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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  Commander better than Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By enigma32 - December 12 - 12:56 am

  I purchased a Commander recently and after test driving the new Grand Cherokee, I was convinced. The Commander takes curves and turns better, looks better, is bigger but not too much bigger; in short, its just better. Its basically the same price and for a few dollars more, you get the added comfort. I love it, and getting the luxury package is the same as getting the Limited, so you might as well save some money and get the luxury package.

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  recalled parts - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By puckett1 - December 2 - 9:26 am

  i bought a used commander... its only 2006.... i have had to pay out 1000 for the software since it is under the cup holder and it gets the software wet..... i feel jeep should pay me back for the design.... my mercedes transmission wiring has shorted out. they said this should be a recall since they order this part alot. which cost me another 1000. i feel you should give me some of the money back since both of these parts have some recalls... i dont have much money single mom and all....

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  Leaky Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By unhappy Jeep owner - November 29 - 5:46 pm

  I am very disappointed with the design and quality of certain aspects of this vehicle. Other than the faulty water pump at 10,000 miles, the Service 4WD message popping up in the dash display, leaky rear brake light assembly.... The worst problem is the leaky sunroof ... leading to stereo damage. The car has been back and forth to the dealership due to the above problems as well as the water leaking from the sunroof area. As I am writing this, my wife is taking the Commander back to the dealership FOR THE 4th TIME ... The first 2 times for a leak on the drivers side .. The last time there was standing water at the front pass. floor. This time water is dripping onto the mid console/seats.

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  Really Impressed - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Michael - November 14 - 1:56 pm

  Looked at just about everything else in its class. The Commander just seemed like the best deal at the time. So far I am really impressed with the Hemi. H3 and BMW and Lexus had nowhere near the options that our Limited came with at even a $12K difference. We are truly in love with the versatility and comfort.

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  8x jeep, love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By chloe50 - November 6 - 6:20 am

  My husband and I are on our 8th jeep and I couldnt wait to get the Commander. Trail rated, reliable, large size. I am a total loss adjuster and auto damage adjuster so I work around cars all day long. Wouldnt trade my Jeep for any other SUV. **For 2006-sk.canada...sounds like you got a lemon or someone didnt take care of their vehicle, do some additional research on the vehicles history and mechanical records from the previous owner if available. The Tahoe has a history of issues ,problems and recalls..do your research.

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  First Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Martin - October 30 - 6:46 pm

  Wow, This is our first Jeep and compared to other SUV styles for size and price the Commander won hands down. We were looking for a car for my wife to haul kids and groceries. It took us several months and drove a lot of cars before deciding on this SUV. After a test-drive my wife and I really loved the car. We both knew this was "the" car. This car is just right for a family of four and the occasional neighbor kids and friends.

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  Choose carefully kids! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By joeshibotnik - October 29 - 3:30 pm

  The only difference between new and old Commanders is age and engine h.p. Otherwise, not much changes. It is way overpriced new. Resale value is very poor. It is FULLTIME 4x4. Why? Is it that hard to push a button. Just think of the mpg increase if you could switch to 2WD. 12mpg is lucky in town. 17mpg is pretty standard. Put in E3 spark plugs and K&N air filter (averaged 19.1mpg on a 265 mile trip. Dont plan on hauling around above average height people in the back seat, especially if you are tall. Air cond. will go out. A plate protecting the lines will hold sand and salt causing leaks. If you own a Commander get rid of this plate, replacement of these lines... around $1200.

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  Never buy another Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jenjen - October 28 - 2:20 pm

  Was so excited to buy this thing and after 2500 miles I realized I made a HUGE mistake. Been in the shop 5 times, 20% of the time since purchase. Recurring transmission issue, windshield replaced and resealed numerous times, windows not functioning properly, interior cloth CHEAP and stains with water, brakes squeak and warning light flashes off and on and terrible gas mileage. Chrysler basically has not accepted responsibility and I was told to pursue the lemon law in Texas.

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  Looks great but watch out for glitches - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By D. George - October 23 - 7:16 pm

  The style and performance on the Commander is great. However, our Commander is headed back to the dealership for the 4th time because of glitches with the engines computer. In the 8 months we have owned this car the check engine light has been on more than off. Last time the dealership replaced the entire engine computer which kept the check engine light off for about 30 days. Now it is back on yet AGAIN and the engine is running rough. I have been pleased with everything else but this one problem necessitating numerous trips back to the dealership makes me wish I had spent just a bit more money and purchased the Lexus SUV instead.

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  Wheres the sunroof wind deflector? - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Atlanta Mike - October 22 - 9:33 am

  Overall I love the Commander. I have 4x4 Limited with the Hemi. I live in the city so I only average 9.2 mpg but thats ok, my commute is only 1.8 miles. On its one and only expressway trip (60 miles) I average 17.2 mpg - which is more than the EPA rating so Im good. There is only one issue I have with it. Ive never seen a factory sunroof that doesnt have a pop-up wind deflector. Its impossible to drive with the sunroof open over 25 mph. Am I going to have to go buy an external one?