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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  Very Disappointing - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Edward Smith - October 11 - 1:00 pm

  We had an ongoing issue with the engine stalling out. All 4 brake routers warped in the first 18 months. Needed a full brake job with 14,000 miles on it. Nothing was covered. Many electronic items have quirks; seat memory, outside temp, and others. Have replaced the windshield 3 times in 26 months for cracks from road stones. It seems to catch them all.

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  Strong and safe - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mike - September 30 - 6:06 pm

  Well first let me tell you this is the best Jeep yet. The ride is really nice and all the safety features will help you if in a accident. People say this SUV is bad on gas, well I say lighten up on the gas pedal! This Commander get ok gas mileage for its size, keep in mind there is alot of steel here. We have hear of others having issues with their Commanders but for us, it been 100% problem free. Our Commander has 65,000 miles on it and it drives the same as day 1. We travel alot and feel very safe in our Commander and in the future, we will buy another with out question. Would we recommend this SUV? The answer is yes but dont buy it if you expect the best gas mileage. Its very heavy!

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  Its a Jeep Commander Limited 5.7 Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By dr burke - September 30 - 3:53 pm

  I am very impressed with my Jeep. Its fully loaded and roomy, for a single guy. It has a 5.7L Hemi with variable displacement engine. On the straight away, I drive on 4 cyl in power saver mode and get 24 mpg @ 50 mph. Ive found the sweet spot to be around 1500 rpm, if you arent in a rush to get somewhere, it will increase your mpg by 5-10 mpg. I expect after more break in to average 26-28 mpg on regular gasoline. I am happy with my MDE. A few suggestions: When taking off, when you reach 25 mph, Resume cruise control. And run on 1/2 fuel to increase mileage. Use Quaker+Slick50.

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  Great All Purpose - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bud - September 23 - 8:50 am

  Had a few Lincoln Town Cars and traded my 2003 Lincoln in on a 2005 Grand Cherokee Laredo in June 05. Saw the Commander and I really missed all the toys on the Lincoln. At 6ft 200 lbs also missed the room. Traded the Cherokee with 7000 miles on it for the Commander Limited with all the toys except NAV and entertainment. Im 64 years old and really enjoy the view.

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  Ive always loved JEEP - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By smartautoguy - September 19 - 11:49 am

  I bought my standard v6 4x4 commander used around 25k (v6 comes with all wheel drive, althought it says 4x4) feels a little heavy at first but on the high way, going 99mile per hour is easy. Super quiet for a Jeep because of longer and wider body that isolates the engine sound and the price was just right! Ride quality is very stable and nimble, almost feels like honda minivan. Handling is very light and sharp for a 7 passanger car. Ive drove other SUVs but I love the BIG JEEP COMMANDER! My wife drove this to 80K and only one issue was oxygen sensor which comes on and off time to time - dealer guys said it is very common and some dealers reset is for free.

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  Hhhhhmmmmmm. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By The P family - September 18 - 2:26 am

  I did buy my Jeep Commander used, I should have looked it up first i bought in 2007 and it had 10,000 miles. Of course the salesman "fibbed" and of course i bought the vehicle. REGRET! since i had bought it in October of 07 it has been in the shop over 25 times! seat belt problems, slow pickup, wind leaks you name it. Though i never have had as bad of problems as the others i still definitely regret this purchase! I will always research a vehicle first from now on. The body style is awesome and i have never been a red fan until i saw the Inferno and red rock reds they are gorgeous, But, When you think Jeep you think dependable, durable and long lasting this jeep is none of the above!

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  Lumbar support needed - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By SUE - August 28 - 6:30 am

  This is a great SUV, however, the front seats need more lumbar support to be comfortable. The leather is beautiful, but if theres no support, its useless. The drivers side seating is large, so for a smaller individual, youll feel like youre in a huge seat that doesnt "hug" you into place while driving. The navigation system takes a while to get used to, but its better than most Ive used.

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  A few issues - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff Baker - August 13 - 2:46 am

  Love the vehicle (4.7L), the trips to the service department, not so much. 6 trips for "service 4wd system". Finally fixed by replacing internal switch in transfer case. Occasional horrible noise from driveshaft, cause yet TBD. Windows have a mind of their own and occasionally reverse directions in auto up/down. Slow engagement of tranny in reverse after sitting overnight, sometimes creating a loud screech. Significant vibration from an unknown source when turning from a stop. Has stalled several times while backing from parking place. Hopefully, all the kinks can be worked out. Plus side, Jeep finally did something with the Headlights on their vehicles, these babies light up the night!

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  Best Vehicle I have owned in 25 years. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Jim - August 12 - 5:20 am

  If you are in the market for an excellent all around vehicle. Do not hesitate to buy a commander. Shop around a little and you will not only get a great vehicle, but a bargain in the deal. Do not buy if you are wanting a 3o mpg vehicle. These weigh almost 5,500 lbs. But the plus side is how well they drive. Quiet, handles very well for its size. Acceleration with 5.7 hemi is awesome. Buy the hemi! This thing can accelerate from 50 to 100 in a heartbeat. And is just as quiet and confident at these speeds. The equipment included is awesome. The sound system ( Boston accoustics ) is audiophile quality. Go drive a limited or overland with a 5.7 hemi for about 100 miles. You will buy 1 maybe 2.

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  String of Problems from day one - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By esavioli - August 4 - 2:40 pm

  Where to begin? It stalls for no reason at all at low speeds. Took it in for the sunroof whistling noise. Dealership claimed the windshield was the problem. After a new windshield, found that the roof panels are rusted out so badly that the weld has separated around the windshield frame. There is a leak and they cannot find it. Window controls are possessed. When its cold outside, the radio will not work. Have had to have the powertrain system reprogrammed twice. This is my second Jeep and Im extremely disappointed.