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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  2006 Commander Limited Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bobby from Marco Isl - November 10 - 7:46 pm

  Let me cut to the chase. This is the second Jeep vehicle I have owned in 35 years of driving. Since 1989, all my second vehicles have been 4x4s. By far this is the best vehicle ever. I had ordered it with every conceivable option available. Nothing left to the imagination. After owning it for 6 months, I still havent got tired of driving it. One really, really bad feature of the "mark", is its fuel economy. Dont believe what the specs say. If you get 12MPH for city driving consider yourself lucky. I tried every which way to drive this Jeep, for the best economy. Nothing helps! Maybe its because I have the 5.7 Hemi? But, forget if you think you will break the 15MPG for city driving.

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  06 Commander 4.7 V8 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - November 8 - 6:56 am

  Nice. Rides very well. Quiet and comfortable. I love it. Very smooth ride.

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  Great 4WD - Interior Needs Attention - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By DM - October 31 - 9:46 am

  Just purchased. In first 1,000 miles back seat sun roof covers create annoying - loud rattle that will require the dealer to remove interior roof cover and repair shade roller - or remove all together. For price tag on Limited, it would be nice if interior materials were a lot less "Durango" plastic and more high end SUV. Although mileage really stinks - it does the job as 4WD (no one should be taken back by 15 miles to the gallon, it is a bug truck after all). Overall I am pleased with this as a replacement to my Grand Cherokee Ltd - It is no replacement for the 740i.

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  fun ride - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By pam smith - October 22 - 5:43 pm

  Nice smooth ride, great on road trips; did better on gas than I thought it would. Fun to drive. Would buy again.

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  Always getting compliments - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By EHD - October 21 - 5:10 am

  The last 20 years Ive been driving minivans and sedans for work. I finally decided I needed something a little more fun. 5.7L Hemi is powerful. Handling on mountain roads is great. Feels, looks and sounds like a luxury car inside. Everywhere I go, people rave about its looks. As it turns out, the Commander is great fun.

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  Solid, Well Built, Reliable - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By mda687 - October 20 - 8:11 am

  Terrific SUV for the money, lots of room, smooth driving, easy to navigate, very comfortable to drive and ride in. Really enjoyed owning this vehicle, the only thing I would have done differently is get the V8, however the gas mileage would have been a drawback over the 6 Cyl. There were times more power would have been nice, however the 3.7 6 Cyl. Does a pretty good job, it just has to work a little harder, going up hill. An easy 8 out of 10 overall.

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  Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By beaurath - October 12 - 2:06 pm

  We have had to take our Commander back for the following reasons; 1. Check Engine light....a hose had a split in it with only 1000 miles on it. 2. We had a loud whistle coming from the dash area; it was a bad seal on the windshield. 500 miles on it. 3. We are now having a problem with the passenger window not going up and down correctly...stops half way up and goes back down unless you keep your finger on the switch. 4. We have a slight dimple in the door protruding out from the metal. Dealer says they can fix it but may not be able to match up paint..

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  Awesome, especially for the money! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Scott - September 29 - 10:56 am

  We just picked up our Jeep on 3/25. The loaded up base V6 is fine, but the Limited creature comforts are nice and its not that much more money. We shopped vs used LR3s and GX470s - both nice as well. However, when you take into account the 0% financing and that fact you are getting "new styling" that wont be outdated soon, it makes it very affordable vs other competitive used $30-35K SUVs. It looks sharp and its very comfortable - and quiet! Dont believe dealers who wont discount with the 0%. We got it well below invoice with the 0%. MPG is a drawback, but we really like it overall.

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  Great family vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Estelle - September 22 - 3:00 am

  Enjoy all the space in the front and mid rows. Great for when family is in town to have the third row. Would have liked a little more space behind the third row when the seats are up. Best handling mid to large side SUV I have driven.

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  Not a Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By joe shibotnik - September 15 - 1:26 am

  80,000 miles. Dealer serviced or authorized dealer serviced as required per owners manual or dealer recommendation. #1 This vehicle is fun to drive. #2 This vehicle is a Durango in Jeep attire (meaning, this is not a Jeep). #3 Who in their right mind makes a "Jeep" fulltime 4 wheeldrive? Dodge, thats who. #4 Replaced front 2 times (ball joints, tie rod ends and bushings) fulltime 4wheel issue...yes. #5 Eats 60,000 mile tires in 30ish. #6 If this vehicle had 2wheel capabilities it would pull great gas mileage. #7 Leather seats are not leather. #8 Resale poor, so plan on keeping it. My Suburban is worth just as much as our (40K) Commander, its a 1999(148,000 miles). Think hard!