2008 Jeep Commander

The seven-passenger Commander is built off the Grand Cherokee platform and features an identical wheelbase. But Commander is slightly (two-inches) longer than Grand Cherokee and sports distinctive exterior styling.

Inspired by vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Cherokee, Commander features a traditional boxy shape. Also, Commander stands tall providing the driver with an excellent view of the road.

Thanks to Commander's time-honored exterior styling and long-established vertical grille, you'll never confuse it for anything but a Jeep.

Inside, Commander's third-row seat adds accommodations for two more passengers bringing the total capacity to seven. But, the third-row really doesn't have enough head- or legroom for adults.

When the third-row seats are in use, rear visibility is poor and there's very little space between the third-row seatbacks and the tailgate for cargo.

That all changes, though, when you fold the third-row seats, expanding the cargo capacity from 7.5 cubic-feet to 36.3 cubic-feet, and a whopping 68.5 cubic-feet with both the second- and third-row seats folded. With that kind of volume, Commander can easily accommodate large parcels.

For 2008, Commander can be ordered without the third-row seat. Some of the "new for 2008" features include a more powerful 4.7-liter V-8 engine, hard-drive based infotainment system with navigation (known as MyGig), rear back-up camera, trailer sway control, and off-roading improvements like Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

For 2008, Commander comes in three trim levels: Sport, Limited, and Overland. The Sport comes standard with a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The Limited features the all-new and more powerful (305-horsepower) 4.7-liter V-8, and the Overland comes fitted with the 330-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

Sport buyers can opt for the 4.7 and Limited buyers can opt for the HEMI. The 4.7-liter V-8 is a flex-fuel engine and can run on gasoline or E85. All engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Three different 4WD systems are featured in Commander. The Sport utilizes Jeep's Quadra-Trac I, a full-time system without any switches or levers. The Limited utilizes Quadra-Trac II, an automatic system with a two-speed transfer case a neutral position for flat-towing. The Overland features Quadra-Drive II, which provides the ultimate in off-road capability.

Quadra-Drive II is optional on Sport and Limited models. All trim levels feature anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability and electronic roll mitigation.

Commander is very versatile, letting you shuttle the kids to school and sporting events, carry large packages, traverse rugged terrain or snow-covered roads, and tow a camper or boat.

The ride is likable and parkability isn't too bad. About the only negative is fuel economy. Even with the 3.7-liter V-6 featured in the Sport model, Commander delivers city/highway mileage figures of 13/18 mpg .

As long as you're aware of that up front, there are many likable traits. I truly enjoyed the MyGig radio which lets you store 20GB of music and photos on the system's hard-drive.

My 2008 Commander Sport featured the new 4.7-liter V-8 and it provides plenty of power for launch and passing. Those that need the versatility of an SUV should take a good look at Commander. Amazingly, the starting price is sub-$30K and you'll likely find a good deal as the demand for SUVs has dropped.

2008 Jeep Commander Sport 4x4 

Engine: 4.7-liter (305 hp) V-8

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Drive type: 4WD

Fuel economy: 13 city/18 highway

Base price: $29,415

As tested: $34,925 (including $695 for destination)

Web site: www.jeep.com