The engineers at Jeep completely disregarded aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy when designing Jeep’s largest-ever SUV, the Commander. However, the retro-styled seven-seater with stability control, side curtain airbags, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes carries its passengers comfortably and safely in all types of weather. The first and only generation of the Jeep Commander shared its platform, unibody construction, independent front suspension, wheelbase, and track with the Grand Cherokee. However, the Commander is longer and taller. The family-oriented vehicle was the 2nd largest mass-produced vehicle in Jeep’s history at the time of release.
Jeep offered the Commander in two trim levels. The base trim came with a 3.7-liter V6 that produced 210 hp, while the Limited trim came with a choice of two V8s: the 4.7-liter V8 that generated 235 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque, and the powerful 330 hp 5.7L Hemi that produced 368 lb-ft of torque. Jeep coupled all Commander engines with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and both the base and Limited trims were available with a 4×2 or 4×4 system.
The Hemi Limited edition Commander had a curb weight of 5,192 pounds, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, but the SUV accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in a remarkable 7.4 seconds and reached a maximum speed of 129 mph. Although the Commander was a gas guzzler (a combined 15 mpg), its comfort, safety features, and classic styling make it one of the best Jeeps ever made.