Overview & Reviews

The name Commander calls to mind images of daring swashbucklers on fearless adventures at the far corners of the earth. As such, Jeep's latest SUV is aptly named; it possesses every inch of the go-anywhere bravado implicit in its moniker. With three rows of seating and room for up to seven passengers, the Commander is the most spacious SUV Jeep has ever produced.

Although not quite as capable off-road as the smaller Jeeps, among SUVs in its size class the Commander is a superb trail-buster, able to tackle rock-strewn paths and steep mountain tracks without breaking a sweat. Less thrilling, however, are the Jeep Commander's lackluster interior materials, cramped third row, so-so cargo capacity and poor fuel mileage with the larger engines.

Current Jeep Commander

The three-row Jeep Commander is available in two trims: Sport and Limited. The Sport comes standard with power accessories, a power driver seat, air-conditioning and a CD stereo. The Limited trim honeys the mix with heated leather seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, a power tailgate, satellite radio and a power sunroof with twin skylights in the second row. Buyers can also snag options like a navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The base Jeep Commander Sport gets its pep from a standard 3.7-liter V6 capable of 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, a barely adequate engine in the 4,800-pound Commander. The Limited model has more punch thanks to a 5.7-liter V8 (optional on Sport), which cranks out 357 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. Those who choose the base model may equip it with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. Jeep also offers two sophisticated four-wheel-drive systems for those planning to take their Commanders on off-road trails, including Quadra-Drive II, which features Hill Start and Descent Assist technology. All models come with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Slide inside the Commander's cabin and you'll find yourself enveloped in comfortable seats. An upscale two-tone decor makes for an attractive interior, but there's too much hard plastic for an SUV in this price range. (The Limited is a bit nicer.) There aren't any midsize SUVs that offer truly spacious third-row seating; still, even by these low standards, legroom in the Commander's third row falls short and is suitable only for children. Cargo capacity is unspectacular as well, largely because of the packaging issues created by the Jeep's solid-axle rear suspension and generous ground clearance. The SUV offers 7.5 cubic feet with all three rows in use, 36.4 with the third row stowed and 68.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. These numbers would be OK for a compact SUV, but they're minuscule for a midsize sport-ute.

In reviews, we've praised the Jeep Commander for its off-road capabilities and powerful available V8. Opinions about ride quality are mixed; some have found the Jeep to provide a tranquil ride but others, expecting a more secure feel, deem it wallowy. Handling on pavement is competent for a nearly 5,000-pound vehicle, but not the least bit sporting. The base V6 doesn't hustle the Commander with much authority. The 5.7-liter V8 is both powerful and relatively fuel-efficient.

Used Jeep Commander Models

The Jeep Commander debuted in the 2006 model year. The Limited came with a 4.7-liter V8 prior to 2010; it generated 235 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque until 2008, when it was bumped up to 305 hp and 334 lb-ft. The 5.7-liter V8 made 330 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque till '09, when it went up to 357 hp and 389 lb-ft.

For '07, the luxurious Overland trim debuted; it was equipped similarly to the Limited but with special interior and exterior trim. For '08, the Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist electronic driving aids arrived for Commanders with Quadra-Drive II. The Commander Limited and Overland's interior materials quality were improved for '09. For '10, the Overland trim disappeared, and the 4.7-liter V8 was discontinued, leaving the powerful 5.7-liter V8 as standard on the Limited models, along with a power liftgate.

Reliability was spotty on early-build 2006 models, so consumers looking for used Jeep Commanders would be wise to seek out later-build models or else hold off on a purchase until there's a bit more to choose from on the used market.

User Reviews:

• 

  If I only had it to do over - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By CMEGOBY - May 29 - 1:53 am

  Unfortunately all I can say is this is the worst vehicle I have ever owned and I am currently at 25 and counting. This thing has far less room than I anticipated and is very uncomfortable on long trips. To top things off it has been at the dealer getting things fixed more than it has been in my driveway. If your looking for a fun, reliable, and comfortable SUV then I recommend looking elsewhere.

• 

  WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Lorelei - October 8 - 2:50 am

  Computer tells me I am getting "8.9" miles to the gallon, and that is ACCURATE. I spend more on gas for this hog than a mortgage payment every month. HORRIBLE RESALE!!! NOT dependable, despite regular maintenance from an accredited dealer. Horrible family car. I have four children, and they always have friends ride with us. Seats are hard and extremely uncomfortable for short drives. I would NEVER recommend this vehicle to anyone. Other jeeps seem to rate better, but as far as this model....big thumbs down.

• 

  you can rely its going to break down - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Josh - May 5 - 2:22 am

  super dangerous! This 2007 Jeep Commander shut down without warning on the freeway. No steering no breaks.! Do not purchase one! You and your family are not worth the risk.

• 

  My Commander is a Piece of Junk - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By IHateMyJeep - January 16 - 3:30 am

  I drove my 2006 Commander through about 12-18 inches of water, and wound up blowing my engine this past October. I had it 8 months and it had >9k miles on it. Chrysler refused to honor it as a warranty repair, they said I did not drive it as intended. (Please look up how they define "Trail Rated") What kind of trail is Jeep referring to? A bike trail? A bunny trail? What? Turns out the air intake is low on the vehicle. Just below the front bumper! The insurance company that the dealer finance department referred me to refused to pay for the repair. I had to pay over $8K for a new engine out of pocket. I got my vehicle back just before Christmas. Now the new engine is burning oil.

• 

  dont waste your money - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By abrown - April 26 - 12:43 am

  We have owned this vehicle for one year now and have regretted the purchase every day since. It has been in the shop so many times we have lost count. It will die while in motion and cause loss of steering and braking. It has happen several times and no one can seem to fix the problem. It is a death trap! Luckily, these "stalls" have happened at low speeds. Wind noise, water leaks, ac makes horrible sounds, numerous recalls, and slow response throttle are just some of the problems we have faced. We bought this car brand new, it was not used. These problems are happening to most owners of this car. NHTSA is investigating the engine and hopefully the situation will finally be fixed. Horrible!!

• 

  Oh No! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By elkrunn - September 14 - 1:43 am

  Its going to be a year since I bought this Jeep. Not dependable at all..do not take this Jeep off road..will get stuck..ice,snow have to be careful since the 4x4 will auto turn on and it does not work at all. Has blind spots, plastic plastic everywhere, the visor was not planned well you cant see the road. Windshield the worst thing ever Im scared that thing will bust, I can go on. Last night I almost hit a huge moose. I had my little one with me, I slammed my breaks and turned my wheel to avoid hitting this huge animal. The car did not stop on contact my car slid sideways, I was shocked this car did not stop. This is a 4x4 and did not act like it..the seat belts worked, wow