Cool or Crap: Does the HEMI V8 Turn the "Classic" Jeep Commander from Turd to Terrific?
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- Опубликовано: 21 июн 2023
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( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! Jeep has a prestigious history of amazing off-road SUVs, but the Commander isn't exactly the most loved among all the models we've seen over the years. Does the Hemi V8 actually make it a better SUV than the base V6 model, though? Brendan takes a closer look!
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#Jeep #Commander 
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I had a 2007 Commander 4.7 V-8 for 13 years and loved it! The only thing I ever needed to replace was the alternator. Went everywhere and never let me down and was loaded with options! Leather heated seats, cruise, fantastic stereo, rear air/heat, climate controlled HVAC, Trail Rated and a lot more.
I love when people say "had for x years blah blah blah"
Ok, miles, maintenance and usage? Stuff that actually matters.
Bought my 2007 in 2008, now with over a 155000 well-loved miles. Mine is also the 4.7 V8! Alternator and water pump were replaced (transmission also, but that on me. I didn'tdo the scheduledmaintenance). We have taking it out many times four-wheeling in the back country of Virginia, Texas and the outer banks of North Carolina with our three kids. We absolutely love our rig, and we do not see getting rid of it anytime soon.
@@bldontmatter5319 Well clearly he maintained it well for it to run 13 years. Mileage isn't as much a factor as you think.
The 4.7 was a great engine in the Jeeps. My dads Dakota with that 4.7 was a dog. Can’t believe the difference. Lol
@@bldontmatter5319 You're correct, it does matter.The Commander had 147,000 miles on it when I got rid of it. As far as maintenance ⛑ , followed the schedule to a T !
I love my 2006 Commander with the 4.7L 199,000 and still going strong!
And will continue to do so like majority of them do❤️. These comments have NO idea the true reliability and capability of a Chrysler product. I’m happy you took the time to write this. I see these cars all the time.
Ok, 4.0 i6 jeep 400k miles still going strong
ok, 1999 jeep grand cherokee 4.7 500k still going strong
Ditto, Same yr and engine, at 162K mi.
@@bldontmatter5319 Is that a Jeep or an Intel processor?
The XJ was just so handsome and if they had upgraded it a bit would probably still sell today. The Commander looks better to me than the new Cherokee and most current Jeeps.
Hola mi amor ❤
Agreed, it should’ve been able to compete with the Suburban/Tahoe, Durango, and Expedition
In 2009 I leased a Commander Sport for just $159 a month. It was a recession promotion. I had nothing but issues. Electronic gremlins, transmission reprogramming, and it suffered from poor build quality. This was one vehicle I was happy to return.
I own one of these, Limited, with the 4.7 V-8 for about 6 months. I bought it as a build project for off-road overlanding. Why, because of the "boxy" look and room. Funny, like you said, so much love for the other "box" jeeps, Fords, Land Rovers... but not the Commander. Glad you produced this video as it gave me a bit more info on the model. Thanks!
Been an owner for about a year, I really like the Commander, think it's under rated. But I understand why it might have missed the mark in a few areas. It's far from perfect but offers some great advantages and very practical to purchase used. 2006 unlimited 5.7 quadradrive 2.
Fun video! I owned a 2007 model (3.7, full time 4x4) for 10 years and put 140k mikes on it. I never had one power/drive train issue. Very underpowered, poor gas mileage, but mechanically reliable. As others have said, the interior build quality was where the problems were. Mine leaked rain into the cabin like a sieve.
Fun fact: when I purchased mine used in early 2008, Jeep was offering a non-transferable lifetime power train warranty on new vehicles. So, if you’re in the market, a 2008 model is likely to have been dealer-serviced by the first owner.
And the only ones to argue quality issues are people who don’t own but “heard” of things from people who “heard “ things. Freaking hearsay.
@@Natethegreat200cI mean, leaking water into the cabin is an extreme issue and will mean the car is most likely junked due to mold / moisture
When these first came out, my neighbor got one. It didn’t look too bad at the time, but now I’m realizing that he went from a second gen Lexus LS, to a W140 S-Class…to this… That must have been quite an experience.
I love how far the ceiling goes over the driver to the top of the windshield. I love how recessed the windshield is, and how squared off and vertical the design is. It made it feel so cozy, rugged and isolated from the road.
