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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  The Good and Bad - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Escott - September 6 - 5:10 pm

  The Commander seems to be a decent driving SUV so far. It has a very comfortable luxury ride. The vehicle can be challenging however for shorter drivers, due to the high back row seats.

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  The Lemon - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Mike - August 28 - 2:40 pm

  My wife and I purchased a Jeep Commander Rocky Mount. My wife loved the look of the commander and I liked the lifetime warranty. Soon after purchasing it, one month, a loud whistling noise started coming from the dash. After three trips back to the dealer they stated they didnt know how to fix the problem. Since then, if you try to close the front two windows along with the sun roof, the sunroof will open itself back up. Again they stated there is nothing they can do because they dont know how to fix it. We are now involved in a lawsuit forcing them to buy it back. They are trying to say we have to pay them to buy it back. do not buy this car!

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  WOW What A Ride.. and SAFE - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bette - August 28 - 2:23 am

  Had a 1999 Jeep Sahara. When I traded it in, only had 1170 miles (no typo error). Had a great fear of driving except for dirt roads. Got the Commander 2 weeks ago and havent stopped driving since. I feel so safe in this car. I thought the fear was all in my head, never thinking I didnt feel safe in the car. I love driving again and all fear is gone.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kristellb - August 19 - 10:53 pm

  I just got mine about a week ago, I absolutely love it! It is so much fun to drive. Its different look makes it unique... (I like that you dont see too many of them). Also I find it a very affordable vehicle.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By TonyHorn - August 15 - 7:46 am

  Except for the gas mileage, Im totally in love with my Commander. It handles great in any condition, and it just feels like a luxurious vehicle on the inside. I love the way it looks on the outside...not cutesy or overly "tough" like the Hummers. I did have to take it in twice already, though. First was to fix the whistling noise, it was a something about the seal of the front windshield, and was done for free, and the back windshield wiper broke because of a cheap plastic part. Be careful with the back wiper...it breaks easily if you pull it out to change the blade like any other wiper. Overall, I love my Jeep, but if gas keeps going up I may have to get a cheap fuel efficient car.

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  Wish I could get 2014 - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By cicmurphy - July 24 - 11:02 pm

  I live in Utah and we have considerable amounts of snow and ice in the winter and I trust my Jeep to get me to where ever I am wanting to go, no matter the weather. I have taken it playing in the mud, sand, rain and snow and have absolutely no complaints. I have 120000 miles on it and other than the recommended upkeep, there has been no other repairs, replacements or issues. I only wish Jeep had kept making them so that I could upgrade to a newer model once I hit 200000 miles.

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  Command with the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By c hammond-outram - July 23 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep has proven to be comfortable,capable and reliable. Fun to drive, handles backroads, ice and highway with ease. Absolutely the best car I have ever purchased.

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  mojo - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mojo - July 18 - 9:10 pm

  Have owned this for three weeks, enjoying it thoroughly. Have not had the opportunity to have off road for hiking, kayaking or winter for skiing - cant wait for the snow to hit.

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  Love my Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Christine - July 13 - 9:10 pm

  After much research, I decided to buy the Jeep Commander Limited 4x4, mostly for safety features and comfort for my family. We have driven this vehicle from East to West Coast, North to South and absolutely love it! The safety of our Commander was tested recently and saved my families lives. Though the vehicle was totaled, the Commander took all of the impact, we were able to walk away from this vehicle with minor injuries. I will be purchasing another! One tough SUV! Gas mileage is not so good, but is made up for in safety, need the steel to be safe.

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  So far so great! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By psr - June 28 - 3:06 am

  Got this as a hand me down from the wife. I am a pretty big guy, so I appreciate the room up front. I also like gadgets, so the hard drive, GPS and tv screens rock! The kids feel like kinds in the back. As everyone else says, the view in the rear is horrible with the 3rd row up. But, with the sensor and the camera, I fail to see this as a significant loss. Between the windows and the mirrors, I feel the vision is excellent otherwise. Adults in the back seat? Forget about it. Unless they are tiny. The smooth, quiet ride is impressive. Almost spoils you. The outside look is sporty.