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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  My Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Rodwg1 - July 25 - 9:53 pm

  Since driving the commander Im very please with the ride very smooth. The accelerating could be better and the mpg needs to better. currently im getting 18-19 mpg an thats taking it easy.

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  Love my Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Samantha - July 18 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned my Commander for 3 months. I am thrilled with the look and design of the vehicle. I have already taken a road trip with 4 kids and 2 adults; there is hardly any room for "stuff" once the vehicle is full of people. Also the 3.7L v6 engine is a little lagging, I should have gotten the V8, but it has not spoiled my enjoyment of the Commander. I plan on getting another one after this with the 4.7L V8.

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  Chysler never again - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By unhappy asian - June 23 - 4:10 am

  I bought this Jeep in August of 06 and all weve had are problems. The brake system had about 12k on them and already needed all new routers and brakes. It has not been a year yet and I need all new brakes and routers again. They tell me it must be my wifes driving. We have owned many cars and trucks in the past 15 years and have never had this problem. The sunroof leaks and yes there is a whistling sound when the wind hits the Jeep in certain ways. I will never buy a Chrysler again!

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  Transmission Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By James - June 16 - 2:00 am

  When I start my 2006 Jeep Commander and put it into drive or reverse and step on the gas its always hit or miss if the car is going to move. The engine will usually rev for a second and then finally go. Once it has starting moving in drive, every time it shifts from first to second there is a loud clicking noise. Took it to the dealership and they told me it has to get worse before they fix it. That doesnt sound right to me.

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  I love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jenn - May 28 - 8:16 pm

  I have driven the Explorer, Blazer, last summer I cruised around in my Jag. Nothing comes close to the way I feel about my new Jeep. I fell for it the first time I saw it! It is a great truck for me because I have an 8 and 9 year old and let me tell you that 3rd row seating comes in handy when nobody is getting along.

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  Mixed Feelings..! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Carlos A. Gonzalez - May 15 - 5:53 pm

  Love Jeeps have own three over the years. The Commander is by far the most

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  dont waste your money - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By abrown - April 26 - 12:43 am

  We have owned this vehicle for one year now and have regretted the purchase every day since. It has been in the shop so many times we have lost count. It will die while in motion and cause loss of steering and braking. It has happen several times and no one can seem to fix the problem. It is a death trap! Luckily, these "stalls" have happened at low speeds. Wind noise, water leaks, ac makes horrible sounds, numerous recalls, and slow response throttle are just some of the problems we have faced. We bought this car brand new, it was not used. These problems are happening to most owners of this car. NHTSA is investigating the engine and hopefully the situation will finally be fixed. Horrible!!

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  Do not purchase the V6 - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Johnathon Green - April 23 - 4:25 pm

  I cannot even begin to explain the amount of repairs this car has required. We have had the transmission replaced and it still slips. We had the air conditioning fixed, twice, and yet the average human being could blow air harder than the air conditioning that came with the car. Lastly we have had the radiator replaced, and then the hose bursted. We replaced it, it just bursted again today. I do not drive my car like a hooligan, or stomp on the gas everywhere I go in a hurry, yet this vehicle breaks on is, every step of the way, and it only has around 80,000 miles on it. With the gas mileage it makes you might as well buy a hummer that comes with a much stronger V8 over this Jeep. I made this review not because I think Jeeps suck, but because there is definitely an obvious reason why they stopped making this model.

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  The Jeep I was waiting for - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ILCommander - April 16 - 2:20 pm

  As a previous owner of an XJ Cherokee, I am partial to the boxy styling. The Commander is what XJs should grow up to become. I have the HEMI. Bought it used with 38K. Has the comfort and ride of a luxury car, but has the power of a sports car. I needed more comfort, room and power and boy did I get it. While there are some squirrelly issues with it, I think it is nit picking. Any major issues have been addressed with TSBs or recalls. Know that any enormous SUV will have bad gas mileage. That aside, this is another keeper for me for some time. Do your homework if you want one, and just pony up for the HEMI. I would not buy new - buy used and take advantage of the depreciation.

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  Exceeds expectations, 5.7 hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By unclewilly1 - April 5 - 3:06 am

  I bought this Commander about 18 months ago with 140k miles. Limited, 5.7L 4x4 quadradrive-II. I am in North Carolina, Raleigh; I think this was a California car, thats where home was on the GPS. I love this Jeep, my third, two Grand Cherokees before (1998 & 2000), this is my favorite. I do a lot of maintenance myself, or at least diagnose before going to the shop; never to the Jeep dealership if it can be helped. I have not had to perform any non-maintenance activities since ownership. My wife has our 2000 GC Larado 2WD with almost 200k miles (amazing relialibity) and I plan on upgrading to a (2015+) Grand cherokee 4wd Overland in the next 18 months or so.