commander questions

[Geister]

i found alot more commanders than i did gc. i wanted to know what are the pros/cons compared to a gc?

and is this the right type of commander to be looking for?
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listin gId=26557241&listingRecNum=1&criteria=prMx%3D16000 %26sf1Dir%3DASC%26prMn%3D0%26alMdId%3D20860%26mkId %3D20021%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D20860%26rd%3D150%26 crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice%26zc%3D60517%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DDESC%26sf1Nm%3Dmil es%26sf2Nm%3Dprice%26alMkId%3D20021%26rpp%3D50%26f eedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

[RogueSpear2023]

Commanders are much larger and not designed for off road use, they were designed for on road use. The have and IFS front, also there mileage is terrible even for a Jeep. GC 04 and older still have a solid front axle which is desired if you plan on lifts, tires, and off road use. Basically the commander was another vehicle built for soccer moms that want a big vehicle for taking the kid to and from school. Also do to there length they tend to bottom out in the middle off road. The have a terrible break over angle. So if you are looking for a vehicle than can haul a lot of stuff and the closest you are going to get to off road is a gravel road the commander should be perfect for you. Also as stated the 05+ GC have IFS as well, so they are also not desirable for off road use. Trail rated means nothing it's all just for advertising, it really mean nothing any more. You could probably get a Chevy Aveo trail rated in jeeps eyes.

[vtxkc]

I disagree. I have an 07 Jeep Commander which shares the same chassis and drivetrain as the Grand Cherokee. Although it may not be a hard core off roader, I don't know of a current 7 passenger SUV that is. Most people that buy the Grand Cherokee or Commander never wanted a hard core off roader in the first place. If you want a rock climber then I wouldn't buy the Commander. If you want a very nice SUV, the Commander is top notch.

[Geister]

i would like a zj gc preferrably but im not shure about many places to offroad around here so its mainly going to be a daily. i would mainly want it for camping and that sort of thing.

[vtxkc]

Originally Posted by Geister

i would like a zj gc preferrably but im not shure about many places to offroad around here so its mainly going to be a daily. i would mainly want it for camping and that sort of thing.

I went to buy a Tahoe when I spotted the Commander. After the test drive the Commander was the clear winner. The 5.7 Hemi is an awesome motor and this thing really flies. Plus if you want to tow a camper then the Commander has no problem doing that. The Commander is actually only 4 inches longer than the GC and is taller for more head room. There has been a lot of talk about the Commander being top heavy, that's just not true. It's funny how people criticize a product when they have no real knowledge of what it can do other than what they read. The GC is a great vehicle too but it just doesn't have the room the Commander does on the interior. Good luck in your decision.

[DeepSky]

This is sort of irrelivant but I just have to say, I saw a V8, lifted (prolly 2-3") Commander on 31"s (maybe 32")s on the road the other day that looked just badass. I'm a Wrangler guy, but if I were to chose between a Commander and a

[Geister]

im not buying a car for another year or so so im doing my research on jeeps i would like to own one

[Geister]

one question. in a commander can u switch from like 2wd to 4wd like you can in a gc?

[vtxkc]

Originally Posted by Geister

one question. in a commander can u switch from like 2wd to 4wd like you can in a gc?

My Commander, the 2007 Limited does not have a 2wd option. It's All Wheel Drive. I wish it had a 2wd option but I still love it. The only option I have is to go into 4wd low.

[Geister]

oh so its either 4wd low or 4wd high?

[vtxkc]

Originally Posted by Geister

oh so its either 4wd low or 4wd high?

That is correct. I think Jeep likes to call it All Wheel Drive. It has the Quadradrive II 4 wheel drive system.

[Geister]

yea i dont know much about the commanders engine

[RogueSpear2023]

For mild off roading and camping a commander is great vehicle and yes the grand Cherokees are not great off roaders anymore either. The Commanders have and IFS front that doesn't allow much lift at all. The new GCs are Independent suspension all the way around. Chrysler has done there best to turn jeep into what every one else sells. Really no matter what brand you chose you are buying the same basic ideal with a different shell on the top. Also the 4wd system is fine for those that don't off road a lot, and are great for on road and mild trails or road, but they are not great for medium or heavy duty off roading. But for what the OP wants the commander to do I think it would be a good choice.

[Geister]

Originally Posted by RogueSpear2023

For mild off roading and camping a commander is great vehicle and yes the grand Cherokees are not great off roaders anymore either. The Commanders have and IFS front that doesn't allow much lift at all. The new GCs are Independent suspension all the way around. Chrysler has done there best to turn jeep into what every one else sells. Really no matter what brand you chose you are buying the same basic ideal with a different shell on the top. Also the 4wd system is fine for those that don't off road a lot, and are great for on road and mild trails or road, but they are not great for medium or heavy duty off roading. But for what the OP wants the commander to do I think it would be a good choice.

i definitely dont want an 05 and up grand cherokee id be getting an 04 or down

[grogie]

I have test drove a Commander and I really liked it. I also rented a Grand Cherokee recently. I thought they both drove the same. What I liked about the Commander was the added size. I think their sweet. And especially lifted. The one you linked to looks really nice. What a deal over buying it new.