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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Having Fun! - 2007 Jeep Commander
By veryhappy07 - May 31 - 9:40 pmWe have owned this vehicle for about a month now and we love it! We went with the Rocky Mountain Edition and it is different and fun to drive. It has a very comfortable ride and makes any rough road feel like nothing. My wife and I usually race to get in the drivers seat!
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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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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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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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My Red 4.7 L Commander is top notch - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Jonathan - November 18 - 4:53 amI love it. Looked long and hard for a safe vehicle, 4x4 with 5 star crash ratings. Best ride, quality, look and you cant beat the price. The 5 speed is wonderful. I did splurge for the 7yr/100,000 mile warranty via Chrysler. As big as a Durango, a whole lot safer! The 4.7 v8 has enough pick up and pull also.
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My Jeep Experience - 2007 Jeep Commander
By ptlongtime70 - November 14 - 12:26 pmIve owned my Jeep Commander for a little over 6 months now and absolutely love it. Rides so smooth even over rough terrain and poor roads. Sound proofing is great and love all the amenities that came with it. Stereo is awesome for being factory, Boston Acoustic package imaging is first class with adequate power. Anti-roll stability electronics has actually help correct the vehicle one time when I approached an off ramp a lil bit too fast and started to lose control. Vehicle corrected itself with appropriate deceleration and braking of proper wheels. I was thoroughly impressed. However sometimes when entering and exiting certain bumpy rotarys I have had same electronics make vehicle stumble.
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New Jeep Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
By the rogers - October 14 - 2:16 amSo far we love this vehicle. Its the limited 5.7l with the Hemi. This thing will move! Very luxurious inside and out.
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2nd Jeep......First Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Jake - September 30 - 12:53 amThis is our 2nd Jeep. We traded our 05 Liberty for this. The "Overland" rocks. We love it. It rides much nicer than the 2wd Liberty we had. Very quiet at highway speeds. Easy to get above 80 and not realize it. The Hemi is smooth and effortless. Mileage is lousy...but hey, it is a Hemi, we are expecting that. Kids love the skylights. Plenty of room for 2kids, dog and camping gear. Looking foward to CampJeep in VA this summer. We love our new Commander Overland.
