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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  Great Product - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Clarke - June 26 - 9:30 pm

  This isnt my first JEEP product, nor my last. I have owned Comanche, Cherokee 4X4 (and still own a great little `97 Country) and two late model Grand Cherokee Laredos. All have had the venerable 4.0L inline six to pull my 24ft offshore boat. This one has the 4.7L V8 which makes a ton of torque and gets much better fuel economy than any of the old sixes did. I have never been unhappy with my JEEPS; they have been extremely reliable and have never failed me.

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  overall - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ANOTO - June 12 - 11:20 pm

  Wanted an suv and loved the Jeep commander as soon as I saw it. Truck drives very smooth and gas isnt as bad as people want to think it is. I am a little disappointed with the design and quality of certain aspects of this vehicle. The side of both passenger and drivers door collects a lot of rain in side and when opened does get all wet inside floor of truck. This has caused my doors to rust and creak. I just had get a new starter after only 40,000 miles. I take very good care of my truck so now sure why I need a new starter already and dealership had no idea either. They said they never have seen it before. Also my back sensors have pushed in and every time I back up it beeps no matter what

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  Great decision, I love it.. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By What a JEEP!! - June 4 - 1:16 pm

  Well, I have had my Jeep Army Green 08 Jeep Commander for about 8+ months now and am as happy today with my purchase as I was when I made it. I paid cash, got the lifetime power Trane and opted for the lifetime bumper to bumper since I had my last Grand Cherokee for 11 years I figured it would pay off. The Boston Acoustic stereo is fantastic. The sunroof and 2 additional sunroofs in the back seat area are cool, kids love them. A/C power in back seat helps out and heated leather seats are great looking and comfortable. When we go up the Pocono Mountains it very smartly shifts for steep inclines providing plenty of power with the 6 cyl.

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  Love it, but looking for more - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Roger M. - May 14 - 8:06 am

  My 2006 Commander is the best riding and most comfortable Jeep Ive ever owned. With the incentives in place at the time I bought it, it was a real value too. The next time Ill be looking for: 1) A V-8 ... the V-6 is a bit underpowered; 2) Lets give the 3rd row seat some leg room; and 3) How about just a couple more inches of storage capacity when the 3rd row seat is opened? Would it help to hang the spare tire off the back, a la the Liberty?

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  Great Car - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By NHVT - May 13 - 3:46 am

  I love it. It has been a great vehicle so far. The gas mileage is what I expected. The extra room is appreciated and the overall feel is classic Jeep at its best!

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  you can rely its going to break down - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Josh - May 5 - 2:22 am

  super dangerous! This 2007 Jeep Commander shut down without warning on the freeway. No steering no breaks.! Do not purchase one! You and your family are not worth the risk.

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  Perfect Car for my family. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Great Car - April 30 - 7:10 am

  My parents bought this car in September after my sister and I begged for it. My mom was very hesitant at first because she thought that it was a Hummer. She also didnt want people to think that she was a gas guzzler. On the other end my dad, the typical manly man, loves Howard Stern (Sirius was a major plus), loves sports and he loves his new manly car. Also it was a huge improvement from our purple minivan. As a young person I was attracted to this car for the sunlights in the back and I also liked the silver handles on the door. When we went on our first big trip with this car we went to Palm Springs. Interstate 10 down there is very windy, and we could hear all of the wind!

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  Great Vehicle - Glad I bought it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Vince - April 24 - 1:13 am

  Let somebody else pay for the depreciation. When my $40K plus Chevy Avalanche was totalled by an 18 yr old slamming into my wife, I knew I wanted another 4x4. A new Avalanche was simply too expensive. After trading my interim used car, I found the 2006 Commander (certified Pre-Owned)at a local dealer. Getting it was a very smart decision. Very comfortable, gas mileage for the 3.7 liter is exactly as stated. Power is good. Design is great. I dont tow anything, and filling the SUV with 6 people proved no problem. Having the base model (doesnt mean stripped) gives me a clean pallet to customize without the huge new car or dealer premiums. I love this thing.

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  Have 3 Jeeps - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Joe Davis - April 21 - 3:40 pm

  Much better than the Cherokee. Fun to drive with lots of power. Smooth highway riding.

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  Oregon Trail - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Doug - April 21 - 1:50 pm

  We just got back from a 6,000 mile trip following the Oregon Trail, including the original "Old Barlow Road" around Mt. Hood. Our Jeep had never before really been put to the test, but it performed flawlessly on this trip on everything from Interstate HWs to boulder-strewn primitive roads. I wish it got better mileage, but it was reassuring to have the power of the 5.7 liter when passing or traversing some of the primitive roads we followed along the Oregon Trail. We put on 6,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon passing through 10 states, keeping to 2 lane and dirt roads as much as possible. Our worst day was 15.2 mpg. Our best was 18.2 mpg.