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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love the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Barb - May 31 - 7:53 amRecently came back from a long trip where we averaged between 20 and 22 mpg. City driving gas mileage comes in around 17 mpg. Certainly gets a lot of admiring glances. The teenage boys love it. Its great that this has that third row for unexpected riders, but there is no storage space when there are 7 people. Over all we love it!
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If I only had it to do over - 2006 Jeep Commander
By CMEGOBY - May 29 - 1:53 amUnfortunately all I can say is this is the worst vehicle I have ever owned and I am currently at 25 and counting. This thing has far less room than I anticipated and is very uncomfortable on long trips. To top things off it has been at the dealer getting things fixed more than it has been in my driveway. If your looking for a fun, reliable, and comfortable SUV then I recommend looking elsewhere.
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Ill never buy a Jeep again - 2006 Jeep Commander
By R Anderson - May 29 - 1:53 amI bought this vehicle for my wife and son. It was the right size (not too big not too small). The problem is quality, Ive had the computer replaced, spark plug replaced and the body molding around the wheel well is loose. The vehicle just cut off for no reason (replaced computer), then a ignition failure light came on and we took to the dealership (replaced the spark plug) but said we needed to get the fuel injectors cleaned (16,000 miles) to fix the problem, $300. I had a Mercedes SUV with 58,000 miles and never had to have the injectors cleaned. When I complained about the moldings being so loose the service department said "we have new Commanders that are worse" that doesnt make it right.
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Why buy or even build the Grand Cherokee - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Jeep SantaBarbara - May 25 - 11:50 pmThe Jeep Commander is a really fine SUV. I shopped the Expdetion, Tahoe, Armada and Sequoia. Finally decided on the Jeep. The overland has a lot of features for the money with the incentives Jeep offers: Bluetooth, NAV, rear DVD, 3rd row, rear sensors, heated seats, auto high beams, sunroof, tow package, tons of airbags and more. It is a little small for the price when compared to the true full-size utes like the Tahoe, but usually is adequate and the smaller size comes in handy in most daily tasks. But my point is with the new 2008 Liberty in the line why does Jeep still offer the Grand Cherokee? The Commander is the better buy and much closer to the cool/trendy Grand Wagoneer.
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The Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Scott E - May 23 - 10:33 amA lot different than what Im used to in a Jeep - the old type was based more for off road. And to me had a rough ride to it. The new Jeeps are still for off road but my Commander has a lot more room inside and more of car like ride. A wider stance and with the wider tires and 17 inch wheels adds to a more comfortable ride. Has a lot of nice features for the consumer. And the back up sensors come in handy on the SUV. Overall Im very pleased with my Jeep and the third row seating makes it nice for smaller children; they have their own cup holders, AC with controls is a big plus and they have a place to plug in their favorite games.
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Commander Limited Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Meredith - May 15 - 11:56 pmJeep Commander Limited is one of the best SUVs Ive ever owned. Plenty of room and plenty of power make this vehicle a joy both on and off the road. I dont have anything significant to complain about at this point and the dealership has been very helpful and responsive to my concerns.
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Bad boy - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Jeep in - May 12 - 9:50 amThis Jeep is bad to the bone. I have the Hemi and the Saddle Brown seats which make the vehicle special. The only setback is that the factory installed a power steering hose incorrectly and it was rubbed raw and exploded with only 200 miles on the SUV. The service was incredible as they sent me home with a new Commander until mine is fixed.
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Commander is great truck - 2006 Jeep Commander
By kmag51 - May 10 - 6:56 pmJust purchased this vehicle a couple of weeks ago and highly recommend it. The interior comfort is wonderful and the saddle brown seats look very expensive. Truck handles great and is extremely agile for a 5,000 lb. vehicle. The limited model offers a lot of goodies standard. Even though the truck is fairly new I got a decent discount when purchasing. All in all a great truck and would highly recommend.
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Perfect for a Family - 2007 Jeep Commander
By sbitterle - May 5 - 3:42 am2007 Jeep Commander, have owned it now for a year. Purchased it used, so somebody else took the depreciation in value. This truck is a tank. It will go through any kind of weather, terrain. Love it. Our family of 5 rides comfortably in it. Less room than our old Caravan, but this vehicle weighs twice as much. I feel better knowing that my family has 6800lbs of metal around them. Cant comment on the leaking issue, as mine doesnt have a sunroof. Gas millage is not the greatest, but I knew that buying it. Bottom line, if you want a durable, safe truck....This ones for you. NOTE: I do regular fluid changes on engine, trans, rear end diff.....So have not had any reliablity issues.
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Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
By kENNETH - April 10 - 10:30 amPurchased the commander in 4/07, in 7/09 my water pump went out at 37,000 miles. Which I had to replace cost me $1100.00, because the Chrysler corporation said it was past the manufacturer warranty of 36,000 miles it would not honor. At 38,000, right front wheel bearing went bad had to replace, $475.00. At 39,000, my sunroof started leaking. Now at 63,000 I have an electrical problem. When it rains and I turn my wipers or lights, they go out. Otherwise the vehicle is fine.
