With fuel prices at near record highs, why is Jeep debuting a large, seven-seat SUV? When plans for the 2006 Jeep Commander were approved, the average price for a gallon of gas was half what it is today. Automakers need at least two years to get from paper to production, and usually longer. If you can’t swallow what are sure to be staggering fuel bills to power the Commander, we’d recommend a Honda CR-V. Or, horrors, a regular old car.

Why isn’t the third-row seat big enough for adults? Dodge didn’t want to share the Durango’s full-sized frame and Jeep wanted to retain the maneuverability and Trail Rated four-wheeling capability that comes with a shorter-wheelbase vehicle, so the 2006 Jeep Commander is based on the Grand Cherokee’s frame and underpinnings. If you’ve ever been inside a Grand Cherokee, you know that there’s barely enough room for a back seat let alone two more spots for the kiddies.

I need the space and love the Commander’s look. Should I go with the V6 engine?
According to the EPA, the 2006 Jeep Commander’s V6 gets barely better fuel economy than the decent 4.7-liter V8. And everyone knows the EPA data is bunk. What’s going to happen to Commander V6 owners is this. They’ll get frustrated by the lack of power and floor the accelerator everywhere they drive to make up for lackluster performance. That wide-open throttle is gonna suck down the fuel at an alarming rate. Stick with the V8 and a light foot.