I have a 2007 3.7. It's very comfortable and performance is better than you described it. Third row is useless! But with seat down lot's of storage. it does have some unique maintenance issues, but all in all a good vehicle. They were pricey new, but good value used. The biggest advantage to the V-8 is the high and low range transfer case.
I had a 2008 3.7 grand Cherokee. Never had any issues with it. Loved the engine. I now own a 4.7 powered 06 grand Cherokee and I love it. Specifically looked for one over the 5.7 due to the issues they have
I have the '08 3.7 4WD, it gets hate but I love it. I haven't went off road with it yet but I had to drive through deep snow and ice and it performed amazingly.
The Commander Overland on 33s and a custom exhaust gets me excited.
I have a 2009 base model with 4x4 & sunroof and safari windows n I’ve added 100k miles in the past 3 years and I love the car. It’s solid as hell and never gets stuck in snow.
I absolutely luv my 2006 Hemi Commander but yes they do have a number of issues but I can live with them. Mine has been very reliable as all my issues don't affect reliable just little annoyance items.
I’ve owned 2, both lasted over 250k miles without anything more than normal maintenance. There are a couple things to watch out for, but there are a couple very reliable engine choices for them.
Had a diesel commander (uk) since 2006 never let me down super reliable awesome off road ( quadra drive 2 ) comfortable excellent Mercedes engine and gearbox don’t judge them till you’ve owned one !
Ive got the RFE but I've heard the NAG is really good.
Finally you did it!!! Io requested this video back when you the V8 Cherokee, Thanks 🔥 I’m a happy man
I was deeply hurt during the podcast when there was so much hate for this jeep! Thanks for making this video haha. I loved my '06 Commander. When I would stuff it full of my friends, it felt like the front wheels were going to lift off the ground {great times}. The 4 wheel drive was garbage but everything else was fantastic about that thing!
A few things:
Every model of the Commander got reverse sensors….base to Overland. This was due to the poor visibility of the rear when the third row was up. Reverse cameras are the premium upgrade.
Second row seats (except the centre one) do recline slightly for a little more comfort.
The second row seats flipping is actually a one-tug system. The strap he pulled from behind the seat is actually meant for the passengers sitting in the third row to let themselves out. That handle at the bottom side of the second row seats has two notch points and just need to pull further up to fully fold and tumble the seat.
That cargo cover for the tire jack kit is actually reversible and can be installed on there 3 different ways (as shown, upside down, and upside down-rotated) extra space is negligible but it can sit flat and lines up with the plastic edge where the lift gate latches. Put it the other way around and you’ll get a little wall that prevents things from rolling out when the lift gate is opened.
Also: the Commander was mechanically identical to the 2005-2010 Grand Cherokee…..same suspension, wheel base, engine options (except SRT model), drivetrain parts, subframes, dash systems and layout, computers, and so on. The Commander was really just a restyled, boxy Grand Cherokee with a third row squeezed in. Honestly it was a more versatile Grand Cherokee…people just choose the Grand Cherokee over it due to name reputation and styling (and for the rare few, the SRT model).
Before upgrading to a wagoneer this year, I owned a commander that I used to tow my balloon trailer. Overall, it served me well for many years. Very capable for what it was.
The Commander and Liberty (both gens) are the most underrated Jeeps!
100%
The library off roads like nothing else 😫
@@Natethegreat200c Having a proper low range 4WD makes it an off road beast!
I have an 06 limited hemi and absolutely love it. I wanted something that wasn't really everywhere you look like a wrangler. I also put a 4" lift with 32" all terrain tires
Greetings from South Africa, thnx for the great video. I’ve owned my CRD Limited now for almost a year after several XJ’s and loving every minute of it
You made my day Jeep Commader is one of my all time dream vehicle.
Really ? Why? Just curious 😊
Took me awhile to find a hemi quadratrac ll model. Absolutely love it and still a head turner. Few mods on this Jeep and ends up being timeless. The newer jeeps are back to being the boxier type again. For the 06/07 hemis just turn off the MDS via tuner and the engine ends up being bullet proof.
I always loved the look of these, reminded me of the Isuzu Troopers back in the day. The big issue is that these were a Cerebus era car so the interiors were awful quality and many soft spec parts. I had a 2007 Grand Cherokee that was a maintenance nightmare and even with the hemi, these are not worth the trouble. This is coming from a life long Jeep guy.
