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 Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
By joshr502 - February 13 - 1:46 pmMy wife and I just bought a 2006 Commander LTD. We love it. It rides and handles like a dream. The interior is great and the outside still has the rugged Jeep look. There are only 2 downside to the Commander. First of all, its a gas guzzler. But, what large SUV isnt? Second of all, the 3rd row seat is a waste. Luckily it doesnt really affect us because we just keep it folded down all the time. Overall, this is a great vehicle. We love it!
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FUN, FUN, FUN - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Karen Spriggs - January 16 - 1:53 amMy first day of ownership I drove my new Commander from Ann Arbor, MI to Atlanta, GA in all kinds of wet and dry conditions besides mountains and curves ... it handled beautifully. I tend to "seat shop" because of my back/neck and I was COMFORTABLE all 714 miles. When I would pull in for gas I would get lots of looks and questions about the car as people were impressed by its looks. I am 59 years old and a female and I LOVE my driving experiences with my new Commander. I also tend to need hauling space (I traded in an Expedition) and there is plenty of that to meet my needs. I also love the "stadium" seating and the ease of setting up the 3rd row seats. I have had 8 adults in it.
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Sold a bad jeep that broke down on me - 2009 Jeep Commander
By Ms. Johnson - January 10 - 9:40 amJeep rides very smoothly as if you were in a luxury vehicle. The front seats are comfortable and the back seats are not comfortable on long trips. Your legs in the backs seat tends to hurt because the seats are up too high. I like the theater seats for view but not for comfort. My brand new jeep broke down on me: 1st the cover underneath the front end of my jeep that covers the oil fell down, 2nd my water pump went out, 3rd my tensioner belt went out that is to only name a few. I had to take my vehicle back several times to the dealer. I am not satisfied, because I take long trips and I am afraid that my jeep may brake down. The positive side of my jeep it runs through the snow perfect.
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Chevy Lover Falls 4 A Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
By ChiIrishGrl - January 4 - 8:00 pmIve had Chevys almost all my driving life and I was persuaded to try out a Jeep and I fell in love with it. I have had no issues with it mechanically and the gas mileage is about the same as my Trailblazers.
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My New Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Peter - December 22 - 7:00 amIve driven 3 Jeeps now: a Wrangler, a Liberty, and now, the Commander. Without a doubt this is the best of the bunch -- and I loved the Liberty. The room, the ride, the value for money are all exceptional. I recommend the Commander unequivocally to any potential buyer.
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No better vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Duckhunter - December 22 - 6:46 amI had been shopping for a new SUV for over 1 year. I have had a 1997 Jeep Cherokee (and kept it.) I test drove the Yukons, 4Runners, Pathfinders, and even the Grand Cherokees. I had really wanted to get a Jeep but never had taken to the Grand Cherokees. I think after having a Cherokee for so long most people will agree with me that the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are just entirely different vehicles. I have been following the developments of the Commander for over a year and when I test drove it, I knew I had found the vehicle I had been waiting for. The upright seating and windshield are much more similar to the Cherokee and it looks pretty darn mean. Cant wait to take it off road.
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Classy Jeep style - 2006 Jeep Commander
By krd215 - December 21 - 12:53 amLoved this darn truck since the first time I laid eyes on one. It is the classic Jeep style that won me over. Then after I drove one that was it...had to have. Traded my Durango and here I am...owner of a Limited Commander with the hemi. The truck has a great ride and extremely comfortable leather seats. All gauges are easy to reach and have had not one problem so far. Would highly recommend!
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Most intriguing SUV on the market - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Celia - December 20 - 6:46 pmI have enjoyed our new addition to our auto collection, 06 4WD V8 Commander. We replaced our 04 Dodge Quad cab and have love the new space. We love the unique interior design.
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Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Kelly Hyde - December 19 - 6:13 pmI bought this vehicle the first month it came out and I have no regrets. The gas mileage is not exceptional and there have been several minor problems with the windshield seal but other than that, this vehicle has been a pleasure. My only regret is not having the option at the time to purchase a vehicle with the flexfuel option.
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Great ride - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Terri - December 14 - 2:40 amVery nice comfortable ride. Appearance is similar to a Hummer. Roomy in the front but the back is very compact. Passengers in the back have very little leg room.
