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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Best Ive Owned! - 2006 Jeep Commander
By nucklesc - March 31 - 1:43 pmGood power, great handling, great style, poor ground clearance.
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Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Greg - March 15 - 8:13 pmIve had the car for a year now - NO PROBLEMS. Engine is reliable, but the new v6 (instead or straight 6 in the older Jeeps) is less perky, and only slightly more fuel efficient. Comfort is excellent, although full size adults will feel cramped in the back seats - those are for sure for the kids/carrying. Head room is outstanding - Im 65" and have room to spare, and can see out of the windshield without bending. Performs well in traffic and highway - very quiet actually on the road, which is a big change from prior Jeep Cherokee.
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Whats with the FOBIK key !! - 2008 Jeep Commander
By Pilgrim - February 22 - 4:46 amHave owned 4 other jeeps all great! This one seems good so far except that "plastic key design known as Fobik " how long do you think it will last and replacement cost is $140.00 plus programing of $30.00 if you dont do it yourself. Whoever designed it should be sent to Ford or gm. Only other thing is seat backs to high making poor rear view.
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Love my new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Melissa - February 16 - 5:50 pmJust purchased this Commander (dark khaki) and love it! I traded my Audi, which all of my friends loved, for this vehicle and am extremely happy. My husband was even pleased and I researched and chose this myself. It has clean lines (I like the square look-couldnt bring myself to buy an Element), a smooth ride, and low price with Jeep dependability. Again, I love the look and am happy with the ride and thrilled with the navigation, back-up camera and sunroofs (3). The mpg is not that great but it is still worth every penny. I highly recommend it thus far.
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poor making - 2007 Jeep Commander
By tikkjoe - February 10 - 9:58 pmi have bought this car from jeep dealer and was told i get about 10 to 14 a gallon first 2 weeks i got about that then on display i seen at first 250 miles to empty now on a full tank 17 gallons i see 151 miles to a gallon and doing 65 on highway i get 11 miles to a gallon and dealers say thats about right [non-permissible content removed].
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Third Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
By sunman168 - January 28 - 11:20 amThe Jeep Commander is my third Jeep SUV. I started with the boxy Cherokee followed by a Grand Cherokee and now the Commander. The styling of the Commander reminds me of my first Cherokee which is simple yet very retro. The performance has been great, the ride is excellent, and the features inside are very user friendly. I went with the 6 cylinder to help me with the gas mileage and it is just enough power to haul my family around.
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Awesome Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Waffen72 - January 28 - 7:00 amMy wife and I love our new Commander. Fun to drive, great road visibility, quiet ride, very comfortable seating all around. The 3.7 V6 delivers plenty of power, and is very responsive with its electronic control fuel injection.
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Great car, poor seating layout - 2007 Jeep Commander
By charlie scott - January 26 - 6:26 pmI love everything about this car with one exception, this should be a 5 passenger vehicle. Do not buy it if you plan on using the third row. As it is now, both the second & third row are way too cramped. Two adults in the second row are uncomfortable after 30 a 30 minute trip. If you only have small kids in the second row youre fine. This car is not as large as Jeep seems to think it is. The seond row seats do not slide back & the third row is a complete waste. Gas mileage sucks, but you already know that if you are looking at this type of vehicle :-)
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Design flaw - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Michael in Fla. - January 9 - 10:03 amLeased a 2007 Jeep Commander in Clearwater, Florida. My Jeep developed a horrible leak. When it rains I get a standing puddle of water on the floor on the drivers side. Dealership said its a maintenance issue and said it will be $100 to blow out a sunroof drain line because its clogged with debris. I argued there is nothing in the owners manual addressing this "maintenance" and pointed out that there are also several service bulletins issued by Chrysler addressing this issue. They said this is the customers responsibility. No wonder Chrysler is in trouble.
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command this! - 2006 Jeep Commander
By rickyrick - January 6 - 1:30 pmWife purchased the base model with fully loaded options (4.7 V-8). Firm ride, excellent turning radius, not your typical "hulking SUV" but does have the hulking power. Boxy type looks (offspring to the Land Rover & Hummer!). Quietest interior of all the other so called competitors we test drove, clean interior lines, skylights give that roomy feeling throughout cabin, leather, great stereo sound ... third row seat? Now thats up for debate! Heated front row seats. So far there are lots of aftermarket parts (cosmetic & engine) available if you want to go that route. Our first SUV and very impressed so far!