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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  Leak is a Design Flaw - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Pesmith - June 23 - 4:43 am

  If you have a sunroof your Jeep will leak in a rain storm. Here is the problem; the drain tubes are too small to handle the amount of flow in a rain storm. Every sunroof on the market leaks, you cut a hole in a roof and it will leak, but there are drain pans around the edge of the sunroof and 4 drain tubes, but when it rains and rains, the drain tubes cannot handle the amount of flow. The jeep will only flood if you park it outside setting in the rain. Have fun, I sold my Jeep and lost about 6k.

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  So far, so good - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By inuvik - June 15 - 5:57 pm

  We were in the market to replace our 09 Dodge Journey which we liked, but it had a lot of quality control issues. We had always wanted a Jeep and when I found out that 2010 was the last year for the Commander I was intrigued. I was interested in the V6 model only. I had a 07 Mega Cab with a Hemi and it had absolutely horrible fuel mileage so I wasnt interested in another. After searching through dealers inventory I found that there were very few Commanders left in inventory anywhere. But I did find a V6 4x4 Sport. The dealer was highly motivated to sell the vehicle due to the fact that incentives were about to expire. Mileage has been good 20 MPG on the highway. $23,995 12k off.

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  Maybe Im just unlucky - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cpr4cpu - June 14 - 2:13 pm

  I have owned just about every model Jeep prior to 06 so I know what to expect from my Jeeps (or so I thought). I have all service performed at the dealership. This car has spent more time in the shop than every other Jeep I have owned COMBINED! I have had 2 computer modules replaced, had the transmission replaced, had 5...yes FIVE new nav radio systems (each time I have to pay Sirius another transfer fee), had the 4wd wiring harness short out, dead electrical system left me stranded, a burst fuel line molded through the firewall (that was a doozey of a repair bill), and now I find myself stranded 900 miles from home because the 4WD system decided not to talk to the main computer any longer

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  Wonderful Utility Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By RCowan - May 15 - 7:10 am

  The Commander is just an all around great family vehicle. The styling and comfort are wonderful and the kids love the theater style seating and Command View sky lights. The 4.7L has plenty of power and when driven sensibly can average fine fuel economy on the freeway. This is our first Jeep product and we love it so far! I would recommend the Commander without reservation to any family that needs to haul people and stuff on a regular basis. This is my 13th brand new car and I think its my favorite!!

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  Larry - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By larry - April 5 - 8:53 am

  I love my new Jeep. The only problem that Ive had with it is the windshield would make this weird noise. So I had to take it back and they fixed it. I enjoy driving it and I love the looks you get.

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  I love this Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By kest812 - March 9 - 10:12 pm

  I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited first and when I finally had to start looking for a new car I chose the Jeep Commander. I have had it since April 2010 and have had not one problem with it. I drive all over the country in it, Long Island, NY to Orlando, FL etc. We are a Military family, so its my Husband and I, 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats when we move (which is a lot!) and it fits us comfortably. Its a smooth ride, performs AMAZING in the snow and on the beach and I feel safe having my family in it. I am upset they stopped production on these. I love it.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kmag51 - March 6 - 8:43 am

  This vehicle is fantastic. The styling is timeless and it gets a lot of attention when I drive it. Interior (saddle brown) is gorgeous and very comfortable. Lots of room inside but the back legroom lacks a little. All gauges and switches are conveniently placed. This truck handles very well for almost 5,000 lbs. and the hemi has good power. Fun features are automatic wipers, headlights and Sirius radio. All in all a great truck and I highly recommend it.

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  I Love My Jeep So Far! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By gregbird08 - February 10 - 7:03 am

  I have only had my Jeep for a little less than a month, but I am enjoying it a lot. It only has 20,000 miles and its a V6 AWD, and that has plenty of power as far as I am concerned. I am getting about 16 mpg, and that is way better than our Suburban (what I was driving) and as good or better than many mid-size SUVs, such as Explorers. I love the way the Jeep drives, I drove an 06 BMW X5 before and I think the Jeep drives just as great!!!! I would definitely recommend a used one if you can find a good deal, mine was only $14900, that is way better than buying a new one! As for being an 18 y-o with his first car, I feel very save in it, especially with all those airbags.

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  Worth it for several reasons - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Larry - January 18 - 8:43 pm

  I bought the 5.7L HEMI used after some friends had trouble with the 3.7L. Engine runs great and I always have the power when I need it. I was very surprised with the very quiet cabin during highway rides, and smooth ride overall as well. Also, 5-star crash ratings and side airbags are a must for vehicles this size and the Commander has them. Luxury feel with the Limited package at a great price if bought used. Havent had any issues yet, and will keep our fingers crossed as we approach the 50,000 mile plateau, where others have seen problems. Considering an extended warranty.

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  issues - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By italian girl - January 14 - 6:20 am

  Well lets see I just got this a month ago and I have had it back to the dealer 4 times now I have had the dashlight issues that a lot og ppl have had my windshield whistles too they r replacing that in the morning so well see how that goes my tire pressure lights constantly comes on I had other stuff wrong with it too but none of it left me brokedown anywhere but all in all I do love it I have 4 kids so its excellent for my family