06 Jeep Commander - decent? garbage?

[sasilverbullet]

My son is thinking of buying a 06 Jeep Commander 2WD. Saw that it can come with three engines - 3.7l, 4.7l and 5.7l.

Anyone familiar with these engines on reliability?

Anyone familiar with the car?

Please shed your thoughts/comments on the vehicle.

P.S. He loves Jeeps and has a third kid on the way, so he needs the extra seating.

 

[Donald]

I am not sure why one would buy a 2WD Jeep. Jeep has one of the best 4WD systems available. But in 2WD, why?

But I have no knowledge about this specific vehicle.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

That was a dark time for Chrysler.

Benz' poor influence had taken quite a toll on Chrysler quality at that point ... Interior pieces aren't great quality, electrical gremlins, etc.

The 3.7 engine is reliable if you can keep head gaskets in it. I know a few people with 3.7 WK grand Cherokees - every single one of them has blown head gaskets at least once. They really really like to blow head gaskets in the WK Grand Cherokee and Commander - I suspect it's just too heavy of a vehicle for it.

The 4.7 was pretty much sorted out by then. 5.7L hemi is a good engine as well. The 5 speed auto transmission to which all 3 engines are connected to are reliable.

 

[crazyoildude]

head gaskets are not so stable on those engines

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I am not sure why one would buy a 2WD Jeep. Jeep has one of the best 4WD systems available. But in 2WD, why?

But I have no knowledge about this specific vehicle.


Maybe because it is Texas?

 

[bepperb]

I had one with the 3.7 as a rental. It was slower than my Highlander. And that is slow. There are plenty of other SUV's with 3 rows and a v6 that aren't (because they don't weigh as much). Not that speed/driving dynamics are everything, but you're paying a price in fuel economy, interior space, reliability... etc to have a "fun car" or whatever and if it isn't fun (and I don't see how a 2wd SUV with the acceleration of a smart car would be) I don't see the point. It's just a grocery getter and there are better ones out there.

Having 3 kids I understand the need. I still make them sit 3 wide in my Highlander. That won't last forever. The extra space of the minivan is nice, and the Jeep would be closer to that. But if you're not getting something sensible at least get something fun. The Commander I had looked fun and drove lame.

 

[SF0059]

I owned an '06 with the 4.7. Very comfortable, great w/awd anf plenty of room. Only repair it needed was a new exhaust manifold.

However, it got 11 mpg no matter what. Got tired of putting gas in it and sold it. Decent vehicle, but I think your son could find something more economical.

 

[cptbarkey]

For as large of a vehicle that it is, the interior dimensions is pathetic. Unless his heart is set on it, I would avoid it. Its ugly as sin to boot.

 

[RN89]

My BIL has an '07 with the 3.7 with 206k miles on it. It's honestly been a pretty decent vehicle for them. It's had every electrical component failure possible, but engine wise, no problems.

I drove it over Christmas when we were visiting them in TN. Slow is about right. But it does drive smoothly.

Like others have said, there are better vehicles out there. If he does not care about gas tell him to check out a 4Runner with the V6.

 

[MNgopher]

Father in law owns one with the Hemi in it. Decent enough to drive and plenty of power. After that, meh...

For the size of vehicle it is, the interior isn't as spacious as you would think it should be (and is in competitors vehicles). Visibility is poor, particularly with the third row seat up. Fuel mileage is equivalent to owning a full size truck from the same era - seems to average around 13.5-14 mpg in mixed driving. Has had several electrical gremlins over the years (this one is fully loaded with every option imaginable).

There are better options out there - part of why these died off.

 

[glock19]

Just be sure to keep an eye on the belts. My friend's Commander was totaled after the serpentine belt snapped at 60K.

It doesn't help that she continued to drive for another mile or so after it snapped, just beating, breaking, and bending everything in the engine compartment.

 

[wander2039]

Sister just traded her 06 off with a bad trans around 130k. I'd say that was a lack of maintenance though. Don't recall her saying anything about any other issues.

