No Go & Mileage Low

This review covers the Jeep Commander, 2008 model and my driving experience of 750 miles in it over 3 days.

I rented a Jeep Commander by chance when I reserved a sedan at my local car rental provider. Fuel charges were going to be covered by others for this trip so I signed up.

I started with 1/2 tank of gas and headed down the road.

My first impressions were of the interior. The drivers position was ample, but the back seat certainly seemed small. The first time I stopped, I attempted to get in the back seat after setting the front seat to fit my 6' height. That was a no-go as my knees hit the back of the front seat. I did not even try to navigate the rear 3rd row seat. I did notice the rear air conditioning controls in the 3rd row seat but I did not use them.

The dash layout was marginal with radio and climate controls just out of reach. The steering column sported multiple stalks with the really annoying one being at the 4 o'clock position for the cruise control.

There were controls on the steering wheel itself, but they were limited to changing the trip odometer and control setup. Not something I would be using all the time so not sure why it is on the wheel.

There are two power ports, one in the dash and one in the counsel. Two cup holders and adequate storage for other stuff. Nothing special.

Exterior features are similar to the smaller jeeps and the design has similar limitations. There is a high step in height for the doors and a high lift-in for the rear gate. You can open the rear hatch fully or just pop the glass.

Performance is really sluggish. The full time all wheel drive keeps slippage on gravel or wet pavement minimal, but pick-up on freeway entrance ramps is very slow and at some times scary.

I averaged sub-20's for mileage for the trip. Freeway mileage broken out was above 20, but not much.

It's not really cool looking, pretty useless for hauling people or stuff and is slow. No highlights here.

I happily returned it to the rental counter.