We owned (2) Jeep Grand Cherokees (2003 & 2001) nothing but nightmares in repairs! Both with 4.7L V8. Spent over $13k in repairs on the ‘03 and traded it in for $500!! Wife just wanted it gone. The 2001 we still have with over $20k in repairs but waaay over our heads upside down we’re keeping it. New motor, new trans, new a/c system, new suspension, electrical, tires, brakes,etc’. Every time I ask “What could possibly go wrong now?” That Jeep will find something to break! Wife refuses to give this one up unlike the ‘03 because it’s got a lift kit w/ big tires and sits up high above everyone else. Still, its a piece of garage!
I am an original owner of a 2006 Limited with the 5.7. 180k miles and still looks great. I did lift it 3” and run Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires.
Thank you Brendan, I've always loved the Commander, since they did away with the Cherokee they'd be my fav.
Ten years ago I cross shopped a Jeep Liberty 3.7, a Commander 5.7, and a Grand Cherokee 4.7 - all used. I liked the elevated rear seating of the Commander, and the individual skylights. Made it feel like an aircraft cockpit. But it showed a little rust prematurely I thought. Ultimately, I ended up with the Grand Cherokee, which we still have.
Have 5.7 2008 Overland and absolutely love this Jeep ❤❤❤
I always thought the Jeep Commander looked cool. The Arctic edition looks really great.
I am glad you tucked away your predisposed hate of the Commander and took time to actually drive one. I had been looking at Commanders for a couple years when the need came up to replace my daily driver. I bought a 2008 Sport V6 and couldn't be happier. I don't need 360 horsepower nor do I need quadra trak whatever in order to go offroading since I don't go offroading. I am not saying that those things wouldn't be nice to have but for what I use my Commander for, they are not needed at all. It is a great daily driver and gets about 22 to 23 mpg on the freeway at 70mph. No build quality issues. Great SUV.
we almost bought a hemi jeep commander, still kinda hits me in the feels seeing them
I've had my 2010 Commander 4x4 Hemi Sport for over 7 years now and love it! No, it's not good on gas. But... It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. After a little 2" lift, a cold air intake, a cat-back exhaust, some all-terrain tires... it "looks the part" and sounds good too. 140k currently on the odometer and still going strong!
I can't wrap my mind around the fact that this channel only has a little over two hundred thousand subscribers...it should be so much more I feel. Cool upload guys... keep them rolling out !
They've got a few million if you combine all the channels
Most people want new cars every year.
Hell yeah!! So glad to hear you have come around on these overlanding jems!! The Jeep Commander is a beast!! Don't get the V6, not enough power. Don't get the HEMI. They drop valves like crazy, thanks to the terrible cooling because of the larger engine. Get the 4.7 V8!! Silky smooth and 300 ftp of torque! Make sure you get the Limited with Quadra-drive II! It's the same 4-wheel drive system coming on the new Jeep Wagoneer! It can send 100% of the power to one wheel if the other three have lost traction. How awesome is that!?!? Did I mention these are large enough to sleep in? Yep, who needs a roof top tent! You can pick these up in great condition for $7k. These things are an absolute steal. So glad you are giving them some love. Thanks for the video and you guys should build one. We need more help in the aftermarket and if you decided to build one it would help our community.
I love how involved you are in the commander community. Every where I look at commanders you’re there.
@@felixtavarez7769 I'm always looking for Commander content. These are so underrated.
My 06' dropped a valve at 167k, decided to put a 2010+ Hemi that got rid of those issues plus an upgraded radiator and thermostat, fixed all the issues the early hemi had and has made it the best SUV I've ever owned! Can't go wrong with the 4.7 though, they are great.
@@blakec1858 Glad to hear the engine swap went well. 💪 They truly are underrated. Thanks for watching.
I have a 2006 QD11 5.7 lifted. I paid 13,000 for it and almost as much after on maintenance and a new Hemi! It’s a beast! I tow my RPod across country and wouldn’t trade it for the anything lessor! Jeep = just empty every pocket!
Make sure you know which 4x4 system you are buying when it comes to the Hemi option. It appears the WK and XK both used the Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems. The major difference between the NV245-based Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II is that Quadra-Trac II uses the Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) instead of electronically controlled differentials. When it senses a left-to-right speed differences between wheel hubs BTCS can apply each of the vehicle's brakes independently, similar to anti-lock brakes, enabling Quadra-Trac II's open front and rear differentials to offer limited-slip capabilities. The easiest way to tell, the vehicles with QDII will have it printed to the rear of the gear selector lever.
