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Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - The Heg
I’m toying with a Jeep Commander, specifically the 5.7 hemi. Has anyone owned or driven one? I fully expect the fuel to be huge- I’m more interested in size and comfort. Is the Grand Cherokee with the same engine any better?
Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - groaver

www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/unthinkables-m...s

Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - badbusdriver

www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/unthinkables-m...s

You have to go some way down the page to find the Commander, but amusing to read the boss of the company describe it thus,

“That vehicle was unfit for human consumption. We sold some. But I don’t know why people bought them.”!!

Could be amusing if you can afford the fuel, but unless you need the extra 2 seats (and going back to that Autocar piece, it would seem those seats are very small indeed), there wouldn't be any reason to buy one over a (similarly priced) Cherokee.

Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - paul 1963

I've owned two Cherokee, one with the 4 litre 6 pot and one with the 4.7 v8....huge fun but thirsty in the extreme.

If you really want some fun look for a wrangler with the 4 litre engine ( had one of those as well...all company cars...long story) a absolute hoot to drive. never had a commander but I bet it'll make you smile.

Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - The Heg
Thanks- all worth knowing. Hadn’t realised even Jeep hated it so much! I had vague thoughts of needing the 7 seats, but would only be an occasional thing (Children’s friends). Not worth buying a bad car for though...
Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - badbusdriver

How about a Ford S-Max 2.5t?. This uses the same 5 cyl Volvo unit as the MK2 Focus ST. With just under 220bhp it is over 100bhp down on power, but the 0-60 time's are exectly the same at 7.4 seconds. The S-Max has a much higher top speed, for obvious reasons (should you find yourself in Germany!). And while thirsty, not as much so as the Jeep.

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190528840...1

Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - badbusdriver

Or you could have a look at some Japanese import MPV's. Ascending in order of power, there is the Honda Elysion 3.0 or 3.5 (200-205bhp), the Toyota Alphard 3.0 (220bhp), or the Nissan Elgrand 3.5 (240bhp). Just be aware that Japanese MPV's typically have lap belts for the centre rear seat on a bench. So you'd have either a seven seater with six three point belts, or an eight seater with six three point belts. Here are examples of each on Autotrader,

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20181201290...1

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190514793...1

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20181122265...1

Edited by badbusdriver on 17/06/2019 at 22:29

Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - Metropolis.
I don’t believe the Commander was a bad car, more that Sergio was quite opinionated and didn’t appreciate the boxy styling and lack of efficiency! If it was the build quality, well, he was running the wrong company! As far as I know it’s based off of the same chassis as the Grand Cherokee, with the same running gear as well. That 5.7 is quite well thought of in the states and sorry BBD, but the driving experience in a v6 minivan, opulent though they may be, just can’t match up to a thumping great v8 with the soundtrack to go with it! James May once said: It’s not in the performance, but the nature of the delivery.

Ultimately it’s a Chrysler product and getting on a bit now, so find one that has been looked after and ideally without a tow bar. Also being a Chrysler they can never seem to build a gearbox properly so get that services immediately at a garage that’s part of Federation of Automatic Transmission specialists.. There’s always a bit of snobbery amongst UK reviewers especially when it comes to larger american cars but i think they’re ace, just need to accept them for what they are designed for. Enjoy!
Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - badbusdriver

I don’t believe the Commander was a bad car, more that Sergio was quite opinionated and didn’t appreciate the boxy styling and lack of efficiency!

It certainly wasn't a very good one if, with that huge and boxy shape, the third row was very cramped.

and sorry BBD, but the driving experience in a v6 minivan, opulent though they may be, just can’t match up to a thumping great v8 with the soundtrack to go with it!

I didn't say it was, i was simply offering the OP some quick 7 seat alternatives. You seem to be under the assumption the OP is only looking at the Commander because of that V8, which may well be true, but we don't know that.

Ultimately it’s a Chrysler product and getting on a bit now, so find one that has been looked after and ideally without a tow bar.

There is currently one V8 Commander on Autotrader, so i very much doubt the OP, or anyone else, has the luxury of being picky if they wanted a V8 Commander!.

And BTW, here is another quick 7 seater, though i'm not sure about that gearbox, it may ber an automated manual?,

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190601856...1

Jeep Commander - Any experiences of Jeep Commander? - The Heg
Thanks all. I was specifically thinking about the V8, but I’m not wedded to a Commander. There are a few that come up every so often. I had vaguely thought about the SMax- I have a V70 T5 so know and like the engine. I’m not quite ready for an imported bus just yet. Quite fancy a Range Rover, but am dissuaded by the tales of woe and unreliability, especially at my price point. The XC90 is another thought, but theT6 gearbox is awful so I’d be looking at the 3.2 or 4.4.... I shall keep on looking- my search is not urgent for now...