Jeep Commander, opinions?

[87Warrior]

I am looking for thoughts, comments, personal experience, etc from you guys about the Commander.

 

My wife has decided she wants a 4wd vehicle so she can make the 10 mile trek across the county roads to town when the snow hits. She is also tired of her 02 Camry and wants something newer/nicer to drive. She doesn't like the looks of a WK, the WJ is too old and the XJ/ZJ is out of the question due to age. I am not extremely fond of the Commander, but I have seen a few that looked Sharp and.the wife seems to like them....now to find one in the right color....

 

As I understand it, the Commander is simply a bigger/heavier WK. It seems they can be had with a V6, 4.7, or Hemi. Is the V6 the same that can be found in the liberty? Is the 4.7 the same found in WJs, durangos, etc? Is the Hemi the same Hemi Chrysler is shoving into all of their vehicles?

 

What should I watch out for? Are there any problematic issues regularly found on these rigs?

[Blue88Comanche]

from what i have been told the interior room of the commander is somewhat cramped, my guess would be because of the 3 rows of seats they stuffed in there. but i like the look of the commander and the newer libertys. if the commander is heaver than the WK don't get a v6, I have the 4.7 V8 in my WK and it is perfect (till i get to the pump but its a jeep). I am getting about 17 ish MPG driving to and from work and around town, 20 miles to work 10 miles around town and 20 miles back home, 5 days a week.

 

hope that helps

[Automan2164]

:popcorn:

 

I have a soft spot for that shoebox. Subscribed.

 

Rob

[knever3]

In my experience with a '06 GC with the hemi the Commander is smaller inside. I really liked the Commander when it was first released but I thought it was supposed to be a small replacement for the Cherokee. After realizing it was going to be heavy and expensive and BIG I lost interest. I cross shopped both and decided on the GC. I think my old XJ had more usable cargo space in the rear but I manage. I LOVE the GC! I call it a Cadillac Jeep because it has ALL the options. If you won't use the third row for children under 12 then stick with the GC, and ONLY the HEMI. If you want to know what gas mileage it gets with said HEMI 15-17mpg. If she doesn't really like the GC have her test drive it with the HEMI, you won't go back.

[Blue88Comanche]

I LOVE the GC! I call it a Cadillac Jeep because it has ALL the options. If you won't use the third row for children under 12 then stick with the GC, and ONLY the HEMI. If you want to know what gas mileage it gets with said HEMI 15-17mpg. If she doesn't really like the GC have her test drive it with the HEMI, you won't go back.

 

:agree: The ride in the WK is awesome, it drives better than all of my family's other vehicles and even my Sisters Ford Five-Hundred Limited. My only regret is getting it in 2wd :fool: The 4.7 and the 5.7 get the same MPG so if you can just get the HEMI. The 4.7 has plenty of DD power and has already gotten me my first speeding ticket...

 

When I was Shopping for mine there where tons of 4x4 V6 but the nearest 4x4 V8 for sale in my price range was in Texas. so that's why i settled for my 4wd 4.7 V8 :fool: But I still love it

[87Warrior]

You fellas have never gone car shopping with a lady. It is more of an emotional experience rather than a practical one. The vehicle must look great and require no work. The last time she started looking at SUVs, she liked the new RAV4 because of the tail lights. :???: :hmm:

 

Around here a similarly equipped WK is averaging $3-5k more than a Commander. It sounds like the Hemi is the way to go, but I really would like to test drive one with each motor. I am glad to hear these rigs are not plauged with problems.

 

I guess the next thing to do is go harass a few dealers for a test drive.

 

The more I look at the Commander, the more I like it. We will see what happens.

[Blue88Comanche]

I like the tail lights on my WK thats why i went with that model and not the WJs :D now if i could get a Commander or new style Liberty front on my WK I would be sitting happy :D :cheers:

 

If you do get to look at a Commander see if the 3rd row seats are removable, Dad has been looking into getting another Jeep to replace his current Liberty, and he liked the looks of the Commander as well as the newer Libertys.

[Automan2164]

The more I look at the Commander, the more I like it. We will see what happens.

 

OME makes a 2.5" BB for them too:

 

 

Oh, and if you get the HEMI, you have to do some exhaust...

 

tJIo1YjyMW0

 

I thought this was a neat little video on the Quadra Drive system.

 

y1DG-P6oOGY

 

I would consider one... But I loathe the thought of a car payment.

Rob

[Lemmon714]

I bought a used 2007 4.7 4x4 to upgrade my wife from her 1998 XJ. Jeep had 60K when bought, 1 year later it has 75k.

 

Problems- The sunroof leaked on the DS and PS. I fixed it by modifying the outlet tubes- there is a pin hole opening in the outlet tube that was filled with dirt. The transmission shifts with a stutter under part load in low gears- you need to get used to the feeling. In Tow/ Haul it shifts like you would expect it to shift.

 

Observations- The rear seats obstruct the view out the rear window. We typically have them down all the time. The vision out the rear window and back side windows is poor. This seems to be the way all new vehicles are built. Compared to the XJ it feels like you loose about 70% of the visibility. The front is spacious and comfortable when sitting. The seats are supportive- I have taken it from PA to FL two times (13- 14 hour drive). The middle seats are fine- it is not spacious but sufficient. The rear seats are for small children. Gas mileage is bad (as expected) 12- 14 city and 17-20 highway. Highway is better at lower speeds, mpg drops off after 70 mph. I did not test drive a V6, it did not seem like an acceptable power plant for the weight of the vehicle. It drives and handles well, the traction control is annoying on curves when it pules the ABS due to vehicle speed- I get the pulsing, my wife doesn't drive it fast enough. I have not been able to remove the third row seats- I don't think it is possible. The 4.7 is plenty powerful for the vehicle, I am sure the HEMI would be a great upgrade, I am not convinced I would get a V6. The Goodyear Fortera tires are good for about 45,000 miles if you are looking at a low mileage vehicle. It does not have a cabin air filter- you may be able to retrofit a GC filter and kit into the vehicle. With rear seats down there is just enough cargo capacity, but it is not cavernous. I purchased a net for the rear to keep things from sliding into the rear hatch and falling out when the gate is opened. The heated seats are wonderful in the Winter. I can turn on the AC in the swing months and my wife is comfortable with the seat heater "On." The Auto Stick is nice if you drive through hills or in rough terrain. If your wife is comfortable with a standard transmission, it gives you more control. The brakes feel solid and stop the vehicle well. Loaded up for vacation or with multiple adults and kids in the back it still handles and moves well.

 

Other than ATF, oil, and filters (and coolant at 5 years/ 75K) I have done zero work to it. The transmission and engine run great. I have heard complaints about LCA's wearing out. I would like to upgrade the shocks and struts to Bilsteins due to mileage. It burns about 1 qt. of oil every 2500- 3500 miles. The 4x4 has not been put to the test in real snow, but it has been fine for light off road use and small snow accumulations. I have not done any serious off roading. I would not hesitate to take it off road if I had the chance.

 

Just make sure you and her get a feel for "Lack of visibility" through the rear window and side windows, it is different and requires adjustment from driving smaller vehicles. I don't have a backup camera- this is one of the few options it does not have.

 

For all those people with insomnia, sorry for posting the cure (Read the above comments).

[xjrev10]

 

 

OME makes a 2.5" BB for them too:

 

 

Oh, and if you get the HEMI, you have to do some exhaust...

 

 

tJIo1YjyMW0

 

I thought this was a neat little video on the Quadra Drive system.

 

y1DG-P6oOGY

 

I would consider one... But I loathe the thought of a car payment.

Rob

 

You should be able to use the 4" superlift suspension also.