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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  Family 4x4! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JD - November 6 - 11:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome. The perfect vehicle for my young family to explore the outdoors. Very comfortable and competent.

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  Fun Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Love My Jeep - October 31 - 11:30 pm

  Have had the new Commander for a week and love it so far. I got to use the rain sensing wipers yesterday and they worked very well. The driver seat memory presets are awesome and the lumbar support makes driving very comfortable. I love the rear DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones!

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By smitty999 - October 29 - 6:50 am

  Is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I previously owned a Jeep Liberty which I loved but the style of the Commander blew me away. I looked at the H3 but the Commander Limited was a much better value.

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  life long Jeep momma - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jeepwoman - October 28 - 11:20 pm

  Ive only had my new Jeep Commander for a month, but I can tell you - have driven Jeeps for 25 years and I just love mine. The ride is so smooth and it takes turns great. The gas mileage is better then I thought it would be. The only thing that I have seen wrong is I should of gotten rain guards for it because I like to drive with my windows down. The price on the 2006 I just couldnt pass up with the deals that they have right now.You cant buy a small car for that price

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  Overland Quadradrive II - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jim Seeger-Newby - October 19 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had an eye on one of these for years, then about 8 months ago I ran across this 07 Overland with 99k on it, a one-owner garaged all its life, and well-serviced. This is a heavy vehicle and moves with sureness down the highway or other roads. Had a small thud in front end going over sharp speed bumps. Had a suspension fellow look it over....given the overall excellent condition of this Commander, I had him rebuild the front end, struts and ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks all around, front transfer case shaft (rubber boot was cut) + new serpentine belt, all hoses and the transmission cooler lines needed replacement. One bad item is that an oil seal is leaking in the transfer case (the seal costs about $20) -- not a bad leak but to fix it the transfer case must be removed and opened up because the seal is INSIDE of the case. No other leaks. The Hemi is buttery smooth with good power. This thing rides and drives with good control and a secure feeling. Given the Overland equipment it is a joyful experience with its luxuries and their user-friendliness, even on this 07 model. The windshield was replaced (small chips in it) and there is a small tear in the drivers seat thigh support that will soon be repaired. Great visibility, quiet and solid. Ive been amazed and plan to keep this for a long time.

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  What a Wonderful Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Commander Limited - October 18 - 4:13 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited with a 5.7 liter Hemi engine with every accessory. This SUV is a dream to drive. It has all that you need: comfort, style, with unbelievable driveability. After a long trip of about 600 miles, my wife and I felt relaxed and enjoyed the trip. This SUV is fun to drive and just clings to the road with ease.

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  In Love With My Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By T. Brown - October 16 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my Commander for about 7 weeks now & I absolutely love it! This is my 1st brand new car & I couldnt be happier. Great suspension. It goes over speed/road bumps like a champ. Yes, it does get less than stellar gas mileage (which is posted on the vehicle info sticker), but if one cant afford to gas it up, he/she should not be purchasing this vehicle. If youre buying a car that has a $38,000+ sticker price, the gas money should not be an issue. I love all of the bells & whistles. I get compliments on mine all of the time. My family & I have taken several road trips & we all love taking it on the highway. Not as pricey as a Land Rover, but just as great, I think. I love this car!

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  LUUUUV my Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By little texas - October 11 - 4:40 pm

  "Just right" size. Not a teeny, dinky suv and not a boat that minimizes the driving experience. It is nimble and fun while also offering great storage and passenger carrying options. Visibility is really good, I can clearly see the front end and all around the vehicle. The seat adjustments along with the pedal adjustments create a more than comfortable arrangement for my 5 foot nothing size. I admit it is a little high for loading my 2 year old into her carseat in the back, but I love the height when Im on the open road and feel the trade-off is worth it. I can get 18 mpg on highway, but I have to work at it a little. Wish the MPG was better.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Lydia - October 8 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Jeep! It has been very reliable and a great traveling SUV. The 3rd row is small, but still comfortable for the average person. All the other interior room is great and spacious.

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  Indoor Swimming Pool - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By JBenton - October 6 - 12:40 am

  Since the initial purchase of the car May 2007, we have returned the Commander to the dealership 6 times due to the same issue. Leaking into driver and passenger floorboards which has now advanced to leaking into the dashboard. The dealership has worked really hard to try to remedy the issue, but to no avail. It is now September 2008 and we had another swimming pool in the car from rain over the weekend. The car is back in the shop. Oh, did I mention it was in the shop for the exact same thing last week. Sad to say this has really detracted from our enjoying the car.