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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Death trap - 2008 Jeep Commander
By Brandess Feuchster - May 9 - 3:13 amStalling on me more and more the piece of Crap wont give any trouble codes. Despite my jeep lined up with the one that has parts recalled I have been told by the dealership couldnt be it (translation WE WONT LOOK) lets look for different causes.Needless to say they have found NO OTHER CAUSES.
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No More Jeeps! - 2006 Jeep Commander
By No More! - December 22 - 9:03 pmI bought 06 Commander new, when gas was still under two bucks/gallon. Shame on me. The best Ive ever gotten is 13 city and 15 on the highway. Leaking windshield and sunroof like many others have described. Id like to meet the engineer that designed the drainage from roof to door jam; open the door after a rain and you get your feet get soaking wet! Ices up in winter and door wont open, leaked in dash. Ive always been "light" on the brakes, and usually get over 60K before replacing same, not on this one. Brakes are gone at 29K. Lately, electrical system has caused car to die in the road. Interior materials around leather are cheap; cloth stains with just plain water spill
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DO NOT BUY-MONEY PIT - 2007 Jeep Commander
By reddogues - December 11 - 4:36 amhave had nothing but problems from transfer case issues to now transmission problem this vehicle is only 3 years old also has needed a water pump at only 60k miles on it- tried to trade it and cant because will have to roll over 4k into another vehicle- also sun roof leaks at car wash- doors collect water every time it rains and dumps water on you when you open the door, windows go down on their own when you try to put them up, complete lemon!!!! what a disaster of a jeep
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Ill never buy a Jeep again - 2006 Jeep Commander
By R Anderson - May 29 - 1:53 amI bought this vehicle for my wife and son. It was the right size (not too big not too small). The problem is quality, Ive had the computer replaced, spark plug replaced and the body molding around the wheel well is loose. The vehicle just cut off for no reason (replaced computer), then a ignition failure light came on and we took to the dealership (replaced the spark plug) but said we needed to get the fuel injectors cleaned (16,000 miles) to fix the problem, $300. I had a Mercedes SUV with 58,000 miles and never had to have the injectors cleaned. When I complained about the moldings being so loose the service department said "we have new Commanders that are worse" that doesnt make it right.
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Shame on Chrysler - 2006 Jeep Commander
By upset owner - March 22 - 2:40 ament $40,000 on this Jeep and after 2 years the problems started: 1. Headlights burned out with in the 1st year (not covered due to mileage) 2. Power Windows switch replaced twice in fists two years (covered by warranty) 3. Lights on heater control burned out in 2 years (not covered due to mileage) $250 to fix 4. Parking Asst. quit working after 3 years (not covered due to mileage) $500 to fix. 5. Knob on GPS quit working and can no longer use the GPS (not covered due to mileage) $1000 to replace. I talked to Chrysler about these problems and they basically told me too bad so sad. I asked them about the GPS and they told me to go buy a portable one.
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I Wouldnt Purchase Another Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Niles - March 1 - 3:06 pmThe reliability of recent models are poor. I have owned my 2007 Jeep Commander for 9 years. It has been in and out of the shop for repairs, not to mention multiple recalls that when repaired, something else goes out in the Jeep. Tire pressure light continues to stay lit even when air pressure is normal. Roof leaking, A/C needs recharged yearly, Starter, Alternator, Fuel Pump, 2-batteries, Electrical Components and Crank Shaft Module. Currently in the shop after breaking down on vacation and being towed 200 miles. I have complained to the local Jeep Service Department of an issue with hesitation in RPM function and hard automatic shifting. They havent been able to diagnose and correct the problem after 3 years.
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Transmission - 2006 Jeep Commander
By kristen - August 30 - 2:00 pmRight 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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Absolutely the worst vehicle ever! - 2008 Jeep Commander
By Atlanta Guy - July 13 - 3:30 amPurchased my Limited 4x4 w/HEMI in 2/08. Just turned 3,900 miles (>6 months later). Remember that, as its a clue. Since purchase my brakes have gone out (entirely, while driving) and they replaced the Master Cylinder. The vehicle has totally died (engine and electrical) on numerous occasions (It is in the shop now getting its 3rd ignition system replacement). Beyond that, there have been numerous other electrical problems with the MyGig system and Navigation. To date the car has been at the dealer for 37 days (and counting) since I picked it up brand new a little over 6 months ago. Currently my attorney has written a demand letter to Chrysler for repurchase. Its a piece of junk!
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No More Jeeps for me - 2006 Jeep Commander
By miss - June 3 - 2:43 amI have an 06 Jeep Commander. What a headache. I take it into Victorville Motors all the time. They are horrible. I have brought my vehicle in for brake problems since the beginning. Every time they tell me "can not duplicate". I brought the vehicle in for the same problem they recalled for. I had to pay to have them inspect and they told me my breaks were fine. Now the rotors are bad. I only have 29,000 miles on the Jeep. They want to charge me $400.00 to fix it. I will never buy from Victorville motors, ca ever again or buy a Jeep for that matter. I have owned almost every car made, this is by far the worst!
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Love to Hate it - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Michael - May 18 - 4:35 amI like the heavy duty heft of my jeep, gas mileage is as expected for a heavy Jeep with a V8 Hemi. I love the way it looks and the 4X4 works great. It rides nice, it is quite and the stereo sounds great. The sun roof does leak but I live in SoCal. My only regret are all of the electrical problems I have had. Stalling on the freeway while I am driving, intermittent starting issues. and the high cost of replacement parts. I am torn if I want to sell it or hold on and hope the last 7 trips to the Jeep dealer resolved all issues.
