Many families who don't want a "domesticated'' image shop for a sport-utility vehicle with a third-row seat. That's where the new Jeep Commander comes in -- it's the first Jeep ever offered with a third seat.
Jeep has been producing civilian utility vehicles for longer than many might guess. The first civilian versions of the iconic World War II Jeep were too crude for general use. But Jeep -- then the product of the Willys-Overland auto company -- began making a long-lived four-wheel-drive station wagon in 1946.
The Commander has a Jeep retro look with items shared with the 1946 Jeep wagon: slotted grille, round headlights, trapezoidal wheel openings and a boxy shape with a steep windshield and rear end.
After Willys, Jeep's ownership went to American Motors, Chrysler and, finally, DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler group. Despite all those owners, Jeep has kept traditional styling elements since the 1946 wagon, which Jeep calls one of the "key sources of inspiration'' for the Commander's design. But then, Coca-Cola has never changed the classic Coke bottle shape.
It's also surprising that Jeep has never offered a third seat to allow seven-passenger seating -- especially in recent years when such a seat has been wanted by many SUV buyers. Major Jeep rivals offer a third seat, and that's caused Jeep to lose sales.
The Commander's third seat is best suited for kids, not for normal-size adults except on very short trips. Access to the third row is gained by flipping the second-row seat forward. Getting back there is a cumbersome process, best left to nimble kids. The third seat partially obstructs rear vision when its headrests are in place and leaves scant room for cargo when in its upright position. However, its seatbacks easily fold forward with the second-row seat seatbacks to provide a flat-floor cargo area.
Occupants sit high and second- and third-row seats are positioned theater-style, with the second row higher than the first, and the third row higher than the second. A power front sunroof and dual tinted glass skylights are offered in the roof above the second seat row to expand the sense of interior roominess.
The Commander is based on the platform of Jeep's flagship Grand Cherokee, which seats five. They have the same 109.5-inch wheelbase, but the Commander is two inches longer and slightly wider and taller.
Why didn't Jeep just install a third seat in the Grand Cherokee? Because it found that many Grand Cherokee owners didn't want a third seat. Jeep also thought such a seat would hurt styling of the Grand Cherokee, which has smoother, more rounded lines than the Commander.
For one thing, the Commander has a very upright rear window to provide enough space for two additional occupants, and that helps give it a boxy look.
Not that most Jeeps haven't had a boxy look like that 1946 wagon, which lasted until 1962. Practical, go-anywhere vehicles aren't known for sensuous lines. Even the old Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which was truly grand when sold from 1963 through 1991, was boxy. So was the 1984-2001 Cherokee, which also inspired the Commander.
In any case, the Chrysler group wants to cash in more on the legendary Jeep nameplate by expanding its lineup, which includes the Liberty and Wrangler. Industry sources say the compact 2007 Jeep Compass and Patriot will be built next year at the Chrysler group's Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant.
The $27,290-$38,205 Commander is offered in base and upscale Limited trim levels. It comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and retains Jeep's off-road prowess.
This new Jeep comes with a 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6, which needs more punch for expressway/ highway use, and a 4.7-liter, 235 horsepower V-8 that's standard on the Limited and a $1,340 option for the base model. There's also a mighty 5.7-liter, 330-horsepower Hemi V-8 that is a $1,495 option only for the Limited all-wheel-drive version.
Each V-8 has its own all-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing for tough off-road use, although low-range gearing isn't offered for the Commander V-6.
The Hemi provides smooth, exceptional acceleration and has a cylinder deactivation feature for better fuel economy. But the Commander weighs a hefty 4,783 pounds and thus is no fuel miser with any of its engines, although this mid-size SUV is easy to maneuver and garage.
The 3.7 V-6 version delivers the best EPA-estimated fuel economy, providing 16 mpg in the city and 20 on highways. The 4.7 V-8 delivers 15 and 19, while the Hemi V-8 figures are 14 and 18, despite the cylinder shutdown feature.
All engines work with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability.
Even the base Commander is nicely equipped with comfort and convenience items. They include front air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD, power driver seat, tilt wheel and power windows, mirrors with a fold-back feature and locks with remote keyless entry.
The Limited has a posher interior and adds such items as a power sunroof, power front passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, rear air conditioning, power adjustable pedals, upgraded sound system and Sirius satellite radio.
The Commander has more safety and security features than any previous Chrysler group vehicle. They include anti-lock disc brakes, front side air bags, curtain side air bags, traction control and an anti-skid system with a "roll mitigation'' system that detects an impending tip and uses the anti-skid system to reduce chances of a rollover. The rear-obstacle detection system will come in handy because a driver can't see what's directly behind the vehicle.
Base model options include a $400 equipment group with the adjustable pedals, heated front seats and a roof rack. Other extras include a $1,200 DVD entertainment system and $820 chrome wheels for the Limited.
The solidly built Commander has hefty power steering, a firm-but-supple ride, decent handling and strong brakes. It's surprisingly quiet, comfortable and composed during highway cruising, although it's essentially a big box.
Large outside door openings and handles, nicely shaped interior handles and grab bars on windshield posts make it easier to get in and out of the moderately high Commander's functional interior. Its front seats are supportive and sound system and climate controls are lit at night to facilitate their use. However, second-row leg room behind a driver is just adequate.
The hatch is large, but a rather high cargo floor calls for extra muscle when loading heavy items onto the wide, flat cargo floor, which is roomy but not especially deep.
The Commander fits in the Jeep line like a good glove. It provides good comfort and utility and certainly looks like a genuine Jeep.
2006 JEEP COMMANDER
PRICES
$27,290-$38,205
LIKES
Utilitarian. Comfortable. Rugged. Available Hemi V-8.
DISLIKES
So-so fuel economy. Third-row seat mostly for kids. Base V-6 lacks highway punch.
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