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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  Transmission - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kristen - August 30 - 2:00 pm

  Right after the warranty was over the transmission went and needed to be replaced. The winsheild has been replaced twice because it wistles all the way down the highway and if a small pebble hits it the winshield cracks.

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  08 OVERLAND - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By ANTHONY DEFRANCESCO - August 24 - 3:03 pm

  After owning about 8 new jeeps over the past 16 years i was very impressed with the commander. My prior 06 commander had the 4.7 V8 and was underpowered. The HEMI is just right. I purchased a loaded overland model as it is truly the ultimate Jeep. The rear camera is helpful especially when using the third seat. It is a very solid vehicle. I like the styling as it reminds me of my first 1993 jeep cherokee country. I average 16mpg and on a round trip to Cleveland from Albany NY my average was 18. I drove around 70 mph. I really dont know why the press beats upon Jeep products so much. I have found Jeeps to be very reliable, safe, and fun to drive.

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  Luxury SUV with great features - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Banks 2000 - August 12 - 8:19 pm

  We are keeping this vehicle long tem because of the great features. It has auto wipers and lights. Plus the stadium seating and glass roof in the 2nd row. We are at 130,000 and I have replaced the normal wear and tear parts. Everything else send solid

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tom - July 28 - 6:26 pm

  Turned in a 2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo that had never had a problem. The Commander is roomier inside - is fun to drive - ride is great - and it appears to have the same great quality as our previous Grand Cherokee.

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  Commander is a gas hog. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Clint U. - July 27 - 10:10 pm

  This is overall the best driving SUV Ive ever drove. The steering, ride, and power is excellent. I went from a 4wd Tahoe to the Commander, and thought the fuel economy would be better on the 2wd Commander, but its not. This thing loves gas. Be very aware of the 13 miles per gallon city and 15 hwy that Im getting. I would hate to see what a 4wd gets. The interior is comfortable, but it is hard to see behind you, and hard to see the blind spot on the side. The 3rd row seat stands very high when up. And take up alot of room when down. Did I mention the transmission problems?

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  Top Notch Danny - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Suthern Commander - July 24 - 10:06 pm

  Upgraded from our Liberty to the Commander. SUV is secure and handles great for a its size. Leather seats and drivers area are generous and comfortable, kids and seats fits great in the second row, plenty of cargo room. We like that the third row is not a bench but 2 indepedent seats that ultimately allow for multiple cargo configurations. Controls are easy to use, the 5 speed transmission is seamless and efficient. Kids love the command view skylights and we love the moonroof. This vehicle also gets a thumbs up from kerKernel saying that this vehicle provides me with the lifestyle my family deserves.

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  Hell YES! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By SinisterSmitty - July 17 - 4:23 pm

  I just bought a used 2007 Jeep Commander Limited 4x4. Its white exterior and with all the chrome accents is a head turner, and the dark brown leather interior, with sunroof, 2 moon roofs, and 3rd row seating is beautiful and so comfortable. I love, love, love this car. I also own a BMW X5, and this is the only non-BMW SUV Ive driven that comes close to the smooth ride of the X5.

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  Good Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ga19891 - July 14 - 12:11 pm

  Bought my used 2006 Jeep in 2014 with 110k on it. Driven it for 10k miles and no problems yet. Incredibly smooth ride and a lot of boost from the engine. Very happy with it. Gets a ton of compliments when I pull up. Down side is the horrible gas mileage. Welcome to Jeeps though. Transmission also concerns me but no real problems yet. Holding up well at 122k miles. Id recommend this car but be wary of gas mileage. Just take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  Demanding Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Bsco - July 6 - 6:36 am

  We own three Jeep vehicles , the commander, a Grand Cherokee , and a Wrangler. Love them all, My wife drives the Commander and is very satisfied with the comfort , driveability and versatility . Jeep vehicles are built to go off-road and I feel confident in taking the commander offroad when needed. Great vehicle.

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  Best Mothers Day Gift - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mindi Lassiter - June 26 - 3:06 pm

  The best Mothers Day gift I ever received besides the love of my Children. Only problems I have had was the Factory installed windshield was done incorrectly so when I had the window replaced due to a crack the entire frame had to be redone - the dealership was great in handling this. I have been experiencing a slight loss of power when turning street corners. I thought it was me but my brother in law and husband noticed the same thing. It is in the shop right now because yesterday my instrument panel went wacky and lost all control of gauges off and on during my interstate drive. I am sure this is minor though. My kids hate the seat belts. They are hard to clip with a booster seat in place