If you plan to really use these vehicles, you want to buy the QDII system. I have a WK with the QDII and Hemi, I lifted it 2.5" with an Old Man Emu HD lift kit and a Rocky Road Outfitters leveling kit, this thing does really well off road. Depending on the type of off-roading you want to do, these Jeeps will do the more narrow stuff you might see a Wrangler or 4-runner doing, the large GM suvs will have a hard time on the narrow trails. I think with a lift and larger tires, a XK will make a great overlanding rig because of the extra room on the rear.
I have a similar spec Grand Cherokee and it is a beast off road and towing. The WK/XK platform deserves a way bigger following.
I would not want the QDII, too many concerns about burning up the clutches and always having to do all 4 tires when 1 needs replacing. QTII, add a rear locker and you’re golden.
@@luchaDor the LSDs are electronically controlled and only activate when in 4lo. They are much different than the LSDs used on the WJ QDI system. They more or less function as an electronic locker but activate automatically. Clutch wear is not really an issue on these, I have 210k miles on mine with proper maintenance and they still work perfectly. I even have an app (Jscan) that connects via Bluetooth OBDII and gives me the option to select the F or R locker manually in 4hi or 4lo. The tire situation is no different than any other full time 4wd/awd vehicle.
@@luchaDor Never had any of those issues. You dont need to change all 4 tires when you replace one, they recommend you change the tire opposite, but you dont have to depending on wear. I have taken it up some pretty cool rock formations, works like a charm.
I have a 2010 Jeep Commander Limited with the 5.7 hemi and the QTII 4wd system, owned since 2015. It is comfortable on the highway and quite capable off-road. My family fights over who gets to drive it. Only downsides are the tiny third row (but okay for occasional use) and the gas mileage (about 13 mpg in the city and 19 on the freeway). Same platform as the Grand Cherokee but more space. Parts availability is decent. These are great vehicles, buy one while you can.
I used to build them when I worked at JNAP, and I hated them! 17 years later, they look awesome! ! I've NEVER seen a rusty Commander!
Friend had an 06 Limited with the 4.7L and she used it whenever we would all be going out for dinner/drinks/other sorts of evening activities a bunch of 20 somethings in the military would do back in the late 2000s. Let's just say the 7 person stated capacity is able to fit 7 adults and maybe a few extras if you try hard enough. Just make sure to bring bribes for the MP at the gate when you get back to base so he don't pull all of you out of the truck soon as you roll up.
I have always thought that they should have put the Commander on the Dodge Durango platform. It would have been a larger platform with a more accommodating third row seat and cargo area, and they could have kept the boxy styling and still offered the Hemi V8, while having an actual usable interior. I never understood why they used to Grand Cherokee platform for the Commander instead of the Durango.
In the mid-2000s Durango was still a body on frame SUV. Diamler-Chrysler didn't really like to spend money on American things and knew 3-row SUVs were starting to be a thing. So management decided they needed a 3-row Jeep, but didn't really want to spend the money to make the unibody Grand Cherokee any longer to accommodate a useful 3rd row. They sure weren't going to rebadge a trucky body on frame Dodge to be their luxurious top flight Jeep. So you ended up with the Commander that had 3-rows to bring in people to look at and buy, but that 3rd row was utterly useless unless it was an 8 year old child the seat. The Commander was a good vehicle that utterly failed at the very purpose of its existence so it was axed after the 2010 model year.
But here's the kicker. When they came out with the WK2 Grand Cherokee in 2011 they also came out with an elongated unibody platform for the then new and still current generation WD Durango. It would have been easy to have an updated 3-row Commander with a now useful 3rd row. But management didn't want two 3-row SUVs sold at the same dealerships. A shame, as they could have been differentiated by having the Commander with more off-road gear and focus than the Durango to separate them in focus and price. Makes a great what if scenario.
@@briandeiwert5911 I remember hearing this from my dad's friend who worked at Chrysler back when the Commander was taken off market. Made me so sad to hear what could've been, if only the boxy look was more popular back then I think an "XK2" would be a great sell.
Brenden is the only reason I still subscribe to TFL.
