2007 JEEP COMMANDER REVIEW
Introduced to the market in 2006, the mid sized Jeep Commander SUV appears as though it is going to be a real winner with consumers. The Jeep Commander was first seen at the 2005 New York Auto Show where this seven passenger SUV was met with much approval. While the Jeep Commander was met with approval at the auto shows, will it hold up well for the average consumer?
Interior of the Jeep Commander
One of the most exciting features that the 2007 Commander offers is third row seating, which is a first for Jeep vehicles. While the overall style of the vehicle is not a stretch for Jeep the third row seating is something to be excited about. With seating for seven Jeep now has an offering for bigger families or for families who need a carpooling vehicle. The interior of the vehicle has a very spacious feel that the average consumer will be very appreciative of. The front seats are much like the front seats of the Grand Cherokee, which are comfortable and cozy. The Commander is different from the driver’s seat back as the Commander has a raised roof. This raised roof structure allows the use of stadium seating so that all seven passengers can see beyond the passengers sitting in the row in front of them.
 |
 |
 |
Drivability of the Jeep Commander
In our review of the Jeep Commander we had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle. The vehicle that we drove was equipped with a 4.7 liter V8 engine and five speed automatic transmission. The test unit was fully equipped and first impressions were great. The engine choice that we had is one of three that is offered on the Commander. Consumers can choose from a 3.7 PowerTech V6, the 4.7 PowerTech V8 that we tested, and the 5.7 liter Hemi V8.
When we got into the Commander we were immediately aware of the cozy feeling that the seats provide. The seats have a very nice shape that allows for a natural and comfortable driving position. The steering wheel boasts a four spoke design and has cruise control buttons for the driver’s convenience.
From the outside of the vehicle the Commander looks quite boxy, but the handling of the vehicle when driving was amazingly responsive. Jeep has been known for providing consumers with SUVs that can be handled easily, more quickly, and are simply better balanced for city driving and the Commander is no exception. We were able to make our way through rush hour traffic and even attempt some aggressive driving techniques with no problem at all. In addition to that, the throttle response in town is absolutely brilliant and is probably owed to the multi-speed automatic transmission that Jeep has fitted the Commander with.
Around town the Commander was really easy to drive, fun even, but the test was to see how it was on the open road. To our delight the Commander provided a very comfortable and smooth ride. There was not much tire or wind noise that we noticed, which is nice so that you do not have to yell at the person sitting next to you! The engine option we tested, a 4.7 liter V8, would seem to be more than enough power to get around town and such. Anything bigger would probably be for the consumer that plans to tow something behind his Commander such as a camper or boat.
We were able to take the Commander off road a bit and found that its all terrain tires worked wonderfully in conjunction with the suspension and such. Also, the electronic traction control that is built into the vehicle made it simple to get over rocks, trees, and up steep inclines and such. Ground clearance of the Commander is adequate, though there were a couple times when we scraped the bottom a bit but all seemed to be well!
 |
 |
 |
Overall Impression
Our test drive of the 2007 Jeep Commander proved that this is a very worthwhile investment for families that are looking for a sturdy SUV that seats up to seven. The Commander is also a worthy investment for those that are looking to take the vehicle off road because it seems as though it will go just about anywhere! All in all, Jeep has provided the market with a stellar SUV in the Commander.