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 - 2006 Jeep Commander
By c - June 21 - 4:10 pmvery happy with our choice..We have the standard features but upgraded to the 4.7 v8 -- I get 18mpg and have lots of punch when needed. Feels and drives like a more expensive vehicle. We drove 4-5 competitors and this was an easy winner Jeep hit a home run with this one.
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Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Joseph - June 9 - 12:16 pmLike my truck but now I hit 50K miles on my 06 Commander and here come the problems. It is all electrical. It will shut off all dash lights make a lot pop and come back on. took it to the dealership and they cant find anything wrong. Then the way home from the dealership it happens twice. But the dealership said everything is fine... Yeah right!
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Nothing but problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Bob Orsulak - May 24 - 4:53 amProblems began when we drove the car off the lot. Knocking noise from the suspension. It has been back to the dealer 4 times in 9 months. Reoccuring problems with the passenger window not closing, sunroof not closing, front and rear windshield washers not working and also a transmission leak. Today I noticed a whistling noise from what I think is the windshield. My major concern is a hesitation on acceleration. The engine cuts out when pulling out. This is very intermittent and the dealer and the Jeep rep are saying they cant find anything wrong with it. They also said that the 3.7 L engine is too small for the vehicle and this is probably what my problem is. Really hate it.
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I Love My Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Eric - May 20 - 12:13 amI love almost everything about my car. Im not much of a Jeep person, but this car is what Ive been looking for. I love the box shape. I love the navigation system. The speakers are great. I have the 4.7 liter V8, and that gives me enough power. This car has horrible fuel economy, but I dont mind because its worth the extra money. I feel safe in my Commander, and I would recommend it to anyone. This car is a true commander of the road.
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Command of the Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
By MattDaddy - April 10 - 10:53 amI bought my Commander yesterday and I absolutely love it!! I have the 4.7L flex-fuel V8 Sport package. The cloth interior is very comfortable and the layout and ergonomics are awesome! So far, Ive averaged about 15.7 mpg in mostly city driving. Pretty good for a big SUV. This is one sweet ride!!
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Easy SUV to drive - 2006 Jeep Commander
By JamesCommander06 - April 4 - 4:53 amIve owned several SUVs and full size trucks and this thing rides better than any. Its got a better truning radius than most full size cars. I did have an issue right out of the start with the transmission down shifting hard into 2nd on deceleration. The dealer reset the computer and it went away. The gas mileage is also very poor averaging a little over 15 mpg mixed use. On long road trips the seat puts my legs to sleep and I get sharp pains in my legs. I wish I would have gotten the Hemi.
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Terrific design, awesome performance - 2007 Jeep Commander
By flyerbry - March 20 - 11:03 pmTraded a 99 Wrangler due to a growing family. Test drove minivans but this is so much nicer, even Toyota and Honda. Kids love the stadium seating and I have found backing up isnt as bad as others have made it sound because of park assist and good mirrors. Amazing in snow due to the stability control (ESP) system. Wider and taller than most mid-size vehicles so it feels spaceous but not as huge as a full-size. Fits in parking decks no problem. Great ride (not too floaty) and very maneuverable. Leather is very nice and seats are very comfortable. Third row has plenty of room for an adult but seat sits a bit low for really long trips. Rear hatch opens low enough to clear standard garage door.
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I like it, I love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
By bigmaninds - March 19 - 9:06 amI have 100,000 miles on my 2006 and not one single problem. I ask it to do something and without hesitation the Jeep does it. Plenty of room with my camping buddies and all our gear. Very reliable and wouldnt trade it for anything. Her name is "Billy".
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Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Chris - March 8 - 8:56 amI purchased this model to replace a Liberty that I rolled with no injuries. I bought the 4x4 sport V-6 and as for the performance it is lacking in the take off power however the weight difference over the V-8s is very benificial for off roading. The V-6 has plenty of power (with a few modifications less than $500, made my own cold air intake; gutted the exhaust system and a Jet II performance module) I have had this Jeep in some very precarious positions and I never had an ounce of trouble getting through the mud, rocks, or anything else that was in my way. As for gas mileage it stinks but you cant ask for good gas mileage on a full time 4x4 .17 is best on highway and 13 in the city.
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Great fun! - 2007 Jeep Commander
By bennett91 - February 18 - 10:53 pmIf you want to drive something fun and different--here you go. The Commander rides nicely in the city and can take on the outdoors. Great towing capacity. Great fun!
