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2006 Jeep Commander Review

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

Perhaps "Compromise" would have been a better name

Introduction

Jeep Commander -- Review: Jeep is suffering an identity crisis. Long known for serious four-wheel-drive machines capable of managing some of the most difficult terrain on earth, Jeep arguably possesses one of the strongest brands, and one of the simplest lineups, in the automotive marketplace. But today, it seems that marketing nincompoops panicking over shifting consumer preferences are in control at Jeep, demanding additional models that feature better on-road ride and handling at the expense of the rough-and-tumble driving character that has come to define the Grand Cherokee, Liberty, and Wrangler, and inspire fanatical loyalty in Jeep aficionados. The results do not gladden the hearts of the faithful.

So far, only the Wrangler has been spared what we can only refer to as the emasculation of Jeep. But the rest of the product lineup, amounting to the cute wittle Liberty and soft cuddly Grand Cherokee until the 2006 Commander arrived, has been compromised by the demands of a public that wants to look like it can go anywhere at any time but usually only rolls into the Trader Joe's parking lot a couple of times a week, and wants that ride nice and cushy. Adding insult to injury, next year the Jeep Compass debuts, the first vehicle to wear the signature seven-slot grille and round headlights with absolutely no hope of ever traveling California's famed Rubicon Trail.

Basing the 2006 Jeep Commander on the Grand Cherokee platform has its drawbacks, and we cannot understand why, if the company wanted a seven-passenger SUV, DaimlerChrysler's excellent Dodge Durango didn't serve as the starting point. (DaimlerChrysler owns both Dodge and Jeep, as well as Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz.) A Grand Cherokee is not a large SUV. It's not even a midsize SUV by our standards, since it doesn't offer 75 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. So attempting to stuff three rows of seating into the Commander, atop the Grand Cherokee's solid rear axle no less, seems a mission as futile as teaching Paris Hilton grace, poise, elegance, and wit. If you're wondering why the Commander looks like a FedEx Box on wheels, getting three rows of seats inside is one reason. The other is that many Jeep freaks miss the old Cherokee, which enjoyed a production run of almost two decades with very few updates.

If the 2006 Jeep Commander still sounds appealing, here's what you need to know to pick the right model. Choose rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Next, pick an engine. A weak and raucous 3.7-liter V6 makes just 210hp/235 lb.-ft., and though the EPA says you can get 16/20 mpg city/highway, you'll be flooring this sucker everywhere you go to make up for the power deficit, which means you'll be getting the same fuel economy as the V8 upgrade. The 4.7-liter V8, optional on the base Commander and standard on Limited models, is the best blend of economy and performance, making 235hp/305 lb.-ft. and rating 15/19 by the EPA. Or put the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in your Limited for 330hp/375 lb.-ft. and a 14/18 fuel economy rating on 89-octane unleaded. If you get a 4WD model, you can choose one of three systems - light-duty automatic Quadra-Trac I, full-time active Quadra-Trac II with low-range gearing, or full-time active Quadra-Drive II with low-range and electronic limited-slip differentials.

Continue to 2006 Jeep Commander Review from MyRide.com

© 2007 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.

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