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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  Cheap for a reason - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fervidmuse - August 31 - 5:04 am

  What we dont like about the Jeep is the fuel economy, sound system, climate system, and reliability. With mixed city/highway miles we average 14-15mpg which is what the vehicle is rated for in city-only driving. 250-300 miles at most per fill-up -The climate system has been replaced yet the floor vents never shut off no matter the setting. -The sound system has too much bass even when completely turned down. -After the transmission fluid was flushed twice, the car still had problems shifting so the transmission was replaced around 30k after arguing with the dealership. -Both of the oxygen sensors failed before 60k miles and the whole exhaust had to be removed to replace them.

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  Pimp My Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ron T. - August 24 - 4:50 am

  Jeep Commander, what can words really say. Ive had my rig for about 45 days. Ive already racked up 1,800 miles. At 41 I feel like a kid again, just lookin for a reason to go crusin. I added 20" Chrome Wheels to my truck which really changed the look of the vehicle, but did decrease my gas mileage considerably. Two trips to the shop already; once a faulty warning light advising me to check 4WD system. Also I had to have one of the computerized keys reprogrammed. Upon starting the vehicle it would run for a few seconds and die. A red dot would appear on the dash along with a message "Try Alternate Key." I was told this had something to do with the security system. Overall I really like my truck.

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  3rd Jeep Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By dr burke - August 14 - 6:50 am

  Impressive. Always inspires other drivers. Envy. Gives you a safe, comfortable Im in control feeling. Ok for married couples, but nix for kids. Plush! Right up their with a Caddy, but more beautiful and off road. Got the Lets refuel America deal for $2.99 @ the pump for three years or 800 gallons for $2.99 per gallon, for a total of 2400 gallons. Deciding factor. No telling what gas is going to cost later this year or next and they credit you with the difference. Say $5 bucks at pump, you get $201 credited back to your credit card. Money in the bank. Oh, they have a May sale going on $2,000 + $1500 + Gas card, if you push and ask to see special rebate for dealers, to give you

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  Concerned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Robin - July 22 - 9:10 pm

  I bought my Commander new in Jan. 07 and have had problems with the window trim that the dealership cant seem to fix. I have had a few other problems with the rotors causing vibration, window not going up, back tail lights leaking, drivers rear door lock not unlocking and it rides like it is going to fall apart. For some reason the dealership always seems to not find a problem and I am tired of brining it in.

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  Great - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By CBH - July 22 - 3:40 pm

  This is the best and most fun auto I have ever owned. Mine has all the bells and whistles and had a sticker price of over $44,000. It has the 5.7L engine. Ill probably never own anything else.

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  Great ride! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jackie - July 5 - 9:00 am

  Purchased this due to the 3rd row, as that was the main factor in buying it. I absolutely love the car, it rides amazing (we dont do any offroading) and I feel 100% safe with my family and my 2 year old son, with the side airbags. But with the 2nd row having a small amount of leg room, theres barely enough room for his car seat, I dont know how hell fit in it in a another year while still in his car seat. Also, wish it was a bit lower to the ground. Stadium seating is great, but takes away a few inches of cargo room.

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  Satsified Buyer - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mrs. Culver - July 1 - 10:43 am

  I wanted the feel of a SUV but something not as large, I traded my Expedition in for the Commander and I am very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Daily use turned to rarely used - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jtpc0003 - June 24 - 5:36 pm

  Good quality product, but fuel economy was very low. Averaged 13-14mpg the first year and a half. Then got a K&N cold air intake installed and now average 15-16mpg. (which isnt too awful for this category of high performance mid-suv) Nice Jeep, but simply drinks too much fuel for the days we live in.

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  Raining in my jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Swimmin in the car - May 30 - 9:03 pm

  My sister and I both have the 2007 commander. Mine has 38,000 miles and the sunroof and windshield are leaking. The water shorted out the radio. Windshield has been repaired 2 times. My sisters has leaked since day 1. I liked the jeep until it started flooding. Rides good. Dont like the second row stadium seating. Cannot see out the back window with 3rd row up. I am past the warranty, so I am riding in a flooded car with no stereo. The cost for repair is $900.

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  Everything I expected - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Clevo19191 - May 28 - 1:36 am

  I think people really need to have realistic expectations. You dont buy a Commander to go off roading in. You buy a wrangler for that. If you want a comfortable, powerful family car, then this is what you buy. I love me Jeep and I enjoy driving in it.