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Jeep Commander: Chrysler’s off-road
What you need to know:
- The Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV that was produced by Jeep for the model years 2002–2012. Introduced as a replacement for the Cherokee (XJ), it was the smallest of the four-door Jeep SUVs until the car based four-door Compass and Patriot arrived for 2007.
- The powerful V8 engine and high towing capacity made the Grand Wagoneer popular among its many repeat buyers, and by 1991, it was the longest domestically produced vehicle (29 years) on the same platform.
The Jeep Commander 2009 drew its inspiration from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Liberty. It was rolled out alongside the more popular third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and shared a uni platform and engines. It was produced between 2005 – 2010 when it was discontinued.
During its five year tenure, Commander was offered in five trim levels: Base/Sport trim with 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 petrol engines, a comfort power pack for windows, mirrors and seat adjustment with CD entertainment. Limited trim which offered a 5.7L V8 Hemisphere engine, leather seats and a seven seater arrangement. Overland trim only came with the 5.7L V8 Hemi power plant, six disc CD, Leather with alcantara (suede) and GPS. Rocky mountain and 65th anniversary edition targeted the outdoor adventure seeking motorist offering front bucket and rear bench seats, satellite radio and front fog lights.
In Uganda, few have been put on road by the Chrysler Jeep appointed dealer or independent used car importers compared to the more popular Jeep Grand Cherokee. In case you picked interest in buying it, expect the following:
Design and comfort
The Jeep Commander’s upright windscreen and front grille coupled with the high roof and narrow wheel base give it a drab unattractive utilitarian look.
Chrysler Jeep made a meek attempt to improve the design profile with chrome targa roof bars and body trim panels. The name ‘Commander’ underlines the field and off road attributes of this vehicle.
The interior is practical as a field commander’s truck. A straight up plain dashboard design draws your attention to the expected basic comfort level despite the array of electronic entertainment and convenient amenities fitted such as CD, Air conditioning front and rear, heated first and second row seats, power sunroof. Driver and co driver bucket like seats and middle row passenger seats offer limited shoulder room and the narrow seat cushions are not spacious enough for people with ample bottoms during road trips. The seats are supportive enough for short off-road journeys. The third row seats are suitable for young children.
Performance and handling
The 3.7 and 4.7 litre V6 and V8 petrol engines put up a spirited performance off and on road. However, they are not as responsive and thrilling to drive as the surprisingly bigger yet more fuel economical 5.7 litre V8 Hemisphere engine.
The 3.0 litre V6 Turbo diesel engine is as exciting as it is economical despite its smaller size when you take on off road terrain or drive uphill. The Commander’s high roof and narrow wheel base make it top heavy with a high co-efficiency of drag. This makes high speed maneuvering tense as it tends to sway and under steer. Not your choice SUV for high speed driving on the highway. However, in the field the Commander performs impressively. A used 2009 model will cost Shs75m.
Other models
Jeep Liberty
2002–2012
The Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV that was produced by Jeep for the model years 2002–2012. Introduced as a replacement for the Cherokee (XJ), it was the smallest of the four-door Jeep SUVs until the car based four-door Compass and Patriot arrived for 2007.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
1987–1991
It enjoyed one of the longest production runs of any vehicle. The powerful V8 engine and high towing capacity made the Grand Wagoneer popular among its many repeat buyers, and by 1991, it was the longest domestically produced vehicle (29 years) on the same platform.
