Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Jeep Commander Electric Supercharger by MimoUSA

This is a creative way to get more power to your Jeep Commander. If your Commander is equipped with a cold air intake kit, you can attach this bolt-on electric supercharger for an extra 15HP to 25HP, as claimed by the manufacturer. Since it is electric, it connects to your 12V battery and can be activated through an in-dash switch to let 250CFM of forced air through the filter when you need more power. Installing it is very simple and it comes with its own K&N air filter. Haven't met any Commander owner using it, though, so check the spec sheet to decide if this product is for you.


Monday, January 29, 2007

Goodyear Fortera Tires - Notes and Reviews

The Goodyear Fortera HL is the OEM tire choice for the Jeep Commander. ConsumerSearch.com, a web based publishing company that combs through websites and print publications to find the best products across different categories, names the Goodyear Fortera the best All Season SUV and Light Truck tire. The Fortera gets high scores for wet and dry braking, and for comfort and steering response. Goodyear claims the Fortera was specifically designed with SUV owners in mind, who want a rugged, durable tire, but who spend most of their time in paved roads and don't want to compromise a comfortable ride. The Fortera's durability is enhanced by a the addition of a layer of KEVLAR(r), the strong fiber developed by DuPont.


Sunday, January 28, 2007

Jeep Commander Wallpapers

Just found these Jeep Commander pictures that can be set up as desktop wallpapers in several different resolutions... The site has also some nice shots of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Jeep Trailhawk concept.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Toby's Trail Rated Commander Hemi



Toby Getsch has sent us these great pictures of his shiny 2006 Jeep Commander Hemi, taken in picturesque Long Beach, WA. View the rest of Toby's Jeep Commander Flickr photo set.



Tuesday, January 23, 2007

What Would You Do to the Commander?

Just when analysts were anouncing to the world the (unconfirmed) demise of the Jeep Commander, I stumbled upon this lively thread in JeepForum.com called: If the Jeep brand were in your hands, what would you do? It makes for some interesting reading, as it shows that sometimes the customers have more marketing sense than the highly paid executives running DaimlerChrysler. While they talk about all Jeep models and concepts, they give some valid suggestions for the Commander, among them:

  • Make it taller and with bigger tires
  • Offer a 3.0L CRD V6 Diesel option
  • Make a Comanche-like pick up truck based on the Commander
  • Make it bigger: move it to the Durango platform but still make it look like a Jeep
  • etc.
There were also some posts calling for the Commander's deletion. What would you do?



Saturday, January 20, 2007

Will the Jeep Commander be discontinued after the 2009 model year?

This article, that appeared in The Detroit News today, hints at the fact that production of the Jeep Commander may end in 2008, with the 2009 year model. Industry analysts are removing the Commander from their sales forecasts after the 2009 model year, saying that the Commander has cannibalized sales of the Grand Cherokee (with which it shares the same platform), instead of taking sales away from true seven-seaters like the Chevy Tahoe and the Ford Expedition. Some Jeep dealers believe, though, that the Commander still has some hope, provided that gas prices go down to around $2 a gallon.

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Take Your Commander to Camp Jeep 2007

Camp Jeep(R) 2007, the annual three-day mix of off-road driving and other family-friendly outdoor activities, will be held July 26-28 at the Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County, VA, near Charlottesville. Camp Jeep will include trails for 4-wheeling, vehicle displays, activities for all ages, food and musical entertainment, and the opportunity for owners to talk about the ins and outs of their vehicles with Jeep engineers.

Registration for Camp Jeep, which is open only to Jeep vehicle owners, has been reduced by $100 from last year's fees. Early bird registration is $245 per vehicle through March 31. After that, Camp Jeep registration is $295 per vehicle. Registration and additional information are available at http://www.jeep.com/campjeep.

Read full Press Release



Friday, January 19, 2007

Jeep 2007 Incentives

Check Jeep's incentives page for the latest cash back incentives and special financing rates. At the time of this post (January 2007) Jeep is offering a $2,500 cash incentive on the Jeep Commander, or special 1.9/2.9/2.9% rates through Chrysler Financial.


Thursday, January 18, 2007

Firestone RideRite™ Air Helper Springs

Traditional coil or leaf spring suspensions compress when towing or when cargo is added to the vehicle. As more cargo is added, the rear end of the car or truck squats lower and lower. At full loads, cargo may even use all available wheel travel. This not only results in a “squashed”, overloaded appearance, but creates technical problems as well, like vibrations and increased wear and tear of u-joints and cv-joints.

This problem can be solved with the use of air springs. Firestone Industrial Products Company is the maker of the RideRite™ Air Helper Springs, air springs that mount to the existing suspension components of the vehicle and allow you to control the carrying capacity by just changing the air pressure inside the springs, preventing suspension “bottom-out” and preserving a natural ride height.

The specific RideRite air helper spring for the Jeep Commander is part number 4157. You will also need the accessory kit, which contains among other things an air compressor and an in-dash control panel. The accessory kit comes in two versions: single ( part number 2158, for normal applications – same air pressure in both springs) and dual (part number 2178, independent air pressure control for each spring, for off-centered loads).


Sunday, January 14, 2007

Tech Authority® Service Manuals for Jeep Commander

Tech Authority is the official source of manuals and training material for Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, Dodge and older Chrysler and American Motors vehicles. Its material covers nearly every aspect of repairing and maintaining DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles and is designed to give automobile technicians and students the latest "how to" diagnostic and service data available.

The following material can be purchased through Tech Authority:

Diagnostic Procedure Manuals: Show how to find and fix problems on computer-controlled vehicle systems and features using step-by-step troubleshooting and drivability procedures, proven diagnostic tests and a complete list of all tools and equipment.

