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:

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  Diamond in the rough! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By David - September 18 - 1:49 pm

  I was looking for a used SUV for my wife and to use with a tow dolly. Scanning Crigeslist in the summer of 2015 I seen an opportunity buy on a 2006 4x4, 4.7 v8, with the tow package. The price was $2,800, thats correct, $2,800! With only 126k miles needless to say it needed some work, lol. I was the second caller and a high school aged female told me that if the first person didnt buy it shed me call back. I thought, "Well that ones gone". She does call me back and says that the first person wanted to bring his mechanic back for a second opinion, but didnt leave a deposit. The things that make you go hmmm, lol. I go and see the Commander and it needs some body work, the interior is filthy both front door handles are broken, needs rear anti sway bar bushings, and has broken exhaust manifold bolts on both sides, which could be mistaken for upper valve train noise. The bodywork needed didnt effect the sheet metal, but only the front slip, one fender flare, and the rear bumper, which I was able to repair. In ending, the majority of the work I did myself, like painting the front and rear bumper and all fender flares with bedliner spray for about $75. Replacing both door handles, purchased from eBay for $65. I invested about $1,200, which brings my total cost to about $4,000! Now that everything is done I cannot believe how well this vehicle drives and handles! Ive owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and in my opinion isnt as comfortable. This Commander was obviously neglected, but the engine and transmission are both smooth and responsive and the Tow / Haul feature is great. THIS COMMANDER IS BUILT TO LAST!

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  Concerned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By suzan - December 6 - 1:26 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now and have had some of the problems found in reviews. Transmission slips and clunks. Main seal started leaking. Windshield whistles. From reverse to drive is a hard clunk when you can finally get it to go. It feels like the car is going to fall apart when you go over a bump. Now the ac is not cooling as well! But the good old dealership says it’s the nature of the beast that every thing is fine! Not quite sure what to do other than keep wasting my time and theirs by bringing it in for check ups?

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  Very nice IF it would be reliable - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ammunist - December 2 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased this vehicle under 3 weeks ago, and its been in the shop 4 times already, and it going back in another few days. I purchased it with 1200 miles on it, for a 3-year old vehicle, that should mean its in like-new condition. The transmission died the 2nd day I had it, had the PCM and solenoid replaced, the auto-headlights and rain-sensitive wipers dont work, there is a break in the wire in the headliner (getting that fixed in a few days), the passenger window doesnt roll up on its own, and now the sunroof is leaking. A regular piece of junk.

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  Love this vehicle but not happy with it. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cviz - October 6 - 8:54 pm

  I bought my 2006 Jeep Commander in September of 2005. I have about 87,000 miles on it and keep up the maintenance. My power outlets in the front have stopped working even after I changed out the fuses, I have paid $3500 to replace the rear differential, replaced the battery three times, replaced the alternator, passenger window wont close right, water leaks in from the front and all four of my door handles have cracked and broke. Chrysler and the dealership both say its wear and tear even though I rotate driving between this vehicle and my 2009 Kia Borrego. I have had two other Jeeps and have never had problems like this. I would have to pay $700 per door to fix them.

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  Outdoor Family Wagon - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By OutdoorFam - September 15 - 8:03 pm

  Wonderful SUV with lots of room, off road rides really good, make sure you keep the maint on this car, the only thing is that why would Jeep build a Jeep that you couldnt put a lift on?

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  Love our Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lisajoe33 - August 15 - 8:00 am

  3.7L needs a little more power. Other than that everthing is excellent with this vehicle.

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  need better mpg and scrap the antenna - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Charlie O. - August 5 - 12:43 pm

  Picked the vehicle up on Monday 7/31. I have the 3.7 and so far (3 days) the MPG looks terrible. I read some of these reviews and I see 17 MPG, 20-22 mpg highway...hope to see the same. Also, it is back in the dealer on Thursday 8/3 for installation of Sirius radio and whistling sound that seems to be coming from the dash when car is in motion (read another review stating the same problem). Overall I think it is a quality vehicle offering a lot for the money. Insurance rates are great, my kids love it, Sirius radio, rides smooth, great turning radius, dash is simple yet in line with the times.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jeep Fan - July 17 - 2:46 am

  2007 Jeep Commander Limited 4.7L V8 Flex Fuel. This vehicle is very fun to drive and the kids love the middle row Command View windows in the roof and back rows with their high seating position. I feel good knowing that my wife and kids are in this vehicle. You feel like youre driving a luxury tank. The vehicle gets its share of looks and comments. Love the option of running E85. Reviews say that 3rd row is only for kids, but Im 6 and have ridden on short trips. You wouldnt put grandma in the third row, but its fine for adults. Handles Colorado mountain roads with ease. I cant wait for its first big snow! 5th Jeep vehicle that Ive owned and I love it!

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  The Powerful and Stylish Box - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By charlesw - July 4 - 6:53 am

  I purchased a brand new 2008 Jeep Commander Limited, with everything... nav. system, commandview, power liftgate... everything, except the 5.7L Hemi, of which I am proud to say I dont have. I average around 14mpg with an occasional "floor it" moment.

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  pleasantly surprised! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By botros - June 17 - 9:16 am

  Purchased used w/ 12k on the odo. So far, its been great. The 4x4 works great and has already gotten me out of a bind. The interior is very comfortable and usable. The 3rd row does not get used much, but its good to have just in case. I got a flat, and while changing the tire was straight forward, the steel wheel spare is way too heavy. Im a big guy that works out 2-3 times a week, and had a hard time lifting it up on the studs. Cant find many other faults. Throttle response is on the slow side, need brighter headlights. Gas door needs to lock when car is locked. Better gas mileage, but it is the V8 and 4wd, so 15-16mpg overall is ok I guess.