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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Jeep Commander

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Jeep Commander

Overview

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2009 Jeep Commander Review

By KBB.com Editors

Jeep purists never got over the loss of the original Cherokee, so it's no surprise the 2009 Jeep Commander bears a striking resemblance to the former's beloved and boxy design. Unlike the old Cherokee, the Commander offers far better interior accommodations, including a third-row seat. The Commander is Jeep's largest SUV to date and, although it shares much of its chassis and suspension with the Grand Cherokee (as well as the availability of a HEMI V8 engine), no one will ever mistake the two. While the Commander doesn't offer the same cargo space as a full-sized Chevrolet Tahoe or even Dodge Durango, it should suit most families looking for a workable combination of comfort, power and superior off-road ability.

You'll Like This Car If...

This is the SUV for you if you like the bolted-together industrial look, want seven-passenger capacity and have an occasional desire for serious off-road capability. If you covet Jeep's tough "Trail Rated" image and reputation in a quiet, fully-equipped, leather-lined cabin, you'll like the 2009 Jeep Commander all the more.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your SUV needs are more about fashion than function, and/or your driving preferences are more attuned to on-road ride and handling than off-road aptitude, this may not be the car for you. There are sleeker, less-expensive and more fuel-efficient SUV and crossover wagon choices available to get you around town.

What's New for 2009

Changes for 2009 include more power and better fuel economy with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, and the addition of tire pressure monitoring system information to the instrument cluster. New options include auto-leveling HID headlamps, rain sensing wipers and new Leather Appearance Package.

Driving the Commander

Driving Impressions The standard 3.7-liter V6 is adequate on- or off-road with light passenger and cargo loads, but would be underpowered with heavier loads or at higher altitudes. Steering is nicely weighted...

and fairly precise, while the on-road ride is surprisingly quiet and smooth. Braking is strong and fade-free. Compared to the only slightly more economical V6, the 4.7-liter V8 delivers considerably more torque and horsepower, is a much better performer and hauler and is recommended for its superior balance of power, price and fuel economy. The hot-rod HEMI V8 is delightfully smooth and powerful at any speed, as you would expect. Given its hefty weight and high center of gravity, on-road cornering is not the Commander's forte, but truly impressive off-road capability is. Also impressive are the Limited's leather- and woodgrain-trimmed interior and ultra-comfortable front bucket seats.

Favorite Features

HEMI V8 Engine
This smooth and muscular powerplant, named for its '50s high-performance ancestors, is an always-eager sweetheart, electronically tethered to your throttle foot. Despite its size, power and simple OHV (pushrod) valvetrain, it delivers EPA fuel economy ratings of 14 miles per gallon city and 20 miles per gallon highway, due to its Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which transparently disables four of its eight cylinders at light loads to conserve fuel.

Quadra-Drive II Active Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
Jeep's most advanced four-wheel-drive technology, Quadra-Drive II uses front and rear Electronic Slip Differentials (ELSDs) to transfer up to all available torque to any individual wheel with traction. Standard with the HEMI V8 and available with the other two engines, it is as capable in difficult conditions as any system, either on or off the road.

2009 Jeep Commander Details

Interior

Jeep's first three-row vehicle provides good two-row room, but we wouldn't want to spend much time in that way-back third row with just 28.9 inches of legroom and 35.7 inches of headroom. Behind it are grocery hooks and a bin with a clever three-way lid, but little cargo capacity with the seatbacks up. Echoing the exterior's "bold, rugged, constructed" theme, the base Commander cabin has cloth seats and a nicely textured upper dash. Sixteen Allen-head screws retain eight large, round air vents, while simulated Allen heads encircle the gearshift knob and steering wheel hub. The second row splits 40/20/40, the third row 50/50, and both fold flat for cargo.

Exterior

While the Commander's shape is cinder-block blunt, much wind-tunnel effort has been devoted to reducing aerodynamic drag for fuel efficiency and interior quietness. The big, blocky outside mirrors, for example, are virtually invisible to the wind, according to the vehicle's chief designer. The roof is raised 3.15 inches, with the upturn beginning over the second row to provide more headroom. The roof-rack stanchions resemble buttress-style bridge supports, and five large simulated Allen screws appear to hold on each trapezoidal fender flare. The uplevel Limited wears chrome on its signature seven-slot grille, front fascia, body-side moldings, roof-rail crossbars and the two large liftgate grab handles that assist access to rooftop cargo.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Jeep Commander Sport boasts a 3.7-liter V6 engine, Quadra-Trac 1 (4x4 models), 17-inch machined-face wheels with painted pockets, power front windows, heated power mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio and rear park assist. Its standard safety package includes multi-stage front and three-row side-curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with "Roll Mitigation" that senses an impending roll-over and works to prevent it. The loaded Limited adds a 4.7-liter V8 engine, leather seats with heated fronts and a four-way power passenger's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear heating and air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 player with gps touchscreen, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power flip-up liftgate glass, power sun roof, ParkView rear back-up camera and twin tinted second-row skylights.

