2008 Jeep Commander

The 2008 Jeep Commander is a rugged vehicle that is almost identical to the 2007 model. With an NHSTS Driver’s Crash Rating of five stars out of five, you can feel safe transporting everything from your golf clubs to your kids with this SUV.

Compared to other SUVS of its size, the 2008 Jeep Commander is available at a reasonable price. Depending upon the model and the options, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranges anywhere from $27,415 to $42,950.

The 2008 Jeep Commander is available with either a V6 or a V8 engine, which means drivers can choose between better fuel economy or increased power. The mid-level V8 is available with a 4.7-liter engine and offers excellent performance and responsive acceleration without burning that much more fuel than the 3.7-liter V6 version. For those looking for more power, the 5.7-liter V8, which can tow up to 7,400 pounds, makes a good choice. Overall, the 2008 Jeep Commander is listed as getting 19 miles per gallon on the highway and 14 miles per gallon in the city.

Just as last year’s model, the 2008 Jeep Commander offers five passenger seating. For those needing more cargo room, the seats can be folded down to offer more space. With all of the seats down, it provides 68.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 1.5 cubes greater than the Grand Cherokee.

A variety of safety features come standard with the 2008 Jeep Commander. These include:

• Anti-lock brakes, which modulate brake pressure after sensing that a tire has stopped rotating.
• Stability control, which reduces engine power and applies appropriate braking when sensing that the vehicle is getting out of control.
• Front-impact airbags from the driver and the passenger, which protect their heads in the event of a frontal crash.
• Overhead airbags, which protect the heads of the occupants in the event of a rollover or side collision.
• Pretensioners seatbelts, which automatically tighten the seat belt when a collision occurs.
• Security system, which disables the ignition and prevents the engine from being started when a key other than the original manufacturer key is used.

Those interested in the 2008 Jeep Commander can select from between a two-wheel drive version or a four-wheel drive version. It is also available in three different trim options to select from. The Sport version comes with the 3.7-liter V6 and offers 210 horsepower. A roof rack, which is standard in the other two trims, can be added if desired.

The Limited Jeep Commander offers the 4.7-liter V8, which boosts the horsepower to 290 and offers the flex-fuel option. With the limited, seating capacity moves up to seven passengers. Full size 17” silver alloy wheels come standard on both the Sport and the Limited.

The third trim option is the Overland. The Overland offers a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 18” alloy wheels. With the extra engine power, the Overland pulls 330 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. This is quite significant when compared to 235 lb-ft of torque offered by the Sport and the 320 lb-ft of the Limited.

According to the reviewers at AutoSite.com, the 2008 Jeep Commander offers a comfortable ride and quality controls, stating “As for switches and controls, the Commander is an ergonomic delight. All the gauges are easy to read and the controls are simple to use and identify.” The reviewer goes on to praise the Overland model, saying it offers “quick acceleration on paved surfaces.”

Car and Driver Magazine agreed that the Commander performs well on the pavement, saying “In a comparison test against the new Ford Explorer, the Commander felt more connected to terra firma and finished first.”

The 2008 Jeep Commander is a very large vehicle, weighing in at 6,400 or 6,500 pounds depending upon the model. Although it certainly will never be described as a “cute” SUV, it makes for a great choice for moms looking for a stylish and safe way vehicle to haul the kids as well as for the man looking for a tough vehicle with high towing capacity and off road capabilities. As such, it is the perfect vehicle for families as well as for those living the single life.