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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  LUV it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Joe Camo - February 1 - 12:20 pm

  Unbelievably fast! Love the Hemi. Well built. Awesome interior. 4x4 will go anywhere. Kids love it. Stadium seating nice feature. Hauls just as much as my Suburban. Sound system, navigation and back up camera are the bomb. If you never owned a Jeep this is the one that you must buy if you need to move the family around (in a hurry - if need be). Did I mention the Hemi! Oh, man...it moves!

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  I love the Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Garry - January 24 - 6:53 pm

  I love the Commander. I spend about 2 hours a day commuting in this vehicle and it could not be more fun and comfortable to drive! The rear cargo area could be a little more spacious but it works great for what I need. The Commander is so rich looking, inside and out and everyone who gets in it is very impressed.

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  Good used jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Hercules97 - January 17 - 9:13 am

  Bought my jeep and right away was very impressed with the over all package. Driving and over all comfort is great.

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  fun ride! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By bryan - January 7 - 7:56 pm

  I looked at everything. Drove everything, after about 6 months of looking I finally went for the Commander and have no regrets. It is awesome in the snow. The traction control going up and down slick roads works great!

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  I love my Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Amy - January 7 - 2:46 am

  I Love it! I have two little girls and they love it too. We live in Ohio so the snow is not scary any more. I hope they have these still in ten years when my 6 year old starts to drive. It definitely makes you feels safe and QUEEN of the ROAD!

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  Bad gas milage but great car - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Taylor - December 31 - 10:20 pm

  The car is a great looking car and has all of the interior features I would need. It would be great if it had more power but the power it has is enough to get you around. The gas mileage averages about 13.5 miles per gallon but other than that it is an excellent car. The only problems that I have had with the car were that one of the tire pressure sensors was messed up but that was covered by warranty so it was no big deal.

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  Great car, okay MPG for type of SUV. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Ryan W. - December 30 - 10:53 am

  This SUV is awesome!!! Sure, gas mileage isnt all that great, but who ever said you had to have great gas mileage to have a great car is stupid. For me, this car is great! Its just me in it most of the time, but I have many siblings and this helps me take them around when Im taking care of them for a while. I average about 19 miles to the gallon so I think they new EPA estimates arent accurate on that. Dont believe the numbers because thats driving the car like a stupid teen. If you drive responsibly, then youll get about 16 in the city and about 23 on the freeway. Enjoy!

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  Okay - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By wd - December 29 - 7:10 am

  I have owned the Jeep since Jan 06. At first loved it.It is the 3rd Jeep Ive had. Drove it with 4 adults and 2 kids on a 1000 mile 8 day road trip twice with no problems. Overall, I like the Jeep The biggest problem is that it has started to leak. I actually had standing water in my floor. Had to go a week befor they could get me in to fix had to ride with the stinky bacteria growing under me. yuck. The seat will stain with water, the windshield whistles, the middle console cubby needs to be more accesable, power adapters in middle row would be nice. The material on back of third row seat wears fast with storing everything in it.

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  Too many problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By R Anderson - December 24 - 11:16 am

  I bought this vehicle for its nice size (no to big, no to small) for that it is great, interior is great and very functional for a small family. My problems are mechanical. We have had to replace the main "computer" which was covered by the warranty. Next it was misfiring, they replaced a spark plug but said that we needed to get the fuel injectors cleaned with only 15,000 miles ($300). I had a MB ML500 with 59000 miles, never had to get the fuel injectors cleaned!!!! The wheel well plastic is really loose and the dealership said "we have new ones that are worse then that". Excellent family vehicle, poor quality and even worse customer service, I have reported Jeep but no response from dealer.

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  Loved My Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By lovemyjeep4 - December 24 - 4:21 am

  Purchased used, Limited with Hemi in 2008 for $22k with 19K miles ! (Original sticker was $41K Fully Loaded with all the trimmings. Practically stole it as gas was over $4 per gallon when I bought it. Best car I ever owned! No major problems. Drivier power window motor replaced - thats it in 4 years. No transmission problems. Due to loss of job, sold this past weekend for $17k. Practically ZERO depreciation. Cant wait to buy another one! Would recommend to anyone.