Optional Equipment

Available options include the Overland trim, which adds a 5.7-liter HEMI engine, 18-inch wheels, platinum finish trim and grille work and suede seats with Overland embroidery. Other options include driver's eight-way and passenger's four-way power seats, an engine block heater, 20G hard drive audio and navigation system, ParkView rear backup camera, auto-leveling HID headlights, rain sensing wipers, power rear liftgate, uconnect hands-free communication, rear heating and air conditioning, rear-seat DVD with nine-inch screen, "Saddle Brown" seating surfaces and a "popular equipment group" that includes heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals and adjustable roof-rail crossbars. Four-wheel-drive choices include Quadra-Trac I (V6 model), Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

Under the Hood

Chrysler's modern HEMI V8 gets all the attention, but it is costly and, despite the best efforts of its fuel-saving MDS, less fuel-efficient than its more affordable stablemates. Potential buyers should test drive and consider the more frugal V6 or the mid-range V8, depending upon their anticipated towing and hauling needs. The HEMI is more glamorous and more fun when you tickle its throttle, but you don't need 357 horses to cruise around town on level ground.

3.7-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
235 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

4.7-liter V8
305 horsepower @ 5650 rpm
334 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD, gasoline), 13/18 (4WD, gasoline), 9/13 (2WD, E85), 9/12 (4WD, E85)

5.7-liter V8 HEMI
357 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
389 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4350 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 13/19 (4WD)

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2009 Jeep Commander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.7

Out of 10

Based on 637 Ratings for the 2006 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

8.2/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

8.2/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

8.5/10

Great Family Vehicle

By jmiller2120 (IN) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 117,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Gas mileage is the only thing that I am not very fond of. However, it feels safe and the ride is great."

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Great overall vehicle

By Sam (WI) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 154,131

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Ton of Power, Fun to Drive, Very comfortable"

Cons: "Low Gas Mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for 6 years, and it has 154,131 miles on it and runs great! I have fun driving it everyday with its 5.7l hemi. It has never broke down on me, with only minimal maintanence. It works great in the snow, and towing boats, trailers, etc is easy. It has good room in the front but not as much in the back, but I am always comfortable. Only drawback in my eyes is the low gas milage, I have been getting about 14.2 mpg. Since I have the Hemi, it gets expensive having to pay for the 89 octane gas. It is also is great off roading. I would recomend this vehicle to anyone with kids, that also wants to have a little fun when they drive."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED!

By Krissy (GA) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Rode well, when it worked."

Cons: "TOO MANY TO LIST!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Stay FAR away from any of these you see. Nothing but problems from the day we bought it. Paid off in October, engine blows in March. Chrysler refuses to honor the LIFETIME power train warranty so I am getting $1000 for a car I paid $24000 five years ago. Do not buy one of these."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Jeep Commander..............Reliable or Rubbish?

By Chris on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good price,great to drive,reliable,comfortable."

Cons: "Plastic tpe dash and door panels."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"First of all,cannot answer for anyone else but this car has ALWAYS been reliable,never failed,never got stuck anywhere.Always starts 1st time takes me anywhere without issue no matter the miles.I think gas economy for a 3.7 large SUV is fair/good.BEWARE this model with sunroofs,do some research as they were notorious for leaking and dealerships notorious for not fixing them correctly.I chose not to have any sunroof's therefore no problems.This vehicle is well laid out with plenty of comfortable seating.Everything works and has never had to replaced out of pocket or recall.Didnt opt for leather,(wanted it but...),leather was of poor quality.Napa Leather as advertised?Not a chance and that was after looking at 9 vehicles prior to buying mine.Some people dont care much for the shape/design of the Commander,likely not a Jeep person as Jeeps are definitely unique vehicles.Have found these are an easy vehicle to lift,BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 1/2" as it can cause steering problems that are costly.Can put upto 31's(tires)on it with a lift. Back to the Commander!!!!!!Great 5 door vehicle with a 7 seat option and rear air/heat (one option I wanted),smooth and quiet to drive....later models have electronic ignition key,plenty of legroom front and rear for adults,plenty of carrying space when third row of seats are down.In closing..........will keep this vehicle until the wheels fall off,as it is that reliable in rain/snow and holds highway speeds well and without effort."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Love it

By kl (TX) on Friday, January 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "fun to drive, sexy, tough, lots of room"

Cons: "blind spots, little leg room in backseat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love driving this vehicle. It's easy to manuever and a dream to park as an SUV. The gas milage is a little low, but good for a vehicle of its size. Only downside is little leg room in the back seat and difficulty seeing over the backseat when trying to change lanes, as the back seat is raised significantly. Otherwise, I love this truck - owned it for 3 years."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Perfect vehicle of a lifetime

By Wildbirdlover (MN) on Thursday, December 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handles beautifully and is predictable."

Cons: "Steering wheel does not tilt up higher."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned 3 Jeeps over 15 years and will never own anything but a Jeep in the future. I have had Grand Cherokees w/ all the bells/whistles. Each had its own peculiar gremlin in the computer system, but each was worth fighting for and I did win out in the end!! When I bought my '08 Commander w/ most of its bells/whistles, I invested in the extended warrantee, knowing that I had finally found my perfect SUV. The gremlins did not follow me and I would not give up my Commander for anything. As an aside, I am convinced that it saved my life a year ago when I hit a deer in a heavy snow storm in Wisconsin. The vehicle took the full hit up front, not even setting off the airbags. It was a terrifying experience and I do believe that if I had been in any other vehicle, the deer would have breached the windshield and caused horrific damage to the vehicle, yes, but to me more importantly. My only regret is that Jeep no longer makes the Commander and that the one they did make doesn't get better mileage."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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