- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 15 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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4.5 stars
"Really not as 'bad' as some reviews make it out!!"
Pros: Nicely equiped, comfortable and suprisingly good to drive, even in a city. This doesn't handle at all how I expected it too, you almost forget the 'actual' size of it when you're driving! Impressed, so far!
Cons: GAS CONSUMPTION! After reading some reviews about the Commander & the fact it's a large SUV, I expected it to be a bit thirsty, but it still drinks in combined/city driving. Limited space in 3rd row (expected), & not-so great plastics for the $$$'
Summary: I have the 2006 4.7 V8 Limited Commander, which I bought at 3 yrs old. I was VERY worried after reading some reviews about it, but so far, I am very impressed with it. I bought it as a 'necessity' - I needed a SUV for towing my horse trailer, and after 8 months of looking this was the best that was available in my price range. When I went to test drive it, I thought of it as a 'compromise', but that really is not what it is.
It's a really enjoyable drive; but I haven't yet towed or off-roaded with it. The Limited model is nicely equipped, making it very comfortable and convenient, and so far I do not have any complaints about it. It handles very nimbly for a SUV it's size, and doesn't feel heavy or combersome. The breaking distances are a bit longer, which is also something to be aware of when you first drive it though. I really do not have any complaints about it at all, and I've had nothing but multiple compliments about it! I'm really pleased that I bought it.
The 3rd row seating really is for kids, but you'll probably need the seats down so you can take any more cargo other than an umbrella! The cheap plastic interior's do scream, well, 'cheap', and the faux wood, well, that could have been done a bit better too! But other than those two points, and the fact it is a gas-greedy SUV, I really love it,- so far!!
Other reviewers mention the rear visibility, particularly when the 3rd row seats are up. The truth is, the visibility isn't great, and the 3rd row really does additionally limit that; but the side mirrors are large and well positioned and I think all models come with rear-parking assistance. Personally the rear visibility wasn't an issue, I am planning on towing so I won't see anything anyway, but I also think that there is enough visibility from the large side mirrors and out of the rear too, even with the seats. This is a high vehicle, and visibility is always going to be reduced as you're not as low down, and if the vehicle has high sides, but it really isn't that much of an issue if you position your side mirrors correctly.
Admittedly, there is still a long time ahead for me to change my mind, but I have been nothing but pleasantly suprised with my Commander. This is my first SUV, so 'experienced' SUV owners may have other points, but my last car was a brand new BMW, so I do know a bit about luxury driving. It is comparing apples and oranges, but I still like my Commander, and if you're having doubts about them, like I was, go and take one for a test drive and see what you think - I doubt you'll be disappointed. Ask the Dealer to put the onboard computer on to show you the litres/km so you know what you're getting into, but they're certainly worth a long, hard look.
