The Good
The 2006 Jeep Commander offered a potent combination of off-road capability and decent on-road performance, appealing to the adventurous spirit. Its distinctive, boxy design harked back to classic Jeeps. For practical buyers, the three-row seating provided ample space for families. The comfortable interior and available luxury features enhanced the driving experience.
The Bad
The 2006 Jeep Commander is known for its subpar fuel economy, particularly with the V8 engines. Reliability can be a concern, with reports of electrical issues and drivetrain problems. The third-row seating is cramped, and visibility can be limited due to the thick pillars. Rust can also be an issue, especially in colder climates.
2006 Jeep Commander: Quick Overview
Key specs for the 2006 Jeep Commander:
- Engine Options:
- 3.7L V6: 210 hp
- 4.7L V8: 235 hp (later 305 hp)
- 5.7L HEMI V8: 330 hp
- Horsepower: Ranging from 210 hp to 330 hp, depending on the engine.
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- 3.7L V6: 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
- 4.7L V8: 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
- 5.7L HEMI V8: 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 3.7L V6: 9.5 seconds
- 4.7L V8: 8.0 seconds
- 5.7L HEMI V8: 7.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,400 lbs with the 5.7L HEMI V8.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Cloth seats, basic audio system, standard safety features.
- Limited: Leather seats, premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, power-adjustable seats.
- Overland: Upgraded leather, wood trim, navigation system, premium sound system, chrome accents, Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system.
2006 Jeep Commander Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2006 |
| Make | Jeep |
| Model | Commander |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4WD |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | DETROIT |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 4581 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6200 pounds |
| Overall Height | 71.90 inches |
| Overall Length | 188.50 inches |
| Overall Width | 74.80 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 109.50 inches |
| Standard Seating | 7 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.7-L V-6 |
| Engine Size | 3.7L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $27,440 |
| Invoice Price | $25,262 |
| Delivery Charges | $695 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2006 Jeep Commander Have?
Recalls have been issued for various issues, including potential problems with the fuel tank, airbags, and electrical system. Long-term reliability can be questionable, with many owners reporting that the Commander requires more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to other SUVs. The 2006 model year, being the first year of production, may have more issues compared to later model years as some initial design flaws were addressed in subsequent years. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and thoroughly inspect any used Commander before purchasing.
How long will the 2006 Jeep Commander last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Entertainment: Base models featured a standard AM/FM radio with a CD player. Higher trims offered a premium audio system with a multi-disc CD changer. A navigation system was available as an option on the Limited and Overland trims.
Driver-Assistance: Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles. Rear parking sensors were available as an option.
Safety Features: Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and side curtain airbags. Optional features included side-impact airbags for the front seats.
Crash-Test Ratings: The 2006 Jeep Commander received mixed crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). NHTSA gave it four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The IIHS rated it "Marginal" in the side-impact test.
Overall, while the Commander offered some useful features, it lacked many of the advanced tech and driver-assistance systems found in newer vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2006 Jeep Commander Prices and Market Value
2006 Jeep Commander Cost of Ownership
2006 Jeep Commander Fuel Efficiency
2006 Jeep Commander Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2006 Jeep Commander Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2006 Jeep Commander Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2006 Jeep Commander Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
In terms of performance, the Commander's HEMI V8 offered strong acceleration, but fuel economy suffered. Its off-road capability was a key selling point, surpassing some rivals. However, reliability was a consistent weakness compared to the 4Runner and some Explorer models.
Alternatives to the 2006 Jeep Commander include the Toyota 4Runner (for reliability), the Honda Pilot (for practicality and fuel economy), and the Ford Explorer (for a balance of comfort and features). If off-road capability isn't a primary concern, the Honda Pilot is arguably a better choice due to its superior reliability and fuel efficiency. If serious off-roading is needed, a well-maintained 4Runner presents a more dependable option.
