It's not the most practical or cost-effective midsize SUV, and certainly isn't the best choice for those placing a priority on good fuel economy and decent third-row seating. But the Commander pushed a lot of my hot buttons. It rides as well as any SUV I've driven, and offers such unusual features as heated cloth seats, adjustable pedals, numerous storage cubbies, and--with the 4.7 V8--E85 capability.

Tom Appel Fuel concerns being what they are, Chrysler has stopped promoting the once over-hyped Hemi V8 engines. Our Commander Sport came with the newly vitalized 4.7-liter V8 which was supposed to approximate the Hemi's power but use less gas. Well, one out of two ain't bad. The juiced 4.7 has plenty of power to move this midsize ute around, but it's hardly less thirsty than the Hemi. We got about 13 mpg with our tester, roughly one mpg better than a recent Hemi-equipped version. To say the updated 4.7-liter V8 gets better mileage than the Hemi is like saying Jon Voigt is better looking than Don Rickles.

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