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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Love our Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By lisajoe33 - August 15 - 8:00 am3.7L needs a little more power. Other than that everthing is excellent with this vehicle.
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need better mpg and scrap the antenna - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Charlie O. - August 5 - 12:43 pmPicked the vehicle up on Monday 7/31. I have the 3.7 and so far (3 days) the MPG looks terrible. I read some of these reviews and I see 17 MPG, 20-22 mpg highway...hope to see the same. Also, it is back in the dealer on Thursday 8/3 for installation of Sirius radio and whistling sound that seems to be coming from the dash when car is in motion (read another review stating the same problem). Overall I think it is a quality vehicle offering a lot for the money. Insurance rates are great, my kids love it, Sirius radio, rides smooth, great turning radius, dash is simple yet in line with the times.
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wifes 2010 commander - 2010 Jeep Commander
By s burke - July 27 - 1:36 pmSo far my new jeep is fun to drive and draws lots of attention, seems to be well built and designed. For us this was the only midsized SUV with 3rd row seating in our price range....nothing else compares, poor mans Land Rover...This is our 3rd SUV of sorts, SportTrac and a Explorer, we looked at this car when we bought the 07 explorer, pricing made it unaffordable, now its the best option
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Great Ride - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Jeep Fan - July 17 - 2:46 am2007 Jeep Commander Limited 4.7L V8 Flex Fuel. This vehicle is very fun to drive and the kids love the middle row Command View windows in the roof and back rows with their high seating position. I feel good knowing that my wife and kids are in this vehicle. You feel like youre driving a luxury tank. The vehicle gets its share of looks and comments. Love the option of running E85. Reviews say that 3rd row is only for kids, but Im 6 and have ridden on short trips. You wouldnt put grandma in the third row, but its fine for adults. Handles Colorado mountain roads with ease. I cant wait for its first big snow! 5th Jeep vehicle that Ive owned and I love it!
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Very pleased - 2006 Jeep Commander
By drjothen - July 14 - 5:50 pmVery pleased to date. Was considering an H3 and the Commander is much more comfortable, has more interior room and I dont have to deal with the Hummer Haters.
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The Powerful and Stylish Box - 2008 Jeep Commander
By charlesw - July 4 - 6:53 amI purchased a brand new 2008 Jeep Commander Limited, with everything... nav. system, commandview, power liftgate... everything, except the 5.7L Hemi, of which I am proud to say I dont have. I average around 14mpg with an occasional "floor it" moment.
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pleasantly surprised! - 2008 Jeep Commander
By botros - June 17 - 9:16 amPurchased used w/ 12k on the odo. So far, its been great. The 4x4 works great and has already gotten me out of a bind. The interior is very comfortable and usable. The 3rd row does not get used much, but its good to have just in case. I got a flat, and while changing the tire was straight forward, the steel wheel spare is way too heavy. Im a big guy that works out 2-3 times a week, and had a hard time lifting it up on the studs. Cant find many other faults. Throttle response is on the slow side, need brighter headlights. Gas door needs to lock when car is locked. Better gas mileage, but it is the V8 and 4wd, so 15-16mpg overall is ok I guess.
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Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
By US COMMANDER - June 16 - 4:56 pmI have been 2 weeks with my Commander and it has being a great ride so far. Mine is a Limited fully loaded and is really entertaining to drive. This is my third JEEP and it just keep better and better.
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Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Ben - June 11 - 1:46 amChrysler doesnt give the best customer service once you own the vehicle but so far, the Commander does wonders. It is tough getting in/out of rear since the wheel well blocks doorway. The sun shades in the rear roof could have been designed better. Also, cargo room behind the rear seat does not exist with the rear seats up. Your belongings will fall out if open the rear gate if you dont have a cargo net which is not standard.
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Excellent vehicle - solid secure - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Carol Ann - June 1 - 3:00 amI sell real estate in the Finger Lakes. I must have a very reliable strong 4-wheel drive automobile. My Commander has out performed all the other SUVs I have ever owned. I could use more room in the back for my signs. My little ones love the back two seats. I can not get them out of the Jeep as they want to stay and play. Front seat capacity is very comfortable. Ride is quiet, no road noise. Solid heavy vehicle.
