First off, that *is* a great deal, if it had a diesel option I'd be strongly considering it. But since I bought my Jeep Liberty CRD I won't consider non-diesel vehicles any longer(strongly considering upgrading to a Grand Cherokee when the Cummins 6cyl is available).
Secondly, the part that really makes it worth it is the *lifetime powertrain warranty*. The most expensive failures on any vehicle are in the powertrain. That means the engine, transmission, etc. The terms on the lifetime warranty are very good, requiring only an occasional free checkup at a Chrysler dealer(I think its like every 20k miles or something). Considering a tranny can cost a couple grand alone its a hell of a deal. That alone is why I would only consider a Chrysler product right now, unless someone else wishes to match their warranty.
Third, Chrysler in general, but Jeep specifically is about the most 'american made' of automobiles. Most Jeeps are built in Ohio or Michigan, with some parts sourced from New Jersey. As he pointed out, at least 85% of the parts that go in are sourced inside the US. But beyond that, most of the design, engineering, management, legal and financial jobs are also kept in the US, which are arguably more important than the manufacturing jobs. Some of you don't care about that, but as someone who has worked in IT for more than a decade and watched the available jobs slowly go to China and India, I'll be the last person to ever send someone else's job away. But thats my opinion.
And finally, about fuel consumption, I actually agree. However in this case he needed something that seated seven, so a CRV or even a Grand Cherokee diesel would not do the trick. His options in the 7 seat market are fairly limited, and most are considerably worse mileage wise. A Suburban, Expedition, H2, etc are all worse gas guzzlers than the Commander, and less capable vehicles for off road and utility purposes. Part of any vehicle purchase is what you intend to use it for, and if you need seven seats he pretty much made the most economical choice fuel consumption wise. Ideally though he is using his Ford Escape for daily driving and the Commander for when they all take a trip. And all of us need to get on to
http://www.chryslerlistens.com and let them know we want more diesel options on vehicles, that would significantly assist vehicles like the Commander in terms of mileage.
BTW, the Commander is likely going away in 09 as part of Chrylser's consolidation efforts. But the lifetime warranty will continue for first owners of their vehicles(its non-transferrable). So if this is a vehicle you want, get it while you can.
Great first post, and don't let the haters get you down. And hey, drive that Escape when you can, you'll be doing your part by simply not driving the Commander when you don't need to.