Big and macho: Commander is Jeep's newest intimidator

The new Jeep Commander might be the perfect American vehicle. It's big. It's macho. It looks expensive (but really isn't). It hauls a lot of people (it's the first Jeep with three rows of seats). And finally, it's got a military bearing and a name to match. If it's a success -- and I'm betting it will be -- will we be seeing a smaller version next year called "Lt. Commander"?

When I picked up my test vehicle I had to tear it away from a gaggle of admirers who seemed delighted with the Commander's military touches, like the 16 bolts in the instrument panel, and the decorative bolts that outline the wheel arches on the Limited model. When I returned the vehicle several hours later a couple walked over to put dibs on it before I could even get the key out of the ignition.

After spending a day driving the standard version of the Commander, which is poised to butt heads with the best-selling Ford Explorer, it's clear that this new Jeep is triggering more of an emotional response from potential customers than the now common-looking Jeep Grand Cherokee, upon which the Commander is based. The boxy Commander manages to combine the rough-and-ready image of the open-air Wrangler with the refined cabin of the Grand Cherokee. It is only two inches longer than the 2005 Grand Cherokee, even though it is designed to accommodate three rows of seats. The two vehicles have the same wheelbase -- 109.5 inches.

Knocking the Ford Explorer off its tracks will take far more than a just another "wanna-be" effort from DaimlerChrysler, parent of Jeep. And so the newest, biggest Jeep packs visual punch that the redesigned, yet conservative, 2006 Explorer is missing. "Intimidator" might have been a better name! Only in one key area does the Commander lag behind -- it lacks a power third row seat that can fold into the floor with the touch of two buttons. I think that feature sells a lot of Fords to women. However, Commander trumps the Explorer in a critical safety area by providing side-curtain air bags that protect occupants in all three rows as standard equipment.

I was surprised to find that the Commander's price starts at only about $1,000 more than its Grand Cherokee cousin does. My Commander 4x4 model's base price was $29,290, and had a bottom-line sticker price of just $39,760. The destination charge was $0, and I assume that policy was implemented before fuel prices went through the ceiling. Speaking of fuel, my Commander is rated for 16 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway. It was powered by the standard engine, a 3.7-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Options included an off-road kit with numerous skid plates, $595; rear air, $610; adjustable roof crossbars, $75; and 17-inch all-terrain tires, $190. Everything else on this well-equipped vehicle was standard equipment. Features such as brake assist, anti-lock brakes and electric stability control caught my eye, as did the tire pressure monitoring and the anti-theft systems. Even this standard Commander had many luxury features that I'd expect to pay extra for, such as an eight-way power driver's seat, lumbar adjustment for the driver and front passenger, second row fold and tumble 40/20/40 seats, a six-speaker entertainment system, a trip computer and an overhead console.

Sadly, there's no tailgate on the Commander, but it does feature a separate rear flip-open rear glass that makes loading smaller items a breeze. And the powered and heated foldaway side mirrors are a nice touch. Expect a fully loaded Jeep Commander Limited 4x4 with a Hemi V-8 engine to top out at about $43,000.

The base engine SOHC V-6 makes 210 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque. The next engine option is a 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 that makes 235 horsepower and 305 pounds-feet of torque. As you would expect from a brand that brags that its products are "Trail Rated," the Commander can be ordered with one of three full-time four-wheel drive systems. You can even get a two-speed transfer case with the base 3.7-liter engine that gives you more capability in off-road situations.

Out on the highway, the Commander is a mixed bag. It rides on a modern independent front suspension, but is hampered by an old-fashioned solid rear axle, which doesn't absorb bumps as well as an independent rear suspension like its competition's. And its boxy shape, while giving the Commander a head-turning style, isn't aerodynamic. Fuel mileage suffers, as does stability, in cross winds. Nevertheless, the overall package provided a satisfying driving experience. This Jeep has been engineered to go anywhere, do anything. It's the real McCoy.

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at sjr1@robertsonsphotography.com.