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 suv - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By carobsessed1 - February 20 - 2:16 am

  I fell in love right after the test drive. The V8 has just the right amount of power. It is comfortable and the turning ratio is better than the vehicle I traded in. It handles great. The use of the navigation and all the other buttons are very uncomplicated. The dvd is great the way it is set up. Easy input for the children to do. The location to insert the disc is at the back of the middle console and my son loves it. The seats are comfortable and easy to take a ride in. If the third row is up it is hard to see out the back window. I love the box look; it is awesome. I got the white with chrome accent and saddle leather. It is hot looking. This is my first Jeep and so far no complaints. Fun to drive.

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  Old School - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Captain - January 18 - 8:10 pm

  This is a true SUV. Great ride for Jeep. Great ride for any vehicle. Nice theater seating. Strong looking suv with lots of options. Old school looks and fit with modern options and performance. Average 18 MPH this month.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Rob - January 17 - 6:56 am

  We have two children and love the space during road trips. The third row seating is very easy to use. Plenty of head room as well.

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  My Commander is a Piece of Junk - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By IHateMyJeep - January 16 - 3:30 am

  I drove my 2006 Commander through about 12-18 inches of water, and wound up blowing my engine this past October. I had it 8 months and it had >9k miles on it. Chrysler refused to honor it as a warranty repair, they said I did not drive it as intended. (Please look up how they define "Trail Rated") What kind of trail is Jeep referring to? A bike trail? A bunny trail? What? Turns out the air intake is low on the vehicle. Just below the front bumper! The insurance company that the dealer finance department referred me to refused to pay for the repair. I had to pay over $8K for a new engine out of pocket. I got my vehicle back just before Christmas. Now the new engine is burning oil.

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  Off-Roader - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Rocky Mtn HMR RSCU - January 11 - 9:33 am

  The commander is an excellent vehicle. Right away I was able to test it on snowy roads and it performed well. I have taken it off-road on a trail that I would never have gone in any other vehicle that I have owned. The problems that I have are with hthe braking system and the engine fan. Certain quality issues are problematic as well, arm rests are bubbling and the chrome trim is letting loose. Vehicle performs well when pressed and is comfortable to drive, very comfortable and a fun vehicle to own.

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  My problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Shauna - January 11 - 6:16 am

  I have had my jeep for awhile. About a year after I purchased my jeep I started having problems with it. It does stall when driving on the highway and other roads. The dash lights all go off and the meters (speedometer etc) all shut off. My radio shuts off and heat or air. They said it maybe a problem with the wiring. Also my air/heat doesnt shut off. It actually goes on high if its in the off button. I had my starter fixed a few weeks ago, cracked trani hose fixed also. There is a crack in my power steering hose that needs fixed. I only have 88,000 miles, there should not be this many problems. I have also had problems with the automatic windows not rolling up or down. That was fixed.

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  Works for Me - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By kennyj - January 2 - 11:36 am

  I was looking for a reasonably priced smaller SUV with a 3rd row for my 2 kids if an extra adult or two wants to come along. So far I am very pleased with the overall package. The rear seat TV is a blessing with the kids but I will agree the 2nd and 3rd rows are a bit cramped for adults, especially if the front seat passengers are tall. But the front seats are comfortable and spacious and it works for a family of 4. I have had 4 adults plus my 2 kids in the back for a short trip and its a bit cramped but it works. An excursion or Yukon XL it isnt, but it fits in my smaller garage and easy to park and maneuver. Blind spots are huge, but no worse then any other boxy SUV I have driven.

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  Great vehicle. Dont buy it for fuel economy - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By COMMANDER n CHIEF - December 29 - 6:56 pm

  Beautiful vehicle with terrible gas mileage 10.9 mpg city 13.5 on a good day for the highway

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  Best of Them ALL - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By t fields - December 26 - 1:00 am

  Trade autos every year. Chrysler/Jeep, this is the best. Fun to drive, quiet, handles great. Mileage 17.5 road, 13.5 city. Everyone thats in the market for a SUV needs to test drive and look at the Commander.

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  2006-sk.canada - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lungee - December 20 - 12:33 pm

  Owned my 2006 since jan 07 changed airbag module/anti-slip module, 4 wheel bearings@65,000 kilometers rear pinion seal, rebuilt rear end 125,000 km, exhaust manifolds gaskets, stereo- cd quit playing, wiring harness for Windows had to be repaired and not just replaced (electrical tape), third row seat needs part and not covered under warranty because it is an option also my heated side mirrors wiring problem not covered under warranty (option) replaced muffler with dynamax little bit louder but nice (wife not too pleased) instrument panel replaced-no lighting up, have 160,000 kilometers on this (majority highway) will be looking to replace Jeep shortly (Tahoe), no help from Chrysler when asking them questions,