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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  Love IT - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By TBurden - November 30 - 1:50 am

  I got this thing with 6 miles on it. Last night when I put inside for the night. had 61,000 miles. I have only Changed the oil every 2500 miles. I have 4 Kids . My only prob is the sun roof and rain. Other than that not one prob.

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  What a Ride! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sue - November 24 - 8:36 am

  This Commander is the 4th Jeep Ive owned, and the best! It already gets better gas mileage than the 03 GC I traded with the the big 4.0L HO engine. The Hemi takes a bit getting used to, but in the snow she shines! I splurged on the lifetime warranty and intend to keep her for a long long time! The only thing I wish she had is a remote start. I drive 30 miles round trip to work, and this suv makes that drive a pleasure. With that said, shes really built for the open road, and trips to snow country are great too. I dont even feel my boat when Im pulling it behind my Commander! This car is a keeper! Well done!

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  1st Time Jeep Owner - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By MGB - November 21 - 9:36 am

  I was looking at several other cars with better gas mileage but after I took the Commander for a test drive I was sold! What a smooth ride for such a big vehicle and the look is nothing but impressive. The ground clearance has come in handy several times and the 4.7L engine provides all the power and acceleration that I need. I am HOOKED!

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  Search GOOGLE -- so many problems with this JEEP - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By hartnv - November 20 - 7:48 pm

  Awful -- I have no idea how there are reviews on here with 4-5 stars, but when you read the review it is cluttered with problems. This make and model has substantial electrical issues. It appears many made have severe danger issues as the one I own has. It stalls while driving, hesitates and accelerates randomly, and periodically wont start. Dealerships and independent mechanics do not know what is wrong or why these issues exist. Please Google the problems and complaints.

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  disappointed - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By dawne1970 - November 19 - 6:20 am

  We are a very busy family who needs reliable transportation. Within the first months we had taken it in for seat belt defects, seat problems, and a whistling noise. Warranty is only 36,000. Due to busy schedule we did not get it taken in and found it has a major water leak. Every time it rains we end up with a flooded floor on the drivers side. This has been a known defect and the dealership refuses to fix the problem because we are over our mileage warranty. We still have the whistle which we did take in for. Also the fabric seats get water stains that are not easily removed. We will NEVER buy another Jeep or Chrysler product again. They do not stand behind their product quality! FORD ROCKS!

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  Amazing and Fun! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Brandon Lingenfelter - November 16 - 1:10 pm

  Since owning this vehicle (2 weeks at time of review) I have put over 1200 miles on it including some off-roading. I can honestly say that Jeep has provided a ruggedly refined vehicle with ample room for everyone and the great off-roading prowess we have all come to expect. The vehicle let out a few loud groans but those were mostly due to the engine putting out some more torque to get up those hills. Surprisingly I am getting similar mileage to the Jeep Liberty (14 in city and 19 - 21 on highway). Overall I am very pleased and impressed with this vehicle.

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  2008 Jeep Commander LTD 4WD, 5.7 Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By jeep lover - November 15 - 10:43 am

  Solid build quality, roomy, no blind spots, great Boston Acoustics stereo, solid as a tank, very fast, drivers seat moves back when key is removed, nav system easy to operate, rear camera, parking sensors, remote start, great vehicle with many features for the price.

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  Money Pit!! Buy something else!! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By agriffin2 - October 29 - 4:13 am

  I purchased my jeep at 2 yrs old with 38,000 miles on it. It was already out of warranty(thanks Chrysler). Two weeks after purchasing it, I had to replace my shifter bezel to the tune of $500. It has stranded me 5 different times due to a starter issue. One year later, I had to replace the starter AGAIN! Chrysler has not been very helpful with reimbursing me for my troubles. Each Jeep dealer I take it to tells me that my car is a heap of problems. Each fix with it costs me at least $400. I will be getting rid of it soon and Im extremely disappointed in Chrysler.

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  Love it but - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By LOVE IT BUT - October 27 - 10:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Jeep with the first still in the family. My Commander is very comfortable, spacious and quiet. Ive had it for 11 months and the only real problem experienced is with the rear shocks or springs. From the first month, I had the shock replaced, then replaced again, now going back for the 3rd time. The constant squeak is very annoying. Steering wheel has also started whistling - odd? If I can get this resolved, I will be very happy with my Commander.

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  Best Jeep weve owned - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By John - October 13 - 4:56 pm

  Excellent interior design with a very comfortable ride. It quickly and easily converts from 5 to 7 passenger seating. The 4.7L V8 flex-fuel has plenty of power, and having the flex fuel option can help your pocketbook at the gas station. The only negatives to the vehicle are that the gas mileage drops about 25% (not just a mile or two per gallon but the highway mileage drops from 20 to 15!) and one annoying design flaw is that it is easy to strike the key with your knee which actually turns the vehicle off. On a recent trip I actually did this twice. The jeep is as good off road as any Jeep Ive owned and the Quadratrac II works beautifully.