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2006 Jeep Commander First Drive

A Grand Cherokee gone retro  by Ron Moorhead

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TO THE POINT What’s New? The new 2006 Jeep Commander is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but equipped with classic styling and a small third-row seat.
Selling Points: Strong V8 engines, classic Jeep styling, decent handling on and off the road, comfortable front and second-row seats.
Deal Breakers: Base V6 engine is too weak, third-row for kids only, fuel economy, price.
Our Advice: Since it doesn’t have much added cargo capacity and the third-row seat is for kids only, if you don’t like the 2006 Jeep Commander’s boxy design, buy a Grand Cherokee.

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2006 Jeep Commander

Big, bold, and endowed with plenty of power from a massive motor, the original 1963 Jeep Wagoneer had tons of space for nearly everything – including the kitchen sink. Today, in the spirit of that gargantuan SUV, comes the all-new 2006 Jeep Commander, the first Jeep equipped with three rows of seats. However, the Commander isn’t as large as the old Wagoneer, though certainly resembles it thanks to styling that is more angular then any current Jeep model except the Wrangler.

The Commander’s sharp-cornered design only hints at the solid capabilities and modern features contained in this hulking Jeep. Naturally, with the name Jeep emblazoned on the hood, the Commander is Trail Rated, which means that it meets the same minimum off-roading capabilities as any other Jeep equipped with four-wheel drive. Short overhangs emphasize this Jeep’s excellent hill-climbing capability, and if you replace its all-season tires, the Commander can easily claw its way to that favorite backwoods fishing hole.

But with the Commander, performance is defined by more than just off-road capability. A big 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is the top choice of three engine variants, offering quick acceleration on paved surfaces. And in this, the largest of Jeeps, performance on the road is just as important as its prowess on dirt trails. In fact, power, traction, and ruggedness are virtues that the 2006 Jeep Commander exudes from each of its distinct corners.


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