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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  Bad Gas! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Matt - December 15 - 3:53 pm

  I have the V6. I love the truck, but you wont get anything near 16/20 miles per gallon. In almost a year, I havent averaged over 14 miles per gallon and I do some highway driving.

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  "Transmission Over Temp" - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Chris - December 11 - 10:00 am

  My Jeep has left me stranded 4 times, only to befuddle the mechanics, simply Google the message "Transmission Over Temp" and youll see the many, many people who have experienced this UNFIXABLE KNOWN PROBLEM that Jeep dealerships have no idea how to address. The most recent dealer to attempt to diagnose the problem stated that they will not look at it if it happens again. They actually told me to take it elsewhere. Do class action attorneys read these reviews?

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  More Then We Expected - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By OurJeepLife - December 8 - 5:33 pm

  If the 2010 Commander is anything like our 2007 Commander. Persons buying this for the first time will be very surprised as we were. The over all comfort (moving from a 99 Wrangler to the Commander) is very adequate and the space is ample. The trips are ready and the items packed.. Dont be surprised if you see us hitting the road in our Commander very soon.

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  I like it - dont love it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jeep man - December 7 - 1:13 am

  Overall am pleased and have had no issues other than fuel economy. This week I resigned myself to drive speed limits to see what I can get MPG and actually saw 20.6 mpg.

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  The Good, Bad and Hard to Deal With - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Paul - December 4 - 11:16 am

  During our first month of ownership we drove our Commander across the country. We drove from Washington, DC to Yellowstone Park. The Commander gave us a great ride with poor gas milage even on the highway and the gas tank is too small for the Jeep. You cant get 300 miles out of the small tank. We averaged over 8 hours a day driving time and didnt feel the fatiuge that we have with other cars on this typa of trip. Over all we like the Commander and that is why we purchsed a second one.

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  Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By paco - November 28 - 10:16 pm

  I just am flat out loving my new Jeep, Chrysler hit a home run with the Commander.

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  Jeep Commander Limited - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Commander Owner - November 25 - 10:20 am

  Easy to drive. Has every amenity. It is really hard to believe that the car is as big as it is. The interior is also beautifully appointed. We put it up against SUVs from Volvo (V90), BMW (X5), Lexus and Mercedes and it was clearly the winner for the money.

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  whistling commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By cdawg - November 21 - 7:40 am

  Love the commander, comfort is great. 700 mile trip very comfortable. Wind noise(whistling) on passenger side that NO ONE can hear but us and anyone that rides with us( how funny is that) Service says there are not service advisories on it (why not? Jeep forum is FULL of complaints.) The service department thinks we are crazy. Lately it only happens once in a while. but changes in temps will be happening very soon here in LA. We shall see.

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  Great styling and fun to drive! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mary - November 16 - 2:43 am

  We love this vehicle so far. Purchased it a few weeks ago. The styling is really sharp, it drives well, is comfortable and the Jeep we purchased has too many features to list. Some include the hemi, 3 sunroofs, Sirius, heated seats, leather, nav,...honestly I could go on for a long time. It has more available features than any other suv we test drove All and all, its a great strong Jeep that my husband and I both enjoy.

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  Its my 9th Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By George Lenhardt - November 12 - 12:53 pm

  After owning many vehicles since I started driving in 1960 I have found a real comfortable and fun vehicle. I have made two trips to South Carolina and have enjoyed the over the road trips and ability to go off road when I needed it. I look forward to this winter and driving in the snow as we are going north for a vacation in January.