Commander: Jeep's white elephant?
To its credit, DaimlerChrysler has largely escaped the mudslinging surrounding big incentives as of late, content to let General Motors and Ford play cash-on-the-hood Jenga. But now it appears the square-rigged Jeep Commander may be Chrysler's white elephant. To say that the SUV's sales are in a free-fall would be a bit of a misnomer, as they've yet to truly ascend to the heights that parent DCX has been hoping for.
Driving off the lot with incentives in excess of $5,400 just seven months after the vehicle's launch, the big ute is being pawned off with givebacks $1,803 higher than average. The 101-day supply at the beginning of March is likely proving worrysome to Jeep dealers as DCX nears the Chrysler Aspen launch, an SUV arguably a little too close for comfort in terms of size, capacity and price. Other dealers, however, don't appear to be too troubled about cultivating Aspen-on-Commander inter-showroom cannibalism, arguing that the dolled-up Durango looks too much like a Chrysler for Jeep buyers, and vice-versa.
Still, some dealers are reporting an uptick in recent sales, and concerns that Commander would crib sales from the brand's Grand Cherokee have proven less problematic than originally feared.
[Sources: AutoWeek, JeepNewsNow.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Hank 12:38PM (3/28/2006)
Every one on the lot last time I looked was stickered between $42,000-$45,000. Looking at it, it's just not worth it, Hemi or not.
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Jeep Commander 12:39PM (3/28/2006)
I guess it's good to see them trying to generate some interest in the Commander, it's really a great vehicle. Hopefully this helps get more of them out on the road.
If you're interested in the Jeep Commander, drop by http://www.jeepcommander.com
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Tom 12:43PM (3/28/2006)
Doh!
I hope this doesn't surprise anyone...
Give it a jet engine and wings. It would more fun to see a flying brick than one with wheels.
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Corey W. 12:59PM (3/28/2006)
Isn't DaimlerChrysler doing some sort of "March Madness"/big incentives on other vechicles also?? I've seen commercials, but this be regional (Detroit/Midwest) thing.
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JIm 12:59PM (3/28/2006)
DC Board of Directors. "Hey, I've got an idea. Let's bring back the American Motors designed 1981 Cherokee. We'll make the windows taller so the look is even more unbalanced. That early '80 styling will be a big hit too. Everyone likes retro these days. We'll put a Hemi in it too. Yeah, I know it's not really a Hemi, but the customers will never know. Let's do it."
Hello, McFly...
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Harry 1:01PM (3/28/2006)
I would have bought one if one could get the Hemi on a base model (with an appropriate option price). Even with five grand on the hood, they are ridiculously overpriced.
Bought a Ridgeline instead. (Save your flames as I really don't care)
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Peter 1:11PM (3/28/2006)
As far as I can tell, the only reason Jeep developed the Commander was to jump on the third-row bandwagon. There seems to be some persistent belief in the industry that everyone wants third rows on SUV's. The fact that family sizes in the United States have been dropping for decades seems to be forgotten, as well as the fact that minivans work perfectly well for those buyers who really need the third row.
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Dave G 1:33PM (3/28/2006)
Two things are wrong with the otherwise capable Commander. Sticker shock and no third row delete option. I rented a base 3.7l Commander for a week in February in Detroit, fully prepared to dislike this ugly duckling. Within a day I was thinking this is more of a swan than I expected and after a week the box had won me over, largely due to great drivability in all weather, comfort on the highway and the Jeep go-anywhere reputation. My biggest complaint was the lack of usable space in back due to the third row seat and the stadium arrangement. I don't need a third row, but I do need a place to put my expensive bicycles and prefer not to disassemble them first. Give me a delete option and I might reconsider. Secondly, as others have noted, these things are way overpriced. If you want the Hemi you also must take the garish chrome handles on the back and the positively ugly bolt-on fender look (IMHO) and pay north of $40k. Make mine basic, no third seat and with a big motor, price it at $30K and I'm yer man DCX - fer shizzle.
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Trevor 1:42PM (3/28/2006)
Well, to me, the third row in this vehicle feels like an afterthought. It doesn't fold flat, it doesn't fit anyone over 4'8", and is pretty much useless. Kills storage and only adds room for a couple of kids.
