08 Commander review

Weekend Athlete did a personal review of a 2008 Jeep Commander. The Commander is Jeep's answer to the 3-row, 7-passenger SUV. While it sounds quite functional, Weekend Athlete has some reservations.

He says the "load floor is quite high, especially with the third row folded flat to make room for a bike," if you like taking your bike along. There are "cracks and valleys that catch the pedals and wheels once the seats are folded. That can slow down loading." He also mentions that visibility to the rear is really restricted with the third row up. I suppose that is to be expected, although it is something a person might not think about without actually seeing it.

"The large cargo area makes for easy gear-carrying." However, if you leave the third row of seats up, that substantially reduces the cargo area. If you plan to go camping with seven people, that is something to think about.

On the plus side, he says that "for as big as it is, the Commander was fairly easy to drive and park in the city." That is something that is always helpful. Overall, however, he says this is not the vehicle for him. If you are considering a Commander, I guess it depends on how you plan to use it. It is always good to hear differing opinions when considering an expense like this.