2008 Jeep Commander Review

The 2008 Jeep Commander has not even appeared on the manufacturer's website yet, but there is already talk that it will be removed from the Jeep lineup after the 2009 model year.

The seven passenger Commander comes in three trim levels, Sport, Limited and Overland, each of which is available either as a 4x2 or a 4x4. The Sport comes with a 3.7 liter, 210 horsepower V6 engine providing 235 pounds/feet of torque. The default engine for the Limited is a 4.7 liter, 290 horsepower V8 providing 305 pounds/feet or torque and the Overland's V8 engine is a 5.7 liter with 330 horsepower that offers 375 pounds/feet of torque. The standard transmission for all trim levels is a five-speed automatic with overdrive.

The exterior of the 2008 Jeep Commander hasn't changed that much. Still one of the boxiest SUVs around, its standard features include fender flares and door handles that match the body color for a smoother line, a flip-up glass window in the back lift-gate, and heated power mirrors that fold against the body of the car. As well, there are fog lights, halogen head lights, a roof rack, and the traditional Jeep grille.

Interior features of the Jeep Commander are fairly typical. Aside from seating for seven, there's eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, the second row bench splits into 40, 20, and 40% (again) sections to fold or tumble, and the rear-most seat is a 50/50 split bench. Air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and a "ParkSense" system to help when backing up are standard as well, as is the AM/FM radio / CD player with MP3 input jack and six speakers.

Safety features on the 2008 Jeep Commander include the expected LATCH child-seat restraint system, multi-stage airbags for the front seat, and side curtain airbags for all seats, and both traction control and stability control as well as an accident response system that turns off the fuel pump, lights the interior of the vehicle, and unlocks all the doors, if the airbags deploy.

Estimated fuel efficiency for the 2008 Jeep Commander ranges from 14-16 mpg in the city and 18-20 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim level chosen. The starting MSRP ranges from $27,415 for the 4x2 Sport to $44,445 for the 4x4 Overland.