I'm not surprised that they have a 100+ day inventory...
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BoyBlue 1:57PM (3/28/2006)
Fire the industrial designer. No one buys unappealing sheetmetal.
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Travis 1:59PM (3/28/2006)
I keep hearing everyone complain about Commander pricing - I did quite a bit of shopping around and ended up with the 4.7L V8 4x4 Commander (very nicely equipped, even the base model) for $30K (plus 0% for 60 months). Not too much out there in its class compared when weighing all the standard features (not to mention I couldn't fit too well into the 4runner or Grand Cherokee, as I'm 6'2"). All things considered, I think it's a good value.
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Michael Karesh 2:19PM (3/28/2006)
For a viable third row in an SUV, you need an independent rear suspension.
My biggest problem with this one, though, is that with the third row up visibility to the rear is extremely restricted. Rear obstacle detection and even a rearview cam should be standard for safety reasons.
My full review of the Commander (with 4.7): http://www.epinions.com/content_196695592580
Oddly, Edmunds mentions the cash on the hood, but check their site here http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/jeep/commander/100547705/incentives.html and you'll find that they show the same $1,000 rebate I do and no dealer incentives. If they offer large incentives, but no one knows they're there...
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mp 2:19PM (3/28/2006)
Sorry to say, but its way overpriced compared to what else is out there. I'll keep my Acura, it maybe smaller, but it holds its value and reliability.
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S1500 2:47PM (3/28/2006)
I saw the 3rd row seat at the auto show, and was surprised for the fact it was just for toddlers, for only they(or Vern Troyer) could fit in it. If you can't take 'em out(I didn't try) that's hella wasted cargo space.
So it's not childfree-friendly, but of course you could just get a smaller Jeep. Me, I want a yellow Lotus Elise.
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j panozzo 3:27PM (3/28/2006)
"To say that the SUV's sales are in a free-fall would be a bit of a misnomer, as they've yet to truly ascend to the heights that parent DCX has been hoping for."
Gas prices are at or near record highs. Hello?? Are you suprised that SUV'S are bearing the brunt of lower sales? I'm not.
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Matt Keegan 6:14PM (3/28/2006)
j.panozzo: your theory is flawed. The all new Chevy Tahoe is selling at 49.8% higher than last year despite fuel prices. Both SUVs are all new.
The Commander simply doesn't measure up...that's all.
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miked 8:27PM (3/28/2006)
Every Commander I've seen seems to be a rental, driving away from the Denver airport past the rental lots it seemed like every other car was a Commander. I have to wonder how many of those sales have been fleet deals to keep the numbers up.
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Jonathan 8:30PM (3/28/2006)
If the Commander doesn't sell well, the Aspen will completely bomb. What a bad idea.
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Dane Hudelston 9:48PM (3/28/2006)
The Commander IS a dissapointment! Heres why:
1.) It has the worst rated space and third row seating in it's class.
2.) If this was Jeep's BEST attempt to bring back the Cherokee, they failed miserably. The Cherokee was plain, useful and very utilitarian. This is gauty, ugly, big and NOT utilitarian.
4.) It's ugly inside and out-- for the sticker price of nearly 50 grand.
3.) I agree with miked; Every Commander I've ever seen is bieng driven out of a rental car company at BWI (thats Baltimore Washington International Airport). These cars are just not going to be big sellers soley because they are big hulking gas drinkers ( not that matters much) but with the combination of the WORST in class space-third row seating, come on. Thats not even mentioning the fugly factor, which many could go without.
Face it Jeep,ever since the release of the Liberty theres a big downward factor concerning brand loyalty you've been slipping down. Dare I mention the Aztec? I mean, the Compass?
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Brian 9:07AM (3/29/2006)
I sat in a base Commander at the auto show and couldn't believe it. It really looked like Jeep tried to make the interior as ugly as possible. Exposed screws on the dash, miles of cheap plastic, etc. This is one ugly vehicle on the inside - which is where it counts.
And then there's the Compass. I can't even get past the chipmunk-esque front end.
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