I've never really thought of myself as "a Commander guy," but driving a Jeep by that name allowed me to fantasize for a while.

The squared-off, seven-passenger Jeep is a throwback to venerable vehicles like the binge-drinking Wagoneer and the trailblazing Cherokee as well as a visual challenge to the militarily inspired Hummer H2.

Think "horizontal" and you'll like the major architectural theme behind the Commander. Never before has the trademark Jeep grille looked so Hummer-like in its chrome incarnation, which might illustrate why Jeep sued Hummer some years back (unsuccessfully) for seeming to copy its seven-slot frontispiece.

Jeep purists must forgive the Commander for originating in Motown instead of rolling off the holy Toledo, Ohio, assembly line. At least they're not importing them from China — yet.

Reeking of hunting-club tradition in its leathered-up Limited trim, Commander is also a threat to the Land Rover Range Rover's "mud-and-caviar" exclusivity.

Despite the similarities, the Commander is much more attainable in a price range of $27,985 to $38,900. Still, "Jeep" only rhymes with "cheap."

If you don't need 4-wheel-drive, you can save $2,000 and a lot of gas with the 2-wheel-drive version.

You also have multiple engine choices, so observe pump prices and choose wisely.

The base engine is a 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower, single overhead cam V6 whose best fuel economy rating is 20 mpg on the highway.

The mid-level engine is a 4.7-liter, 235-horsepower, V8 that burns unleaded at the rate of 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway.

The pride of the species is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that cranks 330 horses and consumes fuel at rates similar to those of the 4.7-liter. Makes you realize we haven't come all that far from the vintage Wagoneer that got something like 9 mpg in the city.

If you're the kind of rugged individualist who isn't bothered by inconvenient truths, by all means, get the Hemi. It's a great engine and really gives this monster some muscle.

In its debut model year of 2006, Commander came in base and Limited trim, with Sport and the new Overland versions arriving in 2007.

Commander was the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats, following in the path of the Dodge Durango. The seats are positioned theater-style, with the second row higher than the first, and the third row above the others.

To provide adequate head room, designers raised the roof 3.15 inches from the second row. The second-row seats split in a 40-20-40 ratio, and the third row splits 50-50. The middle and rear rows fold forward to create a flat load floor.

A storage bin can be found in the load floor behind the rear seat. Below that are the tire jack and tools. The bin's top panel is removable and reversible, and the carpeted side is level with the third row of seats.

More marketing magic comes from the CommandView skylights — dual panels of tinted glass that come with the power sunroof above the front passengers. Standard on Commander Limited, the skylights also have roller shades that can be used to block out light.

You can add a DVD player between the skylights as one of many options.

A cosmetically pleasing roof rack has three tie-downs on each side. Commander Limited provides handles from the rail to the rear roof pillar.

Atop the rear bumper is a diamond-plate, non-skid textured step pad. Cosmetic flourishes include decorative bolts that seem to secure the trapezoidal wheel flares.

It's hard not to fall in love with the Limited interior, particularly the saddle-brown leather seats that come as a $150 option. The den-like ambience is enhanced by the fabulous Boston Acoustics sound system that channels digital Sirius satellite radio as standard gear.

Ergonomics are splendidly intuitive, with audio controls mounted on the steering hub. Jeep's Chrysler parent has also found the best solution to tuning satellite radio's hundred-plus stations, with the traditional knob mounted in the traditional position. While it takes a second or two for the signal to arrive from geosynchronous orbit, the station is immediately identified on the audio panel.

Since defining the sport utility market in the 1980s, Jeep has faced relentless competition but has held up well.

The brand has expanded on both ends of the market, from compact to larger vehicles like the Commander while retaining the original Wrangler's boot-camp identity. Frankly, no brand has managed to overtake Jeep's visual appeal and authenticity.

If you really must have an SUV of this capability, consider falling in behind the Commander.

WHAT'S NEW: Overland, Sport versions, new colors, power liftgate.

PLUSES: Styling, comfort, brand identity, safety.

MINUSES: Fuel economy, ride and handling.

BOTTOM LINE: Maintains Jeep's authority in SUVs.

2007 Jeep Commander Limited

TYPE: 4-wheel-drive, four-door, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle.

PRICE: $38,645 base, $44,625 as tested.

WHERE BUILT: Detroit.

KEY RIVALS: Hummer H2, BMW X5, Volvo XC90.

POWER: 5.7-liter, 330-horsepower, Hemi V8 engine; five-speed auto transmission.

FUEL ECONOMY: Estimated annual fuel cost $2,484.

CHASSIS: Quadra-Trac full-time 4-wheel-drive; traction control; enhanced accident response system; electronic stability program; power disc brakes with ABS; power rack-and-pinion steering; 17-inch cast aluminum wheels.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 188.5 x 74.8 x 71.9 inches.

WHEELBASE X TRACK: 109.5 x 62.6 inches.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.6 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 5,210 pounds.

PAYLOAD: 1,200 pounds.

STANDARD: Rear exterior assist handles; fog lamps; rain-sensitive windshield wipers; adjustable roof rail crossbars; SmartBeam Intelligent Headlamp System; "Limited" badge; Goodyear black sidewall all-season tires; leather-trimmed bucket seats with memory; heated front seats; power eight-way driver seats and four-way power passenger seats; air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control; leather-wrapped steering wheel; premium door trim panel; power-adjustable pedals; power sun roof with CommandView skylights; AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD with MP3 capability; six Boston Acoustics speakers; Sirius satellite radio with a one-year free subscription; security alarm; tire-pressure monitor with display, rear HVAC; universal garage door opener.

OPTIONAL: Red Rock Crystal paint ($225); skid plate group ($295); trailer tow group ($255); rear-camera backup group includes navigation system and park-view rear back-up camera ($1,645); saddle-brown seats ($150); power liftgate ($400).