2009 Jeep Commander Review and Specification

MSRP
$29,380 - $46,110
The 2009 Commander is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the Sport 4X2 to the Overland 4X4.

Upon introduction, the Sport 4X2 is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 210-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. The Overland 4X4 is equipped with a standard 5.7-liter, V8, 357-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.
The ride is a little stiff in the city, but on the open road it shows it's true ride. Very smooth and the curb to curb handling is very good. We like the vision out of the windshield, and my wife thought going in that the drivability would be much like a Expedition or Tahoe, but it truly handles more like a mid- small SUV. Access to the V6 under the hood is exspansive and thr rear liftgate gives easy access to the rear cargo area with gate open or with the liftgate glass. The rear end collision avoidance system is a great feature. Sirius Satellite Radio is wonderful and the sound system provides all the sound we need. The best thing we like though is the interior soundproofing. Road noise is very low and beats any Ford or GMC we previously owned. Jeep's reliability is was sold us, and the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is a big seller item. Overall, we enjoy the vehicle the best of any previous SUV that we have owned. Resale value is not a concern as we intend to own this one for quite a while. I give this one 4.5 stars out of 5. We feel that the value for the money is very good, and we reccomend the Commander as a good buy.

Closer Look 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2009 Grand Cherokee is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the Laredo 4X2 to the SRT-8.

Upon introduction, the Laredo 4X2 is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 210-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. The SRT-8 is equipped with a standard 6.1-liter, V8, 420-horsepower engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 14-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

This is without a doubt a fun vehicle to drive. Performance is great.I have finally learned 30k miles later to not use this as a daily driver. Too much wear and tear. Tire replacement cost is very high. Although the maintenance schedule is also pricey, I strongly recommend that it be followed-it will save you from problems later. Low trade in values prevent me from getting a newer one but this vehicle runs great. I have an 07
This vehicle really can go anywhere. I've taken it coast to coast and border to border (35K miles in 6 months). I've been offroading in a dozen states so far, not a single issue. Only maintenance to date has been fluid changes and the scheduled tune up. Excellent in snow, mud, water. Great highway manners, awesome power in the HEMI, best handling Jeep to date. Brakes are top notch (rotor issues of previous generations are gone). Lifetime warranty cannot be beaten, and it can be extended to lifetime bumper to bumper protection.
For those who want pure performance, check out the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, a rip-roaring on-pavement-only edition with a monster 6.1-liter HEMI rated at 420 hp. Kelley Blue Book rates the SRT8 at "zero to sixty in FIVE seconds on wet or dry pavement" and at 0-100 and back to zero in 19 seconds—impressive for a 4,700-pound sport-utility vehicle. Car and Driver notes "thrill-seekers will go for the SRT8, which makes up in performance what it lacks in practicality," adding that this performance-oriented model "can tow only 3500 pounds."