2008 Jeep Commander: The Sleeker Cherokee

The Jeep Commander is a mid-sized SUV introduced in 2006. Its first public appearance was commenced at the New York Auto Show in 2005 and debuted as a sports utility vehicle in 2006. It came out as a 7 passenger SUV with just about 2 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee.

Upgrades have been made in the engine and overall features for the 2008 Jeep Commander. The 2008 Commander is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the Sport 4X2 to the Overland 4X4. “The Sport 4X2 is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 210-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The Overland 4X4 is equipped with a standard 5.7-liter, V8, 330-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.” With this specification, one evident quality of the Jeep Commander is its capability to drive off the road.

The new Jeep Commander holds a big similarity with the original Jeep Cherokee, but has been made more modern through its auto body parts, sleeker looks and attractive finish. The Commander is undoubtedly a Jeep due to its apparent use of Jeep design cues. Such Jeep exclusive features include the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings, and squared-off lines with flat surfaces. It’s been added with allen-head bolts along the wheel openings and a decorative headlamp module to create a more technical look.

Its exterior 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.

The interior may not show-off excessive luxury features, but it is totally roomy and well-designed. The seats for seven are nicely shaped and padded. Standard interior features include power front windows, heated power mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio and tire pressure monitoring warning.

According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com 2008 Jeep Commander does fairly well in federal government crash tests “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.”

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.