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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I love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Commander
By LaurBry25 - January 6 - 1:03 pmI purchased my Commander a month ago and I love it! I had also considered the Patriot, Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape, and am glad that I chose the bigger SUV. I recently took a 1400 mile trip and it rode great on the highway and I felt very comfortable and safe. The gas mileage was decent considering how big this car really is, I am averaging 16-18 city and 19- 21 highway. The only problem so far is the CD player which first wouldnt take in a CD, and now it does but reads "Error." Overall, I love the ride, looks, and it goes through snow like nothing!
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Really Bummed - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Very Unhappy - December 19 - 2:30 pmThis car was amazing during the first months I drove it. Then it became riddled with all sorts of software and functional issues. In addition, the service department is only looking out for themselves, not the end user. Horrible customer service - I had to tell THEM that my car had a recall. I had the entire dashboard go black, my brakes failed, I couldnt accelerate, and lost my anti skid. The stories I got to support "fixes" were ridiculous, and every time I drove away, I knew Id be back within a few weeks. I would never recommend this car to anyone - it is a safety hazard, and all the faults are out of even EXTENDED warranty.
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Commander 4XHEMI - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Alia - December 8 - 6:13 amThis is my very first Jeep as well as my very first American made vehicle. I have to say I am a convert and a Jeep lover at this point. I just bought the Commander after test driving every other SUV out there. None of them compared to the Commander when it comes to a luxurious interior, distinctive exterior, and a reasonable price! Jeep has a winner with this one in my book. Not many on the road yet but that should change quickly when consumers get a look at this top of the line SUV!
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RockSolid - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Rock Solid - November 16 - 5:10 pmI was reading all the negative reviews and wondered if I had the same vehicle? We bought this as an end-of- year closeout on the 2007 models. We have 22K on the Commander with nary an issue. I have the 4.7 flex fuel option and it has been rock solid. Average 16 in city and 22 highway. This vehicle drives and feels like a primo luxury vehicle – smooth solid and surefooted as a mountain goat. The only issue I have is the vehicle is best described as “sedate”. It doesn’t have hard acceleration and just moseys on down the road. Turning radius is awesome, 4WD off road is tenacious. This vehicle is not as big as it looks at first glance and tight parking places are a breeze. Love it!
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My second Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
By tx pathfinder - November 5 - 10:10 amI had a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I decided on the Commander for its third row seat (small children) and safety. The 4.7 V8 is much better than the old I 6. The ride is very smooth and quiet. It is much better in town and on the road than my wifes 2005 Explorer; however, the Explorers V6 is about 2-3 mpg better than the Commander.
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Recalls possible if this sounds like you - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Ben - November 5 - 6:36 amDay 1 Feb. 17, 2006: I drove it home and noticed it was smoking, and I was losing oil. It turned out the problem was caused at plant during assembly; some of the valve-cover gasket screws were left out causing the oil to seep from the engine and onto the exhaust and undercarriage. May 26, 2006 I drove from NNJ to VA Beach for Memorial Day weekend; there was hesitation on acceleration, and periods of rough idle. On the way back I started to hear a whistle type of sound like wind noise in the cabin; it only sounds while vehicle. is in motion, even though all windows, doors, and sunroof were shut tight. Today June 15, 2006 with only 2,500 another problem! Drivetrain thumping noise.
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Not so much a Jeep as the old ones. - 2007 Jeep Commander
By johntesh71 - October 23 - 2:47 pmBought used in 2010 with 50,000 miles. Had the radiator cooling fans go out one month after I bought it and then the Shifter broke costing me $200 dollars to fix. Took it off roading and nearly destroyed the front fender...Hit a patch of snow at 25 mph and slid all 4 wheels spinning for 90 feet through traffic...blew the rear strut assembly driving over a speed bump then ended up only getting 17 mpg on average costing me almost $6000 dollars a year in gas....I recommend finding an older Cherokee or Grand Cherokee and sticking with that this thing was a nightmare for me and my family glad were trading it in for a Dodge...good ridance.
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Commander Review - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Luv My Commander - October 14 - 7:20 amI love this car. Everything about it, from the boxy outside, to the spacious and almost luxuriously rugged inside. It is great. Dependable, awesome!
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best of the suvs - 2006 Jeep Commander
By jerry cooney - October 9 - 2:56 pmWe have had 7 grand Cherokees and this vehicle is even better. We live at nearly 10,000 feet and find the Quadratrack ll to have excellent traction and the 5.7 hemi to have all the necessary power for the mountains we have to climb. We tow this behind our motor home and it makes a trouble free tow vehicle with no modifications necessary to tow. We really like the gps system and the theater seating with the dvd player.
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Big safety, small price - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Jlew - September 6 - 2:43 amGreat standard safety features for any price category. I dont think there is a safety feature out there that this Jeep doesnt have. Performance is acceptable on road and great off-road. Very quiet and comfortable. Best for a family of four that sometimes has to pick up some extra kids to run across town or out to the cabin.