 

[crazyoildude]

hyundai santa fe v6 ...fast and reliable

 

[kkreit01]

Read reviews. I've read the 3rd row on them is pretty useless. I'd look for an Aspen or Durango of the same vintage. They have a very useful 3rd row. For sure don't buy the 3.7 in a vehicle that large. It couldn't even pull the last Liberty very well. I'd look for a Hemi. The MPG between the 4.7 and Hemi are nearly identical.

 

[dareo]

Sequoia, Expedition, Tahoe, Suburban, Excursion, Armada, QX56, Econoline Passenger Vans, Sprinter diesel van, probably many more large vehicles i would consider before an 06 Commander.

Daimler and penny pinching really hurt the quality then.
*edit* What i would really like if i needed a large SUV would be a Land Cruiser / Lexus GX variant. Sick.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I am not sure why one would buy a 2WD Jeep. Jeep has one of the best 4WD systems available. But in 2WD, why?

I remember a story about a Jeep dealer in Colorado. Someone (from California or a Southern state) brought a 2WD Cherokee in. At one point, most of the technicians were underneath the Jeep on the lift looking at this curious front axle with no drivetrain.

 

[drfeelgood]

I own a 2010 Hemi 4wd Commander. Apart from the horrible gas mileage (12-13 mpg, maybe 17 hwy), it has been a great vehicle. I wouldn't even consider a 2wd Jeep. What's the point? The 2006 Commanders were the first model year and likely will have more issues. The V6 is underpowered for a 5000 lb. vehicle, and the mileage is only minimally better.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: Donald
I am not sure why one would buy a 2WD Jeep. Jeep has one of the best 4WD systems available. But in 2WD, why?

I remember a story about a Jeep dealer in Colorado. Someone (from California or a Southern state) brought a 2WD Cherokee in. At one point, most of the technicians were underneath the Jeep on the lift looking at this curious front axle with no drivetrain.


It is strange to see! Essentially a pipe with knuckles!

 

[doitmyself]

The reason many people buy 2wd SUV's/CUV's is that they realize they don't need (vs. want) the capability and/or increased maintenance cost of 4wd. They have the necessary driving skills to travel the roads in front wheel drive and are not delusional about 4wd. The vast majority of vehicles in Michigan are 2wd.

People choose the 2wd SUV/CUV body style wanting the utility aspect of that vehicle. Better clearance, bigger tires, more functional storage space (i.e. - the muddy hunting dogs can hop in the back area.). Something in between a car and a pick up.

It's not that hard to understand. Of, course, there are a few poser, JEEP wannabes, but Soccer Moms would not fall into that category, I think. Just the opposite, many men need the image aspect of a 4wd, testosterone laden vehicle (no insult implied to anyone here).

The most versatile vehicles I owned were my short wheelbase Caravans (livestock,grandkids,building materials, etc.) Too bad today's minivans are bloated people movers.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
The reason many people buy 2wd SUV's/CUV's is that they realize they don't need (vs. want) the capability and/or increased maintenance cost of 4wd. They have the necessary driving skills to travel the roads in front wheel drive and are not delusional about 4wd. The vast majority of vehicles in Michigan are 2wd.

People choose the 2wd SUV/CUV body style wanting the utility aspect of that vehicle. Better clearance, bigger tires, more functional storage space (i.e. - the muddy hunting dogs can hop in the back area.). Something in between a car and a pick up.

It's not that hard to understand. Of, course, there are a few poser, JEEP wannabes, but Soccer Moms would not fall into that category, I think. Just the opposite, many men need the image aspect of a 4wd, testosterone laden vehicle (no insult implied to anyone here).

The most versatile vehicles I owned were my short wheelbase Caravans (livestock,grandkids,building materials, etc.) Too bad today's minivans are bloated people movers.


Some are better than others in the snow in 2WD.

A 2WD Jeep Cherokee just will NOT go in the snow. Does not matter how much weight you add and how good your tires are. Learned that the hard way. Had good tires on mine last year and a lot of weight in the back last winter. Wouldn't move.

A 2WD Escape/CX-5/RAV/CRV would be excellent in the snow with FWD only!

With that said, if I was shopping cute utes I wouldn't even imagine buying one in 4WD. Front drive and snow tires does great.