I am a lover of the Commander - a luxury 7 Seat wagon that was way way ahead of it's time. Gorgeous classic Jeep styling and if you are lucky enough to have the 3.0 CRD (Diesel) that we received here in Australia, you have a an absolute gem of an SUV! The 3.0 CRD is the Mercedes unit and is sheer quality, whisper quiet, economical and bullet proof. Mine is the 2008 Limited in Mineral Grey with beige leather and three sun-roofs.
I have a 2006, 4.7L, QT2. Original motor and trans with 190k on the odometer. I replaced a waterpump, outer tie rods, and few batteries over the years. Oh, and all the tire sensors. Because I hate dash lights being on! Other than that, nothing but preventative maintenance: plugs, fluids, etc. I have a 2.25 inch lift, running 2018 JL wheels and tires. I. LOVE. MINE. I am getting ready to replace front diff bushings and lower control arms, and all sway bar links, as well as add a rear air spring kit to keep it level when pulling my camper. Originally equipped with the Boston Acoustics sound system, I kept the factory amp, replaced all the speakers with OEM Mopar Kicker speakers (if i remember correctly the kits for a charger were drop in, plug in), and a Kenwood head unit. I run a Superchips tuner on it for a better shift feel and acceleration improvement. Tinted windows up front to match the rear factory tinted glass and a tint strip across the windshield. Currently on the hunt for a set of HO cams for the 4.7L just to get a little bit extra umph. Did I mention that I love mine??
We had a heavily optioned 2008 Commander Sport with the Gen II 4.7 V8 (305 hp). We were the second owners and put over 80k on it before passing it to a friend. We really enjoyed it. The one big problem that cropped up was the easily clogged sunroof drains. The front two were accessible but the rear drains were not. Overall I don't understand the hate that these get.
Ugh. I'll double down on the sunroof drains. Love the vehicle but those are a PITA.
THERES REAR DRAINS?!
I love my 2010 fully loaded Jeep commander limited with the hemi. It’s around 189k miles still driving strong. It’s my daily.. just like any other vehicle keep up on maintenance and your vehicle will last. - currently installed a new 320 amp alt just for stereo purposes I still have the stock alt that never gave me one problem.
I got a 2006 5.7 hemi limited with quadrat drive 2 as my first car and I absolutely love it! Despite all the hate they’re actually actually really reliable cars! Although I found mine from an old man and when I bought it in 2020 it only had 65,000 miles on it to this day it still works perfectly! Right now only has around 70,000 and I haven’t had to take it into the shop for issues I read about online.
I had a 4.7 2007 great truck but the sunroof drains never worked from the beginning I traded in when the warranty expired but really liked the styling
My family still owns and regularly drives a 2008 commander limited w/ the hemi. We gotta preserve one of America’s last “boats”!
I actually own two commander, both 2010. A base model 3.7 and quadra trac 1 but fully loaded in the sport trim and a limited almost fully loaded with the 5.7 and quadra drive 2
TFL should absolutely buy one of these or similar era grand Cherokee for one of their off-road challenges! Specifically the 5.7L version with the quadradrive 2 package that includes the limited slip diffs front and rear and skid plates. I have a 2009 grand Cherokee in that spec and it does 0-60 under 6s, I tow 6500lbs with ease, and have a very capable 4wd system. I have over 210k miles on mine now and maintenance and parts have been relatively cheap.
LOVE THIS❤️. Glad you do your maintenance so she treats you well like any Chrysler product will with maintenance. Glad you took care of it.
Doesn’t the 5.7 call for replacing the 16 spark plugs every 30,000 miles? Or did they update that by 2009. Pricey job if you don’t DIY.
2009 XK 4.7 owner and I love, love, love it. Will never give it up. I put 150000+ and currently restoring it to new again. People ask all the time about it. Someone even gave me a duck. Lol
I love the design of a commander
I have 08 5.7 QDII and absolutely love it
I always liked these. A family member had one and it started developing electrical issue after 2-3 years so never considered buying one
ASAC Hank Schrader’s car from Breaking Bad
Good review
Love these reviews
My mom drove a new 2006 Commander with the hemi until the motor died in 2022. Only had 150k miles, but it looked brand new. It was having leaking coolant issues, AC issues, suspension issues, never got more than 13 MPG on mostly highway driving, but she still loved it. She had driven a new 96 XJ for 10 years up until the Commander. Ironically, she still has the 4.0 XJ running as a second car. She sold the Commander with the dead motor last year. I think the block had cracked. I sort of talked her out of getting another Jeep. I don’t hear people talking about reliability anymore with Jeep’s.
