Whats the story with the Commander?

zolo

Explorer
The 06 to 10 Commanders, Short run for this model. Its seems pretty good on paper. Large, V8, proper T-case(?)
Are there any reason this couldn't make a good Rig for distance 4wd travel?
Any draw backs.
OME makes a lift.
Seems to have some bumpers available.

Is the suspension sound?
Any details from the Jeep crowd as to this rig?
 

shogun

Adventurer
Just a guess as I dont consider myself "jeep crowd" per say;

Large

V8

Off-road capability wasnt the design point as compared to cupholders, comfort, 3rd row seating. A very capable mallmobile though.

Now I'm not saying that with enough remove/replace it wouldnt be OK, but so would just about any car. And as they get older/cheaper you may see more on the trails. But like the Grand Cherokee, its obvious what the design market is, and it aint serious, technical, off-road ability, and thus it doesnt fit the desired perception of adventure.

Which brings us to the discussion of what is really necessary in terms of off-road capability, and thats where I have to leave the discussion...
 

Repo503

Adventurer
Basically its mechanically identicle to the WK Grand Cherokee. It was pretty popular its first year but I think gas prices and its largely useless 3rd row killed it. Its not a bad truck, and I love the styling, but aftermarket support is pretty limited and since its dead, wont get any better.

The suspension isnt bad, if a tad soft, and is IFS so lifts will be limited. Quadra drive II equiped models (hemi limiteds and Overlands) is pretty advanced with front and rear LSDs and drivetrain parts are easy to come by due to being shared with the WK.

There are a few issues that imo limit its desireability for an expo rig. Fuel economy is terrible with any engine (3.7 V6, 4.7 V8, and 5.7 V8 were all offered). The rig is pretty large but interior space isnt any better than the Grand Cherokee due to the stepped design of the 3rd row. Seats up there is almost no space, down the load floor is very high and still not very impressive. Limited aftermarket support. The gun slit styling of the windows limits visibility quite a bit, though the limited models with 3 moon roofs keeps it feeling light and airy in the cabin.

All in all not a bad choice, but probably not the best either. That being said they are cool, especially with a mild lift and residual values are terrible so you can pick up a loaded, low miles example for under 20k and thats pretty appealing.

Hope that helps. Ive always liked these rigs.

Ive heard Jeep will be returning to the 3 row arena soon with a Wagoneer, or a Dodge Durango with Jeep styling and the Grands 4wd system...might even get the upcoming diesel.
 

Repo503

Adventurer
I wouldnt say the offroad ability is much worse than an LR3/Disco 3, though less electronics and cheaper to fix.
 

schnutzy

Observer
Are they the best platforms to offroad? No, but with a little aftermarket help, they do pretty well.
Here is a buddy of mine that I have run with a few times, he tows his wifes CJ7 to the trail, goes out and is trail leader for our groups, and then tows her CJ7 home. I have watched him take it down a couple of the harder trails at RC, and it has always made it through. It all comes down to picking a line that you can run.

IMG_3860.JPG


They can be some pretty cool rigs, i know i wouldn't mind owning one.
 

SSF556

SE Expedition Society
The WK and Commander are great expo rigs.....mine has a diesel in it ;) Stock to Stock I believe they will go anywhere a stock LR3, Land Cruiser or 4Runner will go. There is plenty of aftermarket for the WK...Commander maybe not so much. Smaller WB allows it to shine on trails.

Unibody vs frame is where the debate is for the hardcore guys....I spend 90% of my time on paved or fire roads, so unibody is fine with me. You have maybe a 1000 pounds to play with so it is limited there...pack light. It can tow a lot depending on engine.

QD and QT2 are very good offroad systems. Rear lockers are available for the QT2 systems. They have 4Low.

Interior on the WK is limited...pack light.

If I lived in Australia or South Africa it would not be my first choice, because I think it is too light duty, but for the USA....I think it is a great expo rig.


i-f69fm2C-L.jpg
 
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Repo503

Adventurer
Decent onroad manners and pretty comfy...isnt that what makes the landcruiser 80/100/200, Patrol and Discos/LRs popular? A truely great expo rig should be well rounded in my opinion and I think the commander fits.
 

Stumpalump

Expedition Leader
The price at auction was 7-8 grand when they were a year or two old and gas was high. I don't know what they are going for today but I'd lowball offer on any you plan to buy. I drove a new 0 miles one for a couple hundred miles on the Hiway. I liked it so if the price is lower as I expect than a used Grand Cherokee and they wheel great, then it may just be the best bang for the buck out there.
 

jeepdreamer

Expedition Leader
Wonder why they didn't put the 3.0MB diesel in these like the Grand Cherk? Maybe that would have helped sales...? Just a thought.
 

G jeep

New member
Have you sat in a Commander? Jeep made too many compromises to ram three rows inside. The driving position is awful with absolutely the smallest driver foot well of any car i have ever set in. Driving it any amount of time would be torture.
 

Repo503

Adventurer
Footwell is small but I dont think any different than the grand. I fit fine, but Im also pretty skinny. The 3rd row is only useful for small children though. Ive seen these done with the 3rd row removed and custom storage built in place, an elegant solution in my opinion because unlike a Tahoe or something similar you dont get a flat floor when the seats are removed.

Despite the drawbacks they are still a great value used, might be the best per $ spent.
 

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