Straightline

Hopefully they'll have another generaton of strong selling and high margin GC's to help them out. I'd be surprised if it doesn't come with a third row. Dropping such a large selling model name in favor of the name "Commander" is insane, and not even hinted at in the linked article. That particluar vehicle is outclassed by almost every competitor while the GC has a strong history and quality to match the FX/RX/MDX crowd.

I agree, keep the Grand Cherokee name, but make the next one more like the Commander in terms of size.
 
The current Grand Cherokee is way too close in size to the new Liberty.

Slow selling? Heck yes! A guy at my work bought a Commander last year when they were trying to get them off the dealer lots. He got $12K knocked off the price... TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!
 
There's a reason they did that. Slow sales is why.

I'm hoping the new JGC gets some of the original character back, stays truck based, becomes even more off road capable and DOESN'T GET BIGGER!
 
It doesn't not need third row seat, it was never designed to be a minivan, the Caravan has that covered.
 
I've alway thought the JGC was the perfect size. Big enough for 4 to 5 people and all their gear, small enough to park anywhere, go anywhere and not weight 6000lbs.
 
The 1st and 2nd generation were great trucks, the 3rd slipped with bland styling, cheap looking interior and IFS.
 
Hopefully the 4th will get it right again and not try to be too many things.

Never said they would drop the GC name in favor of the Commander. That's my wish, which I clearly stated.
 
Perhaps better stated would be to have the next GC take on Commander styling attributes and offer (better) 3rd-row seating.

I'm going to be contrarian and say that Jeep should steer clear of the whole 3-row phenomenon. 3-rows of seats requires either packaging miracles (Explorer) or increased size & weight (Pathfinder for a dinky one, Durango for a legitimate one). Either one would probably damage the Grand Cherokee's main appeal - maneuverability and off-roadability (or at least that perception). KISS, Jeep.

Firstwagon, don't expect a return to a solid front axle on the next GC. Ain't gonna happen...
 
If anything, you'll probably see IRS added—which will allow for good packaging of a 3rd-row seat.

If a Rav4 can fit a third row (even more useless than the commander, but if it's used once a year who cares) so can the GC. I agree that it would take independant rear suspension, but that's probably necessary to keep up with on-road handling.

Canceling the Commander? First of all it's the smartest idea ever. Scecond of all, the deal is just about done. I believe it ends production in 2011. The styling is ugly. They are nailed to the showroom floor. And no way would they get rid of the much better looking Grand. It actually sells. It will probably get a third row next time around.

My opinion on 3rd rows: Either buy a Suburban or buy a couple lawn chairs. You'll be more comfortable, save a ton of cash, and hell, you might even be safer.

I like the Commander a lot, but I can't remember the last time I ever saw one. Sad to see it go.
 
The biggest problem with the GC is that its too thirsty, and it feels a bit cheap on the inside.

"Firstwagon, don't expect a return to a solid front axle on the next GC. Ain't gonna happen... "
 
You're likely right but it's still a shame. The JGC (and the Liberty)dropped out of favour with Jeep fans with the introduction of the IFS. Now you have a truck that can't compete with the crossovers because it's too truck-like and yet isn't appreciated by it's target market because it's seen as inferior.
 
Jeep has to be careful. The only hit they have now is the Wrangler and it's hard to base a brand on only one product.
 
My advice to Jeep is keep the JGC the size it is now but make it tougher looking.
 
Keep the Wrangler the way it is but add V8 or diesel.
 
Replace the embarassing Patriot and Compass with a 2800lb off roader with solid axles,coil springs, removeable top, 2.4L 4 cyl, styling that reminds people of the old flatfender ( but doesn't drive like one)and maybe a 4 cyl diesel from someone like Mitsubishi.
 
Jeep can't make a car that will match the CRV in the world of cute utes or the CX-9 in the world of minivan substitutes so why don't they stick to what they are good at.

That's the nice thing I've heard this day. I'm looking forward to see this Grand Cherokee. Yeah! I've see a lot of Commander owners nowadays. To all the jeepster out there keep on rockin'.