2008 Jeep Commander Review
The Commander is a midsize SUV that debuted in 2006. Able to carry up to seven passengers, the Commander’s boxlike shape provides room and utility. It is the first Jeep to offer a small third row. By expanding headroom upwards from the Grand Cherokee’s design, the Commander has stadium seating in the back. In 2007, the base model was renamed Sport, an Overland trim was added, as well as an E85 engine option.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Jeep Commander gives Jeep fans a more spacious off-roader with an exterior that has all the femininity of a monster truck rally. Good news for Jeep fans, but the rest of us may have more attractive options. Many competitors offer more value for the money, and Jeep isn’t exactly king of the reliability hill.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Commander 2.5 stars for mechanical quality, 3 stars for design quality and 2 stars for performance and design. Problems with the Commander include flaky warning lights, inaccurate climate control and flaky power seats. It’s been recalled twice for seatbelt damage and brake lockup. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Commander earned 5 stars in government frontal crash tests. No other data is available. Anti-lock brakes, side airbags, hill assist, and stability and traction control come standard. Adjustable pedals and a backup camera are also available.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful engines
+ Off-road capability
+ E85 option
Cons
– Mediocre gas mileage
– Weak value
– Boxy exterior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Chevrolet Equinox LTZ includes a CD changer and leather seats, but has a bit less hp. The Mazda Tribute Grand Touring costs over a thousand less and includes 4WD, leather seats, a moonroof and a CD changer. However, it has a smaller engine and can’t carry as much. The Subaru Forester Sport 2.5 XT includes 4WD, a CD changer and a moonroof, but lacks traction control and an automatic transmission.
What Others Are Saying:
“If you’re a Jeep loyalist and have outgrown the brand’s other models, Commander could be a satisfying solution. But if you’re brand-neutral, you’ll find better SUVs of about the same size for the same price or less.” – USA Today
“Prepare to be horrified. We rarely completely trash vehicles. But there is always an exception to that rule. The Jeep Commander has to be one of the most unappealing vehicles, as far as appearance, we’ve seen in this site’s ten months of existence. In recent times, only the Pontiac Aztec has been uglier.” – Autoblog
“We would be remiss for not pointing out that many of the Jeep Commander’s inherent shortcomings are directly related to the big, heavy, clunky gubbins that enable its superior off-road abilities. There, that’s done. Now, can someone please tell me why Jeep didn’t make a better job of this?” – The Truth About Cars
Read more about the 2008 Jeep Commander at the Jeep manufacturer web site.
