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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  I Cant Take Anymore Torture - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By restoreclassics - December 28 - 12:16 am

  Bought just off lease with 10K miles. Absolutely flawless condition. Had excellent care. Must have always been garaged. Think I know why. Previous owner probably never drove it. Same here. I hate driving this thing. I have had 14 Jeeps over the years. This one is the nicest appearing and the biggest disappointment. V6 Auto. It has the worst seats. Feels like I sit on top of them instead of in them. Short lower seat bottom puts my legs to sleep. Always hurts my lower back no matter what. Poor acceleration, awkward shifts. I usually shift manually when in hills. Found out if I stay out of overdrive and in 4th gear I get better fuel mileage. The sound system is sucky. Terrible sound. Junk.

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  Good but mostly bad. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Geo pup - December 18 - 7:38 am

  Pulls a trailer well. Interior looks really nice. Ground clearance is a joke. Trail rated? Ya right. Leg room for both sets of rear seats is non existent. Climate controls do not last. Stereo is junk along with DVD player. Have had heater core fail twice which caused hot radiator fluid to pour into cab both times. Jeep is no longer the company I grew up with.

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  Noahs Ark - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By The Markos - November 27 - 11:13 pm

  I was happy to read that other owners have also heard the "whistling sound" & that I wasnt just imagining it. My biggest complaint is that water seemed to be sloshing around in the roof after every rain. We couldnt find any wet spots, but the car smelled like mildew. Recently I got in it after a hard rain only to find 4 inches of water sitting on the passenger side floor board! Later that same day water poured out of the ceiling, ran down the windshield & right into my driver side dash speaker!

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  Dont hate it OR love it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By eeprof - November 27 - 8:40 am

  This truck is not what I think they were selling, an upscale SUV with 3rd row seating. First, the 3rd row seating is pretty much useless. If you have the seats up, there is zero storage behind the 3rd row and only slightly more space for your legs in the seat. I think I had my seats up about 3 times in 3 years for emergency kid transport. Not good for the long haul. Second, this thing is a truck; it rides like one, handles like one and goes like one. I have driven Tahoes and Explorers that are soooo much more comfortable to ride in and handle so much better. My CDR always felt top heavy. All that said, it has been a dependable vehicle with 4WD that worked well in the snow. It looks nice.

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  2006 jeep commander nothing but problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By disappointed - November 11 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2006 Jeep Commander new. I have had it for 3 yrs. I love the body style and the interior design. The reliability is horrible. I have had nothing but problems. Been to the dealer to have fix repeatedly approx 20 times. Perhaps this one is just a bad one, but I have had repeated ignition problems, stalling, windows/sunroof that wont auto close, heated fan issues, seatbelts issues, seats wearing already...leather. Will never buy a jeep again and am horrible disappointed. The dealership is working out a trade for me at this point since they are fed up with it also. I just hope they are responsible enough to get it off the road and not resell it! I no longer feel safe in it. Very sad.

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  Whistler and no roof - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By troy - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  I have had the truck almost 2 years. Thank god it is a lease because it is not good and I cant wait to turn it in. The wind noise and whistle sound is annoying. The mpg is a joke. Jeep said 15/21. I am lucky to get 13.5 at all times, highway or city. Today the moonroof blew off of the car on the interstate at 70 mph. I turned to see where it was and it was gone. Lucky it didnt kill someone. Look at everything else. This truck is a lemon.

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  Nice Presentation, short on performance - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Buddy Cote - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I rented a Jeep Commander V-8 for a long weekend of 800+ miles of driving my daughter home from college. If you like the classic Jeep look on outside its appealing, but performance overall leaves much to be desired. 20 MPG highway is acceptable, but 15 city isnt, even for a V8 SUV. Interior has nice storage compartments, but seating is subpar, unsupportive, and DEADLY on long drives. Sight lines and visibility are however an asset.

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  Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kENNETH - April 10 - 10:30 am

  Purchased the commander in 4/07, in 7/09 my water pump went out at 37,000 miles. Which I had to replace cost me $1100.00, because the Chrysler corporation said it was past the manufacturer warranty of 36,000 miles it would not honor. At 38,000, right front wheel bearing went bad had to replace, $475.00. At 39,000, my sunroof started leaking. Now at 63,000 I have an electrical problem. When it rains and I turn my wipers or lights, they go out. Otherwise the vehicle is fine.

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  Be careful of this year model - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By gladejd - March 31 - 1:40 am

  We bought this model brand new in 2005. It was the first year that Jeep released the Commander, using the 4.7 V8 engine. As you know most jeeps use the 3.7L V6 engine, which is dependable. However, this car, we had it overheat once, and it blew the head gasket. On top of that, the engine block cracked. This is after one overheat mind you. The car is too expensive for me to fix, so I will end up selling the car as a parts motherlode. Too bad we paid a lot of money for this car. I cant say about the later models, but I learned a valuable lesson regarding any car. When a car model comes out for the first year, recommend not buying it and wait till the following year or two.

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  Take the Bad with the Good I Guess - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By oldjeepdriver - February 18 - 3:56 am

  Bought 2008 Commander Limited 4.7 as a "executive use" car never titled with 15,000 miles in Dec 08. Right away the mygig went dead, took two trips to fix, then sat antenna wiring fried and had to have headliner removed to repair. First trip on the highway noticed vibration at 70+ mph. Back to the dealership 3 times, finally had torque converter replaced, vibration not as bad but still there. Now dealership is closed due to Jeeps financial woes. If it is raining, dont let down the the front windows because water will flood in and forget trying to see a traffic signal with the near vertical front window. On the plus side, front seats are comfy and roomy, sound system is excellent.