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With a third-row seat - that's right, the 2006 Jeep Commander is equipped with three rows of seating - the 2006 Jeep Commander will carry up to seven passengers. That's not to say that each of those passengers will be especially comfortable, but at least they'll have a place to sit. To make sure everyone gets to the destination on time, the Commander can also be equipped with Hemi V8 power. And for both old-school Jeep fans and those who simply prefer their SUVs draped without curvy shapes, the 2006 Commander's boxy styling harkens back to the days of Willys and the utilitarian Cherokee.

Billed as the first Jeep ever with a third-row seat, the 2006 Commander is the newest addition to the trail-rated family. Larger than the current Grand Cherokee and looking much like the last generation Cherokee, the long and classically-cued 2006 Jeep Commander made its official debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Jeeps have always been respected for their off-road capabilities, but they've never been known as people-haulers. As the first Jeep with a third-row seat and capacity for seven passengers, the 2006 Jeep Commander attempts to marry great off-road performance with added interior utility. It's an important step, since competitors like the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot have been offering third-row seating for some time.

That's why Jeep had to build the 2006 Commander, if for no other reason. But, as is the case with most of those competitors' vehicles, that third-row seat is basically useless to anyone over a few feet tall. And that's just for city driving - put some adults in that back row and take advantage of the Commander's trail-rated capabilities, and you'll likely find yourself charged with torture. For those who require that miniscule third seat and like the throwback styling, the 2006 Jeep Commander will likely fit the bill as a versatile off-roader.

--By Thom Blackett