Ranks #1714 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0โ ) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0โ ) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0โ ) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0โ ) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0โ ) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0โ ) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0โ ) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0โ ) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0โ ) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0โ ) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0โ ) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0โ ) |
| 1714 | 2006 Jeep Commander | (5.0โ ) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Jeep Commander a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Brandy on October 11, 2024
I own an 06 Jeep Commander limited 5.I own an 06 Jeep Commander limited 5.7 hemi. Not worth any money, and no one really knows how to fix the vehicle because they quit making them back in 2010. Mine is sitting at a shop right now with only 57000 miles on it. The vehicle was poorly designed. Major fire hazards due to excessive heat from exhaust under rear seats melting wires. Poorly soldered connections at the TCM. The TCM throws all kinds of crazy codes. Vehicle shows transmission and engine codes; however it is an electrical problem. I have a mechanic at a jeep dealership trying to figure out how to trace my wiring harness because every time he tries the vehicle resets itself. He's had the vehicle for 2 months. I've been left stranded for days. This vehicle is the most unreliable vehicle you could ever buy. The first issues I had was the vehicle not wanting to start and acted like the fuel pump was bad. Then it didn't want to crank. I've seen several random codes, but never the same codes. So I thought TCM after a little research. I took it to one shop, they said I needed a new transmission. I said no way. It is definitely an electric issue. Took it to the actual Jeep dealership mechanics to their wiring specialist. He's been stumped for 2 whole months. It costs between 750-1550 for them to trace the wiring harness. I gave them the green light to proceed. Got updated today to find there's actually no update or progress because everything the mechanic starts on it, the vehicle automatically clears the codes. It should only take,at most, 10hrs to check the entire wiring harness. So at this point, I'm out my money plus thousands more. I initially thought I could maybe just replace the TCM, but that won't fix the issues if there is a bad wire. I could replace the entire harness, which could run me $5-10k. At this point, I just want a refund on this vehicle or a replacement of equal value and whatever brand vehicle.
Xochitl Morales on February 24, 2023
Electronics system is terrible!!!!My seatbelt sensors go off when I have my seat belt on for both driver and passenger. Ever since I took it to the dealer to fix some recalls my electronic system sucks! My truck never felt the same again. Didn't and don't feel safe driving it with others in the truck. I had to purchase a safer car to drive my 80 yr old mother. Door handles fell apart. Not cheap to replace! Don't have the money!! I drive to work only.?
RobG on May 15, 2021
Powerful and spacious.If you want the รยขรขโยฌร โboss hogรยขรขโยฌรย of a Jeep, this is your monster. Big 5.7 V8. Goes through anything and it tows great. Great car.
Jeep girl on March 19, 2021
Pretty reliable . Love driving it.This ride is fully loaded. Leather seats , sunroof in front and mini sunroof in back. Plenty of room to cart the family around. Plus nice speaker system and pull down DVD player in back.
Kalides July 22nd on August 22, 2020
it is a big comfortable SUV.this was a base model, i wish it were a better trim, but all in all it was pretty nice, for what it was. the better trim would have had Nav.
Commander4sale on May 27, 2020
Reliable and safeGood value for the price, safe and reliable, 3rd row seats if needed, well kept vehicle. Great first car or secondary option. O trail rated and tested!
JennyD on March 4, 2020
Best vehicle I've ever driven, excellent in the snLove all of room it has. It's very reliable and dependable. Driven it over 200k miles with no issues. Excellent in the snow and mud.
Cayenne-Commander on February 24, 2020
Best Jeep I ever owned. No BS review.This Jeep came black with Limited trim and a potent 5.7L HEMI V8 engine and 4x4. I towed a nearly 30 foot boat to the beach and the V8 gave me 18 MPG and the instantaneous throttle response when you press the pedal brings the 346 ci engine to life with an addictive barbaric gurgle. Deep and mellow exhaust sound matched performance as I timed a 0-60 mph at 5.8 seconds (with Jeep GC SRT8 exhaust headers, 85mm ported throttle body/MAF, & custom glasspack mid-muffler system + performance tuner and 210/218 @ 0.50" duration COMPcams camshaft). This is the most reliable Jeep (3 priors) I ever owned and was way ahead of it's time. I am looking into upgrading to a newer one. Spend some money on aftermarket handling and suspension upgrades and you have yourself the best looking, safest, & best performing Jeeps that can get groceries or dominate in any weather. I use 20" 5-star silver (concave) GC SRT8 rims and sticky in All seasons Michelin pilot sport as 3 + and have always felt confident as the driver of this awesome rig. Look towards 2009+ Commanders with the 5.7L Eagle V8 to really live up to it's namesake.
Commander on November 5, 2019
Awesome SUV! Love the Hemi!Have owned this vehicle for more than 10 years and love it! Distinctive and upscale in addition to being powerful and practical. Can't understand why Jeep stopped making this model. There are still many on the road, attesting to its reliability. Awesome vehicle!
Carfan on October 30, 2019
Love this jeepOf all of the cars that I have owned this one has been my favorite. We have Owen the car since new in 2005 and it has been a wonderful ride. There is room for improvement, but overall a great suv. If I could buy it new again with today's hemi I would do it again.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.