Personally, I like the ones with the high output 4.7. The 4.7 is really a pretty good engine, especially the later ones. With proper maintenance they can easily last more than 250,000 miles. Plus, the 4.7 is very easy to work on. The Hemi is great, but they can be a bit of a pain to work on.
I live in Australia and have a 09 Black Limited 4.7 V8 Commander we did not get many Commanders here best guess is less than 1500 so I have been told. I get a lot of positive comments from people on the streets/shopping centres etc. Even offers to buy it, was a ex consulate car (Egyptian to be exact) so did not go off road and we are the same it's basically a big family wagon for us. Maybe that's why it has been so reliable no bush work lol the 4.7V8 is adequate does the job anyway the wife loves it. Don't know what I would replace it with not another Jeep that's for sure .
One other feature I like is the tight turning radius.
It also came with the 4.7 v8, which was pretty reliable and overlooked
4.7 was very popular in the WJ Grand Cherokees. Reliable is debatable. They had their fair share of issues; but the 4.7HO that I had, would move that big 4x4 jeep around no problem
4.7 reliable? 😂 you know I have a even more reliable vehicle for you.... a 20 year old range rover you'll love it 👌👏
@@tylerstewart2474stop your bs. YES the 4.7 is reliable . The engine can only be as reliable as its owner. Tell me, what issues does the engine have ?
@@WooferCookerpretty much all engines “have their issues”, though.
@@Natethegreat200c If oil changes were missed as many of this vintage are, the oil passages are easily blocked by sludge that leads to oil starvation. The 4.7 is great if maintained but will not hold up to neglect like the older Magnum V8 or 4.0 engines would.
I love my jeep commander it has the 4.7l v8
Honestly, I love how these look.
I have a 06 commander and one thing I will say is growing up this was my dream car 😂😂 I love it so far I only had to replace my water pump/ thermostat other than that it runs good and I love the speaker system in it. I love it all together I wish I had the one with the sun roof though but it’s okay
Great review. Got my "👍" when you used the hockey "penalty box" reference. 😁
My car! I have an 08 Hemi 4WD. Best thing I’ve ever owned, I will neeeever get rid of it. I’ve had no issues other than regular wear & tear. I absolutely love it
I leased 2006 4.7L V8 Limited loved it. Had it fully Loaded
I've been looking at getting one of these for ages (would be a 3.0 Diesel - Europe) or a Liberty with the 2.4 Petrol or 2.8 Diesel. I don't do any hard offroading, just road and camping trips, but would like to experience the 'jeep-life'. Have been driving Subaru for the last 10 years, time for a change.
Looks exactly like a midsized version of the KK Liberty.
The problems with BOTH of your test Commanders were fixable. The Blend door issue took all of 10 minutes on my own 2008 Hemi Commander. The clunking front on the 3.7... probably differential bushings which arent as easy, but still just a maintenance item.
I don’t understand why these get such a bad rap, they’re basically a Grand Cherokee with a 3rd row and 2 extra inches of length. I bought an ‘08 in 2015 with 92k, still own it with over 150k, no issues.
Thier not that bad but Chrysler did cheap out on a few things also
Got one of these for my wife to use as a beater. She loves it. Paid 1300, spent another 400 to fix it up and it's been completely reliable since. Only complaint is the 4.7V8 uses more fuel then my cummins ram.
4.7 is a thirsty b*tch, got a 2010 Ram 1500 with the last gen of the 4.7, 310hp plus a modest torque, it still moves a full size pickup truck easily, but fuel consumption is an issue. I've always read bad comments about the 4.7, but I think with good maintenance this engine could last forever.
I always loved this style and was disappointed the V8 didn't take off
I totally agree.
we had one. the hemi really takes off in 2nd gear
Love the Jeep Commanders
Jeep Quadra Track/Quadra Drive set ups were notorious for front differential bushing wearing out. We had a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Quadra Drive system that had the little "T" bar to engage low range plus the 5.7 HEMI and it nickel and dimed us to death including the mentioned diff bushings so we got rid of it.
