2008 Jeep Commander in Hendersonville, NC - $4,680

The Jeep Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seating allowing for as many as seven passengers to visit more places and enjoy its go-anywhere, do-anything capability.

Exterior enhancements and upgrades for 2009 include high-intensity discharge headlamps (Overland), body-color exterior mirrors (Limited), available rain-sensing windshield wipers, new 17-inch aluminum machined-face wheels with painted pockets (Sport), new 17-inch five-spoke aluminum machined-face wheels with painted pockets (Limited) and new 18-inch seven-spoke aluminum chrome-clad wheels (Overland).

Available in Sport, Limited and Overland trim levels, the flagship Jeep Commander rides on the Grand Cherokee's mechanicals and is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. Power for the Jeep SUV is generated by a trio of engines: 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8 or a new 5.7L HEMI V8.

The next-generation HEMI V8 engine provides better fuel economy, with improved idle quality and overall refinement, along with an 8.2 percent increase in horsepower and 3.7 percent increase in torque compared to the previous version. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), the HEMI also is equipped with the automaker's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology, which seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V8 mode when more power is in demand.

Torque is communicated to the ground through the automaker's W5A580 five-speed automatic with overdrive or the 5-45RFE multi-speed automatic transmission.

As expected in a premium Trail Rated Jeep SUV, motorists have a choice of three full-time all-wheel drive systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II; and two transfer cases: NV140 (single-speed) or the NV245 (two-speed).

The Jeep Commander rides on a steel uniframe which serves as the foundation for the control hardware. In front, a short/long arm independent (SLA) suspension works with coil springs, gas-charged twin-tube coil over shock absorbers, upper and lower control arms (A arms) and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension features a live axle, link coil with track bar, gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.

Inside, the cabin features three rows of seating. Firm and broad-shouldered, the seats are positioned theater-style: the second row is higher than the first; the third row is higher than the second.

Additional head room is created by literally raising the roof. It is 3.15 inches higher, beginning over the second row, producing a steeped effect. The second row seats split 40-20-40; the third row, 50/50. The middle and rear rows fold forward to create a flat floor for maximum utility. Behind the third row is a storage bin, located in the load floor.

Underneath it are provisions for storing the jack and tools. The bin's top panel is removable and reversible. The carpeted side is level with the third row of seats. The opposite side is molded-in plastic with a diamond plate texture. It is for storing the gear that active lifestyles demand.

Located in the roof above the second row are CommandView skylights. These dual skylights of tinted glass are packaged with the power sun roof positioned above the front passengers. Standard on Commander Limited, the package expands the vehicle's sense of interior roominess. The CommandView skylights also have roller shades that can be used to block out light when desired.

The rear hatch features an automatic liftgate glass function that makes retrieving small items from the rear cargo area a breeze. Interior upgrades and enhancements for 2009 include leather-trimmed front seats with map pocket (Limited), tire pressure monitoring system indicator, fuel saver notification and uConnect GPS with iPod interface.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 109.5 overall length: 188.5; width: 74.8; height: 72.1 -- All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.7L V6 -- 210 hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 4.7L V8 -- 305 hp at 5,650 rpm and 334 lbs-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm; 5.7L HEMI V8 -- 357 hp at 5,200 rpm and 389 lbs-ft of torque at 4,350 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed automatic with overdrive, multi-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 3.7L V6 -- 15 city/20 hwy. (2WD), 14 city/19 hwy. (4WD); 4.7L V8 -- 14 city/19 hwy. (2WD), 13 city/18 hwy. (4WD); 5.7L HEMI V8 -- 13 city/19 hwy. (2WD), 13 city/17 hwy. (4WD).

Cargo capacity: 68.5 cu. ft.

Payload capacity: 1,420 lbs.

Towing capacity: 7,400 lbs.

Parts content -- country of origin

Final assembly pPoint: Detroit (Jefferson North), Mich.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic stability program, traction control, ParkSense rear park assist system, full-size spare tire (4WD models), tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer and remote keyless entry. Limited adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, ParkView rear back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, remote engine start, security alarm and HomeLink universal home security system transceiver. Overland adds high intensity discharged headlamps and uconnect phone.

Optional safety features include a navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: unlimited/unlimited.

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Jeep Commander starts from $28,980 for the Sport 2WD up to $42,245 for the Overland model. Destination charges add $780.

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