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:

• 

  I like it. - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By WireEd - July 6 - 6:16 am

  Driver seat moves to where I can get comfortable. Good engine power, reasonable economy for V8 SUV. Transmission shifts crisp, automatic 2 speed transfer case is very quiet and works properly. I had reviewed and considered Ford Explorer, Expedition, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, GMC Envoy and Chevy Trailblazer. There were 2 warranty problems from the get go: E-brake was not connected from the factory and there is tick noise in front axle dealer is having trouble finding. Other than that I like the vehicle. It fits our needs with style. Mine actually was not a Limited edition but it was the only style I could select to complete tis review. Mine was a Sport edition with the 4.7L engine.

• 

  4 Years of Total Enjoyment - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Nate20 - June 7 - 1:56 am

  Put it this way,the brakes are the originals at 52,000 miles! Never had an alignment either. Normal maintenance based on schedule B (longer intervals) in the owners manual. Average fuel economy is 16 mpg with a lift and 32 inch tires. I use this vehicle really hard during the summer with camping,towing and 4 wheeling. Drives and rides like new! I would highly recommend if your expectations are not unreasonable.

• 

  Good SUV - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By melissa12493 - May 31 - 4:44 pm

  Im a huge fan of Jeeps and our Commander is no exception. We took it to Tennessee and with 6 passengers for 14 hours it wasnt too cramped. The legendary Jeep 4x4 has saved us during harsh NJ winters with a lot of snow. The seats are decently comfortable and the center stack is easy to use. Only complaint is that the blind spots are huge and with the third row up it is almost impossible to see out the rear window. Hasnt needed any repairs yet. Good reliable truck over all.

• 

  From Lexus to Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Cindy Collins - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Black 2006 Limited Jeep Commander. I traded my 2000 Lexus SUV for it. I had planned on buying another Lexus but for the price and quality I felt like giving the Commander a chance. I had to have a 4 wheel drive and a vehicle that was wheelchair friendly. Sooo, it works out perfectly. It is tough but yet stylish and safari looking. I have owned it for almost a year now and love it thus far! My son traded his Z-3 for a Wrangler. So, you can call us a Jeep Family now. Thanks to all who helped make this vehicle possible. ;)

• 

  look elsewhere - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - May 30 - 9:00 am

  This car looks cool is fun to ride and everything would be great but ... it has died on us while driving 5 times! I know of two other people this has happened to with this car. Chrysler even is giving us a new car due to the fact it has been in the shop for so long. They are not admitting anything that is wrong. I can see some kind of recall happening soon...go elsewhere!

• 

  HEMI Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By thekid - May 22 - 5:56 am

  I was looking at Range Rovers before stumbling upon the Commander. For the money this SUV is way better, unless you "need" to be seen in a Range Rover. Mine is fully loaded, I mean everything pretty much. It has really been great as far as comfort and fun to drive. Endless power with the HEMI. Arent we all a little sick of the predictable styling from other manufacturers?

• 

  Great SUB - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chris - May 21 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my 2006 Commander used in early 2007. It was the 3.7 V6 RWD model with all the option, Nav, Rear Seat DVD, etc. It had very few problems, rarely took it to deal for more than brakes and oil changes. I was in head on crash 7/18/09 and came away with no broken bones. One thing I wish Jeep was and would put into along with all auto makers is knee airbags. I really could have used that as the driver. Left leg cant put any pressure onand have to use crutches for a while, maybe even surgery, now sure yet. Knee airbag really would ahve helped, but car is total and I did pretty much walk away and as soon as I can, Im planning on buying another Commander.

• 

  Nightmare commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By MESSED UP - May 20 - 11:26 pm

  Where do I start with this thing? I bought a 2006 commander during the morning hours, as the day warmed up I turned on the A/C only to find out that it didnt work. (only hot air), I took it back and they told me that they must have forgot to charge the air conditioner at the factory, so they charged the system. It worked for a few days and then went dead again. I took it back and was told it had a faulty "pipe" from the factory. They fixed it and charged the system again. it worked for a while and went dead again. (Its back in the shop again today). other problems with the commander are, whistling noise from windshield area, vibrating passenger mirror, rain leaks in, and much more..

• 

  Real 4WD - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeffess - May 16 - 7:50 pm

  I was trading in a Town and Country AWD. Snowy winters in Northern PA. made 4WD a requirement. Room to haul gear was also a necessity. With the discontinuation of the AWD minivans (Caravan and then Town and Country) it was time for a new choice in the lineup. A Grand Cherokee? Too small inside. The Commander looked OK but I wondered if it would ride like a truck. It does not - actually quieter, smoother and more comfortable than the minivans were. A real 4WD system for the winter. And the Command View sunroofs (three of them) for pleasant weather. A long option list and nice interior packages round out the bill.

• 

  I love the Jeep Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Davin - May 15 - 9:10 pm

  We wanted 4WD or AWD, roomy 3rd row, rear AC, styling, and safety. The Commander outperformed all other 3rd row mid-size SUVs in every category. The V8 is bad on gas mileage, but will allow you to pass, merge, and climb up hills with ease. I classify this as a safety feature. Our old car did not have good passing capability and every car I passed on a 2 lane I had white knuckles. Have you ever tried merging onto a major interstate in a prius? I also consider having a capable 4WD system a safety feature. Ive experienced 3-4 feet of blowing snow blizzards in Colorado, and having the commander ready to blast through it all puts me and my growing family at ease.