The Jeep Commander is one of the most iconic vehicles from the brand, gaining much attention over the years. This mid-size SUV is ideal for drivers who are looking for a sturdy vehicle that offers plenty of space for adventures with the whole family. Today we’re going to head back in time to learn more about the Jeep Commander and the history of this special vehicle.
History of the Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander was first showcased as a concept back in 1999 on the auto show circuit. During this time, it was shown as a vehicle that used a direct methanol fuel cell, which was very experimental and exciting for the time. The style of the car is influenced by the third-generation Grand Cherokee, which came about six years after this time. It is a slightly wider vehicle than this one by about eight inches, but it has the same height. This concept vehicle however didn’t come to be, and instead between 2005 and 2010 we saw the mid-size SUV Jeep Commander that we know and love come to the market.
A few years later in 2005, we saw the production version of the vehicle for the first time at the New York Auto Show. The Commander was introduced as either a five or seven-passenger car with a unibody construction. Standard features on the Jeep Commander included traction control, electronic stability control, back up sensors, automatic headlights, and remote keyless entry. There were also a variety of potential add-ons for drivers, based on your needs and budget.
Historical Sales Data for the Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander was well received in the U.S. and around the world. Sales started off strong, with over 88,000 drivers purchasing the vehicle in 2006 alone. From there, we saw a decline year after year, leading to the vehicle’s discontinuation by the end of the decade. While 2007 saw 63,000 sales, this dropped down to 27,000 the year after and 12,000 in 2009. It was clear the popularity of the Jeep Commander was only to be short-lived, leading to the company heading in another direction in the future.
Jeep Commander Awards
During its time on the market, the Jeep Commander was recognized many times for its design, handling, and reliability. 4×4 Magazine in the UK voted the vehicle its 4×4 of the Year for 2007, which just goes to show how popular it was in other countries too. It was appreciated by drivers and critics around the world for its good handling and seating configuration but sadly was discontinued after just a short time due to a lack of sales.
High Mileage Stories | Jeep Commander
When it comes to the expected mileage for the Jeep Commander, you’ll find that the vehicle can on average do about 150,000 miles or more over 10-15 years. This longevity just goes to show how reliable this vehicle can be, especially for use as an off-road vehicle. Many owners have easily reached over 200,000 miles with minimal issues, enjoying many years of use of this popular vehicle.
Common Issues and Problems with the Jeep Commander
While many drivers enjoy handling the Jeep Commander, it does come with some concerns. The most common issues include exhaust leaks, which were common with the 3.7 V6 and 4.7 V8 engines that were used between 2006 and 2010. Warning lights also commonly come on for no reason and there can be delayed transmission engagement. In addition, drivers need to look out for water leaks from the sunroof drain tube, which can be an annoyance when driving. Lastly, as the vehicle ages many drivers report having to replace or refurbish the Jeep Commander cylinder heads.
Jeep Commander Reviews
Although there were some issues with the Jeep Commander, you’ll find that many drivers absolutely loved using this vehicle over the years. It ranks in the upper half of reliability when compared to other Jeep models, but the vehicle was even stated to be unfit for consumption by the Chrysler CEO upon its discontinuation. That being said, in 2017, the company created the Jeep Grand Commander for the Chinese market, which is a three-row vehicle just designed for this market.
One thing that was particularly appreciated by drivers about the Jeep Commander was the off-road capabilities, thanks to the three options for four-wheel drive systems. This feature helped to make off-road driving more pleasurable, thanks to the easy handling and safety features. There were also a variety of trims on offer for drivers, which helped them to personalize their experience even more. While this vehicle certainly has a unique design that’s not for everyone, it’s a great option for anyone looking to make a statement on the road or on your driveway.
Jeep Commander Fun Facts
The Jeep Commander was the company’s first seven-seater vehicle, which was inspired by families with plenty of kids to look after. The seats are designed in a theater-style, which helps parents to see all of their kids thanks to the rear-vision mirror. Even though the vehicle was primarily designed for the American audience, you’ll find that it was still appreciated elsewhere in the world thanks to its large size and unique design.
The unibody construction was also another feature that gathered a fair amount of attention. Drivers appreciated the stepped roof being well disguised by the roof rack, which took inspiration from the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT. The second and third row of seats can also be mounted higher than the first row is set at, making it easier for parents to see what’s going on back there.
While the Jeep Commander didn’t have as long a shelf life as many drivers first expected, it certainly made an impact on the market during its time. We still appreciate the design and handling of this vehicle many years after, and it can still be seen on roads around the world to this date thanks to its high mileage capability. The vehicle was the ideal option for larger families who needed plenty of space to get around with the kids, and today you’ll find many other vehicles on the market that took inspiration from some of the features of the Jeep Commander.
Jeep Commander Cylinder Heads
Are you looking to replace the cylinder heads on your Jeep Commander? Then, call Clearwater Cylinder Head at 1-800-572-1963 for a free estimate over the phone. We are one of the largest warehouses for cylinder heads in the United States, and we specialize in replacing heads in Jeeps and other older vehicles.
We sell both brand new heads as well as refurbished cylinder heads. By calling us at 1-800-572-1963 we can help guide you through the purchasing process to ensure that you get a cylinder head that is compatible with your Jeep. You can view links to some of our products below:
2 CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP CHEROKEE DAKOTA 4.7 SOHC CYLINDER HEADS REBUILT
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP CHEROKEE DAKOTA 4.7 SOHC CYLINDER HEAD DRIVER SIDE 05-07
NEW CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP CHEROKEE DAKOTA 4.7 SOHC CYLINDER HEADS 05-07 NO CORE
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP CHEROKEE DAKOTA 4.7 SOHC CYLINDER HEAD DRIVER SIDE WITH EGR