I'm thinkin Commander!

[Sleeping Dog]

Commander

The Commander has a lot going for it. Potentially nice interior space and the usual Jeep benefits.

On the debit side the 4.7 is a gas guzzler. According to the dealer when I looked at the Commander, to remove the third row of seats you need to unbolt them from the floor. That plus the folded second row isn't very compact robs the interior of a lot of useable space.

Good luck

 

[AZCPP]

Yes, the rear seats are a big drawback on this vehicle. It is just my wife and I so I would just remove both the second and third row seat and build a flat deck with storage under.

 

[calamaridog]

I'm positive the 2008 model will offer the new generation 4.7L V8. I would absolutely hold out for that one myself.

The old motor:

230 hp at 4600 rpm
290 lb-ft at 3600 rpm

The new motor:

305 hp at 5650 rpm
335 lb-ft at 3950 rpm

The new motor includes several advancements including better gas mileage and reduced noise and vibration. Of course this motor is flex fuel too. The other benefit versus the 5.7L "hemi" is that this motor is built in Detroit, not Mexico.

 

[Spenser]

4.7 motor

Just got back from a road trip in our commander. Averaged a litte over 18 MPG, running 70-75 mph on highway. That includes the K&N cold air kit. The motor is a little underpowered for the commander and if I had to do it again would do the hemi, as the MPG isnt that much difference. Also, the addition of a slightly larger gas tank is going to be helpful, the range is only about 350-370 miles. All in all, very good vehicle, is a little smaller than the large SUVs, comfortable with go anywhere jeepness. Also, financing and warranty arent shabby either, although the aftermarket parts a limited when compared to Toyota, Grand Cherokee and others.

 

[calamaridog]

Spenser,

That is awesome feedback. I'll say that the next generation 4.7 offers more power than the one you currently have and they claim better fuel efficiency and reduced noise and vibration (not that the current motor is bad). I agree the Commander is a good size too.

 

[AZCPP]

Well, the wife is still saying NO....:violent-smiley-031:

We drove one the other night and I thought she liked it. (thats what I get for thinking). She said "I don't know,,,, but,,,, I just don't like it"

Why is it that I pay for it, and she has the final say????

 

[viter]

Why is it that I pay for it, and she has the final say????

cause you have her to keep her happy

 

[ujoint]

That's why I'm not married!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bergger]

I made it a point to bring my wife along when we bought our first new car 12 years ago. She had such a miserable experience she has never gone with me again. She just tells me to call her when it's time for her to sign the papers on whatever vehicle I've decided on! It is important to keep her happy. Just keep working on her, maybe take her to drive something else that you know will make the commander look even better!

 

[The Swiss]

Well, the wife is still saying NO....:violent-smiley-031:

We drove one the other night and I thought she liked it. (thats what I get for thinking). She said "I don't know,,,, but,,,, I just don't like it"

Why is it that I pay for it, and she has the final say????

My wife was the one talking me into trading my Tacoma for a Commander. This when I actually wanted to show her the new 4 door Wrangler I felt in love with. Women....

Regarding mpgs: Mine with the 2.5"lift and the 32" tires get's about 17 mpg.

Here again a pic of mine.

 

[AZCPP]

That is a nice looking Jeep!

 

[John90XJ]

For 2 people, is the size difference (which seems small to me) between the Commander and the Grand Cherokee worth the extra 500 pounds of weight the Commander brings to the party?

 

[calamaridog]

Interior cargo space is actually very similar behind the 1st and 2nd row but the Commander does have 3rd row seating. So really you are looking at similar vehicle specifications except for 7 passengers versus 5 passengers.

According to the Jeep site:

Commander -

Cargo 65.5/36.3/7.5
Payload 1310
Curb weight 4649
GVR 6200
Max towing (Hemi and tow package) 6500

Grand C -

Cargo 68.5/35.0
Payload - 1050
Curb weight 4315
GVR 5700
Max towing (Hemi and tow package) 7400

 

[John90XJ]

Interior cargo space is actually very similar behind the 1st and 2nd row but the Commander does have 3rd row seating. So really you are looking at similar vehicle specifications except for 7 passengers versus 5 passengers.

According to the Jeep site:

Commander -

Cargo 65.5/36.3/7.5
Payload 1310
Curb weight 4649
GVR 6200
Max towing (Hemi and tow package) 6500

Grand C -

Cargo 68.5/35.0
Payload - 1050
Curb weight 4315
GVR 5700
Max towing (Hemi and tow package) 7400

I'm guessing those are base engine and package weights.......?

Edmunds shows the following for the 2007 4WD 5.7 liter auto models:

Stat / Grand Cherokee / Commander

Weight 4730 lbs. 5239 lbs.
Max. Towing Capacity 7200 lbs. 7200 lbs.
Max. Payload Capacity 1050 lbs. 1180 lbs.


It just seems that the two compare vary favorably with one another until you get to curb weight and if it's only 2 people, I would rather carry the gear than the dead weight or just run a lighter rig.

 

[calamaridog]

When I changed the model on the Jeep site the curb weight and payload did change a bit closer to what you posted I think I was looking at the 4x2 before?

And I hear what you are saying about getting the Grand C instead if the Commander if you don't need the extra seats. More likely to have aftermarket and the model is more likely to be a long production run whereas the Commander may not stay in the market.