My college girlfriend's mom had a commander with the V6. I hated that thing when I used to drive it. The power came on so late when you needed it to go. Also I was forced to sit in the 3rd row in a trip to New Orleans one time. IT was horrible. I am not the smallest person in the world and it hurt lol.
I have a base model 4.7 v8. Love it. You miss the point for the third row. It is occasional and for children. For that purpose it is perfect. I love my commander.
didn’t even know the commander was a three row 🤣. Brendan looked so cramped back there!
I love my Commander 06 Hemi
Sadly it currently won't shift past 3rd gear 😢
I miss driving it
Non mention of the Commander with the Mercedes 3 litre V6 diesel ! Or were thy not available in the US of A ?
I had a 2006 Commander 3.0 CRD with a GDE HOT tune. I liked it but the paint was thin and the interior door handle plastids broke up.
If its a live axle set up like the wrangler the Hemi version would make an awesome project car !
In Australia these were badged as a Cherokee, if you really wanted to upset people you could buy the badges and put them on a US version 😂
The Commander was available in Australia Hemi also available
They really did get the styling right on the XK. Hemi w/ Quadra Drive II is the only way to buy one.
I had a 05 & 06 Jeep WK Grand Cherokee (Same platform, engines, etc, just different exterior look). The 5.7 is great, terrible gas mileage, even with that "MDS", but its bullet-proof reliable. More than adequate acceleration, and can tow. Other stuff may fail, but as long as the engine was decently maintained, those HEMIs are as reliable as a Toyota 4/6cyl.
2006 5.7 Limited. Owned for about a year. They do have many issues. Don't buy one without having it looked at. Rust, suspension issues etc. Most mechanics will tell you Not to buy it. There are numerous wiring issues to deal with.
Overall the V8 5.7 Hemi is a riot and it moves. Worth it if you just want an oldschool Jeep.
In Aus these came out with a 3.0 V6 turbo diesel. At the same time the kk Cherokee (liberty) and jk Wrangler came with 2.8 cyl turbo diesel (200hp)
We had a 2006 commander with the 4.7 V8, loved it until the transmission went out at 150k miles and was getting 8 miles a gallon, lol. We also had a cherokee xj, loved that too. My parents had a 2010 hemi commander, was a beast, until the tranny went out in that one too, lol. I cant imagine that tank with a V6, even the 4.7 needed more beans.
We’re you changing the trans fluid every 30-50k miles ?
What manheim auction did you get that from, the White V6
My 2007 Commander sport has almost 500,000 km and is still kicking and towing!
One nitpick: Pull the 2nd row lever once, the back flops forward. Pull it farther and the seat tumbles. You don't have to pull the latch. The 2nd row does suck. Don't know about the radio aux years because I replaced mine from the junk yard to get the aux cord.
I actually love these with the 5.7. I don’t 100% trust the reliability but they’re still cool. I’d own one
What if you remove the third row seating and the middle row and change with two captain seats towards the back?
I have a 07 overland which has the hemi and all the fancy gizmos. It’s lifted and absolutely unstoppable off-road with the QD2 drivetrain….which btw is exactly what comes in the newer trailhawks. 350 something hp and great 4x4 with all the comforts inside….what’s to hate about
Love the look… a BIG XJ! Seen lots for sale for like $6000 now but I think I’ll pass on them. Seen one or two lifted and they look great but a very problematic reputation on these. Might become collectable like old Wagoneers though… hmmm 🤔
You are mistaken about the QD2. It’s not a limited slip, it’s electronic limited slip but when coupled with the qd2 and the electronic clutch in the transfer case it can fully lock all tires at unsealed like a locker and also send all power to only 1 wheel.
Like mentioned in the comments these remind me of the old Troopers. After checking how much Commanders go for, I went with an '02 Trooper w/ zero regrets.
Hope you got a manual or plan to maintain the auto religiously. The 4L30e is a ticking time bomb and the cause of many very nice Troopers making their way to parts yards.
Auto w/ 240k miles. It was religiously serviced at the Zu dealership by the original owner. It's now a dedicated Overland rig. I do a drain & filter every 3-5k miles w/ a band re-adjustment. So far so good 👍
I'd be afraid of parts availability for the Trooper. I've been eyeing them for the past few weeks too, but really want a Commander.
I wish AEV still made the Hemi swaps for these engines to your JK.
I love them. I know they have issues but they’re so cool to me.