Jeep vehicles are popular for their off-road prowess as they deliver unmatched performance and power. The Jeep Commander is not an exception. Nonetheless, is Jeep Commander a good car?
Jeep Commander is both a good and a bad car. It is a good car for people looking for a dependable off-road SUV with a large seating and towing capacity. On the other hand, it is a bad car for individuals who desire a comfortable, luxurious, and high-performance off-road car.
The Jeep Commander is a 7-seater with a large cargo area and unique styling. This car can traverse anywhere, and that’s why it is a favorite among off-roaders. However, it also comes with several issues, such as engine problems, electrical issues, broken door handles, and much more.
History of the Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander is a product of Chrysler. This rugged SUV was produced between 2005 and 2010. In total, they produced 6 model years before it was discontinued. Besides, the overall styling of the Jeep Commander influenced the development of the third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Jeep Commander was produced in two versions; XK and the diesel-powered XH. The goal of its development was to target customers that needed third-row seating. Lately, Jeep is trying to revive the Jeep Commander in the Indian market, but with a new name, “Jeep Meridian.”
Features of the Jeep Commander
Appearance
The Jeep Commander may not be the best-looking car in its class, but it’s well-built for its purpose. The box design is ideal for off-road driving. What’s more, the interior is spacious but it is lacking compared to its rivals. Overall, it looks nice but not elegant.
Performance
This is one area where the Jeep Commander is lacking. Despite offering different trims levels, this car does not perform outstandingly. The base trim, which is Commander RWD 4dr Sport comes with a 3.7-liter engine that produces up to 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.
The most powerful trim, which is the Commander 4WD 4dr limited comes with a 5.7-liter engine with a 4-wheel-drive system. This engine delivers up to 357 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque.
Comfort and Cargo area
This is one of the features that people love about the Jeep Commander. This car is very spacious as it can seat up to seven people. Besides, it also comes with ample legroom in both the front and second-row seats. However, third-row is quite cramped, which may make some tall people quite uncomfortable.
Another feature that attracts people is the large trunk and overall cargo space. Behind the third row, the car offers 233-liters of space. This goes up to 661-liters of space with third-row folded and a whopping 1,760-liters of space with second-row folded.
Fuel-efficiency
The Jeep Commander may be a seven-seater, but it is very fuel-efficient. It has an EPA rating of 15 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and a combined 16 mpg. If you compare this to most of its competitors, you will find that it is slightly more efficient than it looks.
Price
Since Jeep Commander was discontinued in 2010, there are no new cars at the moment. So, if you’re looking for a used Jeep Commander, expect to pay between $15,000 and $35,000. The price will vary according to the state of the car and model year. Ensure the car you’re buying is in a good state before paying for it.
FAQ
How reliable is the Jeep Commander?
The Jeep Commander is one of the most reliable Jeep models. This car is rated to have above-average reliability, which is a positive thing. Additionally, the cost of repair and maintenance is low, which saves the user a lot of cash.
What is the most reliable Jeep Commander Model year?
Even though most Jeep Commanders are not reliable, the 2010 Jeep Commander is the most reliable model year. Unlike other model years that register more than 60 problems, this model has registered less than 10 problems, showing that it is very reliable.
The only problem that you have to worry about in the 2010 Jeep Commander is a leaky sunroof. However, other problems like engine stalling or engine problems are not common. Thanks also to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that is reliable.
What are the common problems of the Jeep Commander?
If you’re planning to purchase a used Jeep Commander, it is also crucial to know some of the problems that you will face along the way. Some of the common problems that Jeep Commander Users encounter are engine problems, erratic idling, leaky sunroof, electrical problems, heating problems, broken door handle, and much more.
Despite Jeep Commander having several issues to deal with, not all Jeep Commander Model years experience these issues. So, find out whether the model year you’re buying has lots of problems or not.
Is Jeep Meridian the same as Jeep Commander?
Yes, Jeep Meridian is the same as Jeep Commander. However, Jeep Meridian has not been launched yet as Jeep has planned to launch it in India in June 2022. Like the Jeep Commander, the Jeep Meridian is a 7-seater and is manufactured at the American brand’s manufacturing plant in Pernambuco, Brazil.
What is the high mileage for Jeep Commander?
If you’re looking to buy a quality used Jeep Commander, avoid a model with more than 150,000 miles. Jeep Commanders are reliable cars that are also easy to fix. But when the car clocks over 150,000 miles, problems pile up, making it expensive to own.
Conclusion
As rugged and reliable as the Jeep Commander looks, it still has some issues that interested buyers should learn about and take care of them in time. Nonetheless, this is an excellent off-road SUV with lots of useful features. It is also cheap to maintain, making it one of the best-used cars to have.
Since the Jeep Commander is no longer being produced, it is vital to look for a quality used Jeep Commander with a nice track record. Also, you should have it inspected. All in all, you should stay away from a used 2006 Jeep Commander as it has a lot of issues.