Master Tech Training Programs video series

Service Manuals: Comprehensive resource for professional technicians to diagnose, troubleshoot, maintain, service and repair DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles. Filled with illustrations, diagrams and charts.

Technical Service Bulletins: Documents issued on specific subjects to update technicians on engineering and production changes as well as revised or new diagnostic and repair methods. At the end of each year, DaimlerChrysler combines all of the bulletins it has issued during the past 12 months and offers them in a single, bound book.

Owner's Manuals: Prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint owners with their specific Chrysler group vehicles. Included are starting, operating, emergency and maintenance procedures as well as specifications, capabilities and safety tips.

Access all Tech Authority material available for the Jeep Commander.

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Saturday, January 13, 2007

Romik® Bull Bars, Brush Guards and Side Steps for the Jeep Commander

Romik, a European manufacturer of bull bars, brush guards, and side steps of the highest quality standards, has a complete range of products for the Jeep Commander. Romik uses 100% aircraft quality steel, hand polished to an industry-best mirror finish. Most of its products are one piece, bolt on applications that use the vehicle’s factory hardware, so no drilling is required. Romik established itself in the USA in 2004 and its offices are located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. To find a dealer near you call 866-71ROMIK. Useful links:

Romik USA website: http://www.romik-usa.com

Romik Jeep Commander page: http://www.romik-usa.com/web-content/pages/Jeep_commander.html



Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Jeep Commander Among Most Popular New Car Searches in Cars.com

The Jeep Commander took the seventh spot in the top 10 most popular 2006 new car introduction in terms of consumer searches, according to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index. The Cars.com Consumer Search Index offers a comprehensive look at the internet search behavior of Cars.com visitors. The statistical information is compiled by tracking the more than 8.3 million unique visitors that log on to Cars.com each month and the vehicles that are most popular. The lists are based off a minimum of 10,000 searches for new cars and 15,000 searches for used cars.

On another note, for what it's worth, the Jeep Commander was among the top 5 SUV picks of the 2007 North America International Auto Show according to The South End, the official student newspaper of Wayne State University.


Sunday, January 07, 2007

2" Daystar™ Comfort Ride Coil Spring Spacer Kit

While few Jeep Commander owners plan to use their rigs for extreme off-roading, many of them want to fit bigger tires and give their Commander a more muscular appearance without spending a lot of money or doing complicated suspension modifications.

The Daystar(TM) 2” Comfort Ride Coil Spring Spacer Kit caters to those needs. The kits include:

  • Four spacers (2/front, 2/back)
  • Two coil spring isolators (front)
  • Two concentric spacers (front)
  • Four stem cushions (2/front, 2/back)
  • Two strut mounts
  • Four washers
They preserve factory ride quality, are made in the U.S., carry a lifetime warranty and take between two and four hours to install, depending on the level of experience.

You can read these detailed installation instructions (PDF) to get a better feel for how this system works. To know more about the company that makes it, visit Daystar's website.

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Thursday, January 04, 2007

A Jeep Commander with Firefighting Duties

Commanders are strong and reliable vehicles. That is why the Richmond, NH Fire Department has chosen to include this Trail Rated Jeep Commander dubbed "Rescue 1" on its fleet. Thanks to Phil and Eric from the Richmond Fire Department for providing us the picture.


Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Jeep Commander Overland vs. Limited

One common question among prospective Jeep Commander buyers is: what is the difference between the Jeep Commander Limited and the Overland edition? Basically, this is what you are getting for the roughly $4,400 sticker price difference between a standard 4x2 Limited and a Standard 4x2 Overland:

  • Hemi Engine
  • Body-Color Exterior Mirrors
  • Platinum Front Fascias
  • Platinum License Plate Brow
  • 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
  • Cargo Net
  • Full-Size Matching Wheel Spare Tire
  • Hemi Badge
  • Class IV Hitch Receiver
  • Hydraulic Engine Cooling
  • "Overland" Badge
  • Platinum Bodyside Molding
  • Platinum Exterior Assist Handles
  • Platinum Grille
  • Platinum Side Roof Rails
  • Premium Fender Flares
  • Premium Two-Tone Seat Accents
  • Wood/Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Woodgrain Accent Door Trim
  • UConnect® Hands-Free Communication
  • DVD-based GPS Navigation System w/6-CD/MP3 Chngr
  • 17" x 7.5" Aluminum Platinum Clad Wheels
In summary, you're getting more bling and more creature comforts, plus the Hemi engine. Four wheel drive Overlands also get the Quadra Drive II four wheel drive system. For more information, you can read this Full Feature Comparison (PDF) between the three 2007 Commander models: Sport, Limited and Overland.


Jeep Commander December 2006 Sales

DamilerChrysler has released U.S. sales data for December 2006. The Jeep brand was down -13% vs. December 2005. The Jeep Commander, with 7,566 units sold, was down -11%. A total of 88,497 Commanders were sold in 2006. Read press release.



Tuesday, January 02, 2007

13” Eurostyle Antenna for Jeep Commander



Browsing through ebay I came across the Antennax 13” Eurostyle antenna for the Jeep Commander. The Eurostyle is a direct replacement to the manual, factory-installed antenna and is “plug-n-play”, which means it screws onto the existing antenna mount (a direct bolt-on, no wiring involved).

Antennax is a specialist in car and truck antennas that claims to have sold over 30,000 antennas to U.S. and Canadian customers over the past three years, while selling most of its products for under $10.00. If you are looking for a fast and inexpensive way to improve the looks of your Commander you may want to check them out.



Monday, January 01, 2007

Commanders Off-Roading in Scotland


us in hole
Originally uploaded by vaughan london.
These Brits sure know how to play with their Commanders! Must be that diesel engine... There are some more pictures here.

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