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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  Do Not Buy The Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bryan - May 27 - 8:50 am

  The vehicle with less than 500 mile had the command module fail 2 weeks to repair. With less than 20k mile front subframe failed. 2 weeks to repair. less than 30k miles all the brake rotors warped Jeep will not repair under warranty. Chrysler will only say not covered under warranty. Failure not do to wear.

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  I dont keep cars but, this is a KEEPER! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By takes2tutango - April 17 - 6:26 pm

  Have had my 06 Commander now a month, am about to hit 50k miles and think I have finally found a vehicle I will keep for a very long time. After reading many reviews I hope I got one of the good ones as it seems that most either love or hate this vehicle with very little grey area for this SUV. I have had more trouble dealing with the dealership on things promised in the deal than with any other part of this purchase. It is NO wonder that the American car industry continues to be in the tank when they still seem to lack in customer service. Up until now I have owned Japanese and have had far better service. Now onto the Jeep Commander-I LOVE IT! All but the gas mileage. :( Fix the mpgs)

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  Water leaking/speaker have short - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By deltau1 - April 7 - 2:16 pm

  I just purchase a 2008 commander and I am having water leaking through even when I just use wipers the hand rails near window. Going into speakers. Short, crackle sound, right side speaker dont work. Who knows where water is traveling now! Also, when driving can hear wind through windshield. Hard to see through rear window with rear back seats up, dont use it.I cant really rate the vehicle to much, since its only been a month, so far not good.

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  ALWAYS A SUV GAL! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By V-6 Jeep Loaded - April 7 - 7:56 am

  After looking at the Commander I wasnt sure if I wanted a vehicle in its first production year, but I have have nothing but wonderful things to say about my Jeep. It is a late 06 Model with 07 options (paint-Red Rock), just a beautiful color. It is fully loaded with leather, heated seats, 3 sunroofs and Sirius radio. It is wonderful. I have had Jeeps before (Grand Jeep model) but I enjoy the Commander even more. The gas mileage is not bad at all considering I used to drive a Tahoe, but it really is not bad I would "HIGHLY" recommend this vehicle. My kids love it too, and it has plenty of room to haul kids to games, yet "Sporty" for Mom...the SUV gal! The price is pretty decent also.

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  2006 Commander is a dangerous vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tjapukai - March 6 - 1:23 pm

  While I love the looks of this SUV, it is an unreliable and dangerous vehicle. We have had an excessive number of transmission issues, and 4wd issues which have been very inconvenient. Last Sat. though, while on the freeway going 75, our Commander downshifted and went into 4wd low, redlined the motor, and scrubbed off about 40 MPH. I was lucky that we were not hit by cars behind us. I am looking for any other experiences like this. I will never put my family back into this coffin on wheels! Protect your family. If you are having any issues with the drivetrain, it will most likely lead to this type of situation. This is just one of the many problems we have had with this hunk on tin. Its junk

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  Worst Purchase ever! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By bbreitenbecker - February 22 - 8:33 pm

  First of all we have had issues with our Commander from the first week. When accelerating it sounds like it is going to blow up. There is a loud humming noise that comes from the dash when you reach 55-60 mph. Also, our Jeep is full of rust! All of the seat hardware components (including the headrest) are rusted. It looks as if this vehicle went through a hurricane.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Reviewer1 - February 21 - 1:56 pm

  The only problem with the Commander is poor fuel economy. Otherwise, this is the perfect SUV. Larger than the typical mid-size SUV but not obnoxiously big as most full-size SUVs. The Commander drives great in adverse conditions, such as rain and snow, and always feels under control. The 4.7 V8 offer plenty of power and it rides and handles great for an SUV. I leased mine and will either purchase it after the end of the lease or buy a new one.

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  Death Trap - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By JAM - February 16 - 3:20 am

  I have read up on reviews online and found that there are many people that are having trouble with their jeep stalling out while on a freeway or driving down a road. This has happened to me 4 times now going 70 mph. We are contacting a lawyer b/c we get nothing but the run around when contacting jeep. We have taken it in and they find nothing. What are we supposed to do? Just take our chances and hope not to stall while someone is tailgaiting on a freeway? I am putting my life at risk every time I get into that death trap. So what do I do..I still owe money so I would have to trade it in but HOW do I in good conscious trade in a car that has almost caused a accident?

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  yes dear, another jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tbone - February 15 - 8:10 pm

  I have owned every Jeep in the line up short of the compass and patriot. This one is a favorite. It rides great, does awesome in snow, and feels good to drive. My wife loves the comfort (heated cloth seats) and the gushy ride. The ride home from the dealership gave me 17.3 mpg which I didnt think was too bad for a heavy car. I love this Jeep!!!

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  My third Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By G.H.Lempio - January 26 - 4:30 pm

  Has a feeling of durability. Smooth comfortable driving. Quieter than expected. Driver door arm rest usage caused the right rear window to go down without intention. Second seat center seat is difficult to flatten and not obvious on how to do it. This car is leased and I may buy it at the end of the lease. Very satisfied.