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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  Gas guzzler - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By michelle - October 9 - 3:30 pm

  I have always driven Expeditions so I was a bit leary about buying this Commander. At first I enjoyed it, just because it was shiney and had the new car smell (you know the puppy smell syndrome) but then I began to realize just how much of a gas guzzler it was and how little power it had. I quickly became very nostalgic for the great get up and go my Expeditions had. I would only recommend this car as a weekend run a round vehicle, not a vehicle for everyday use-unless your last name is Halliburton.

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  2nd Jeep......First Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jake - September 30 - 12:53 am

  This 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.

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  Not bad - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mary M - September 28 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Trooper with 156,000 miles for this brand new Commander. Fuel tank is a big disappointment - only 17.2 gallons. However, I have increased my highway mileage to an average of 20.6 MPG by adding in a bottle of gas treatment or fuel injector cleaner with every other tankful. City driving is approx 16.5 MPG. I have a possessed passenger window. Not thrilled about gas cap - anyone can open it, no safety lock. Not much cargo room (Trooper held a sheet of plywood with ease) and the loss of 3"-4" because of 3rd row seat now folding level with tailgate. Molding not glued to back door frame. Replaced windshield which also took part of factory molding with it!

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  Luv my 06 Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By KareBear0972 - September 26 - 4:33 pm

  I Luv my commander! I have owned jeeps pretty much all my life but this car is Awesome. Fast pick up, nice off roading. Great in snow. Gas is not great (But Im one of those lead foot people ) but what do you expect in a SUV? :) Only in a Jeep.

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  new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Val - September 7 - 4:30 am

  It has such a smooth ride it is difficult to tell how fast you are driving. It has great luxury inside and a rough macho exterior.

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  Wow, impressive. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - September 2 - 4:36 am

  We bought our 5.7 Hemi Overland Commander with about every option available in 08 brand new. I was worried we might have problems with so many options down the road. We now have 180k miles and besides normal maintenance like brakes or tires, we have only replaced a starter motor and that is it. We have it serviced regularly and it has been amazing. More than half the miles are highway, but we also use it to also pull our motorcycle trailer, and a 24 foot travel trailer in the summer. It is starting to use a bit of oil now, about a quart every 2000 miles, but acts like it has a lot more life in it. I have owned Acura, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ford, Chevy, Mazda, Honda, etc. So far this one beats them all for its reliability and lack of trips to the shop for any repairs, or check engine lights like my Mercedes routinely has. My Acura Legend ( a fantastic car) is still in the family with 270k (still original motor and trans ) on it, but by 180k it had a lot more work done on it than our commander, like new radiator, AC compressor, etc. I also had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 and it was great, with few problems until I sold it with 130k miles on it. My personal experience is outstanding with Jeep as a brand with reliability in comparison to any brand out there.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By can - August 28 - 6:50 pm

  Very pleased. Very light to drive and not too bulky. Interior is very simple. Excellent ride and very quiet. I leased 2000 Grand Cherokee and it was time to give it up. Commander is a great alternative.

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  Enjoying my Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Janet - August 27 - 7:10 pm

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. I am a mother of two growing boys, have always owned Fords, decided to trade in my Escape for something different. This Jeep not only looks good, but it is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. I love the 3 sunroofs, and the theater seating. The standard sound system is the best Ive had in any car, I mean sounds FANTASTIC. And that is real must have for me. The auto wipers and headlights/brights are so nice, its almost like not having to really do anything but steer, especially with speed control on....wow! Im getting spoiled. Im pleased with the quality construction too. Very nice vehicle, happy with purchase!

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  Good used SUV - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By BILL HEARLE - August 26 - 10:55 am

  I purchased this vehicle last January. It has great in the snow and very comfortable when its cold outside. Bill time 4 wheel drive is very nice. I would buy it again.

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  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By sincitycop - August 10 - 7:20 pm

  Havent had the vehicle for but 3 weeks. Bought it used for half the price of what it cost new. It is truly one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have ever driven. I love the look and feel of it. The windows make visibility the best I have ever experienced except for the rear window view when the 3rd row seating is in place. The whole family loves it! We have had vans for most of our "family" years and wanted to get away from the whole van thing. This was a GREAT choice and I would definitely recommend one to anyone else. There are pros and cons to any vehicle. I believe the pros definitely outweigh the cons in this one!