Jeep Commander

rabi

Are the adjustable roof rail crossbars available from Jeep as an accessory after purchasing the commander.

Thanks

wheadlee

I don't want to get into the Sirrius vs XM wars or discussion. I would like to know if anyone knows if the integrated Sirrius capability can be replaced with XM?

sbyrum

Just bought the new Limited w/Hemi 2 weeks ago. I absolutely LOVE this vehicle - kinda reminds me of my '98 Classic,only upgraded. Gave that one to my son - over 100,000 miles and still runs great. We had two major rainstorms 2 nights in a row. After the 2nd storm I found major water in my front passenger floorboard - when I say major I mean making waves when I drove. Everything all on the sides around it was totally dry. Took it to the dealer and they said one of the drip lines from the skylight had been run into the vehicle instead of to the outside of the vehicle so the water was actually coming up through the floorboard. They repaired and cleaned and dried everything. Today I washed my vehicle and now my carpet is wet again in the same area. Any ideas on what this could be causing this?? I live in the boonies so the dealership is not exactly close by and I don't want to waste HEMI gas going back and forth everytime it rains.

chipster009

I am planning to check out a Khaki 4x4 Hemi Commander this weekend over at HB Jeep. They seem to have a nice selection in stock.... and the prices are reasonable. I'm sure that's $6800 below MSRP ... If it was off Invoice... then I'd be RUNNING to that dealer.

Who knows... I might be driving one off the lot if there's a good deal (I'm thinking of trading in my Passat).

jumpman

Yes, that $6800 was off the MSRP. It's still hard to beat though. I doubt you'll find a better deal than that in the U.S.

jeepcmdr

Using that 3.5mm to 2-RCA adapter (purchased anywhere for about $5) match the color coded red and white RCA adapters with the ones on the Video Entertainment System jacks (the two on the right) and plug the other end into the IPOD. The trick I found is that the IPOD must be in play mode, wait a few seconds, select the radio to the DVD (VES) mode (right button behind the steering wheel, the radio should display "AUX in use" if I recall correctly, turn the volume up on both the IPOD and the radio. When I have an MP3 CD (150+ tunes) in the VES, the AUX inputs from the IPOD seem to take precedence even if the CD is playing. Now - with six MP3 CDs in the front CD player I can have about ~1,050 tunes plus what ever I can get on my U2 20 GB IPOD (~5,000???). I will never have time to listen to all these, but the backseat passengers can listen to the VES CD/IPOD on the headsets while I have something else on the front CD/Radio/Phone, unless of course they want to watch Kill Bill 2 or something on the DVD (my daughter and her girlfriend fold down the middle seats and strechout their legs from the third row seats - oh and they watch Office Space / Daddy Daycare, etc... not Kill Bill - that's for the lunch crowd at work).

P.S. This Commander, DK Khaki/Khaki, 4.7L and 28U rocks (even without the IPOD) - best purchase I've made. Wish I had gone with the NAV system. Would also like the Hemi but I couldn't stand all the chrome and fender nuts on the limited.

explorerx4

cover the plastic likely to get get some wax with blue painter's tape. easier to clean up than peanut butter.

redkey1

Does anyone have info on when this model will be available?

Thanks.

dlcleavks

Of main concern with me would be increased leg room under the steering wheel. As a current owner of an '02 Overland, I find a couple more inches would greatly ease leg strain on long trips. My 6'5" frame would appreciate any increased real estate.

Also, does the Commander share the independent front suspension as do the newer Grands?

Will an Overland trim level be available for the Commander?

blkhemi

The Commander's suspension is an exact clone of the JGC's. It does share the IFS up front and multi-link Dana solid axle out back.

As to the Overland trim package, I've read that both a Overland and SRT version is in the works, probably next model year.

Jeep is really expanding it's line, and the flagship Commander will have to remain the top dog.

P.S.- There is more useable front legroom and hiproom compared to your '02 Overland. Me coming form an '03 Overland myself, and being 6'6, I can attest to the increased room.

stever

Is the Commander really the flagship vs the Grand Cherokee? I was skimming some of the reviews here earlier today and it sounds like the Commander is aimed at those needing a third row, but the pricing isn't a whole lot different than some of the JGC lines.

If you don't need the extra seating, can get more amenities in the Grand for the same price?

Steve, Host

dlcleavks

Thanks for the info...increased leg room would keep me in a Jeep vehicle for a long time and if I could get the Overland trim level, even better. I like the looks of the Commander and have been drooling over the SRT-8 performance times...but to be practical for me, the Commander will suffice for my every day needs.

wei3

I just got offered a Commander 4x4 (not limited) V8 without any major options for 1 percent over invoice. Is that a good deal?

jpdaddy

Anybody know what size tire I can fit under my new commander without lifting it or where I can get an inexpensive lift, I hate having a stock height jeep in my driveway.

decam

My dealer wasn't clear on how to do the ipod in the car...along with the hands free phone. I'm not a computer person so I'm lost. I have the limited Commander....I told them to put everything that existed on it. I have a pretty great car, but too much I can't do or figure out. How do I do the ipod and phone??

jumpman

There is a previous post regarding this subject. You would need a RCA to mini headphone jack cable that you can purchase from your local radioshack, walmart, homedepot even. On your DVD unit player, there should be an AUX input. One being yellow, red and white. Insert the red RCA cable to the yellow AUX input and insert the white RCA cable to the red AUX input. Let your IPOD play for 30 seconds or so (make sure your radio is on at the same time). Now switch your "MODE" to "AUX".That should do it. If this is the first time that your going to use it, make sure you play a DVD movie first, doesn't have to be the whole movie, just as long it's activated by the movie first. This is the recommendation by my dealer and it worked. As far as the UConnect, just press the button with the letter "u" on your rear view mirror and follow the directions. Make sure you have a bluetooth capable phone.

withak

I bought a 2006 Commander at the end of Jan. A week later, I bought one for my wife. They are both 4.7 L. They are not the Limited model. Mine has 950 miles on it and has started to surge when idling. If I'm stopped with my foot on the brake and then release the brake, instead of the car creeping forward smoothly, it "surges". If I step on the gas, the "surging" is not noticeable. The car is back at the dealers and they have the top of the engine taken apart. I asked the mechanic what the problem is and he said he had no idea. Does anyone know what this problem can possibly be ? If anyone has had this problem , please let me know what the solution was so I can tell the mechanic. Thanks

soctec

I am considering buying a 2006 Commander 4.7L V8. I know it is identical to the Grand Cherokee in towing capacity at 6,500 lbs. I have a 22ft, 4000 lb travel trailer. Does anybody have any real world experience towing with the Commander (including mountain roads) or with the Grand Cherokee? The 2006 Explorer 4.6L V8 can tow 7120 lbs, plus it is a wider vehicle with a longer wheelbase and the added bonus of having a six-speed transmission. By all accounts the Explorer should be the superior tow vehicle. Problem is I like the Jeep better. So will I be a "happy camper" with the Jeep? Someone with towing experience with these vehicles please reply. Thanks.

ahhdirts

I just got a 2006 XK package 28S:

Dark khaki pearl coat
4.7 V8 Quadra-Trac 2
17" Gray AL wheels

$2500 down

Leasing for $289/month, 27 months with the employee discount (from my cousin)

How did I do??

blkhemi

The Explorer w/V-8 can out-tow a Commander with the 4.7 simply because it has 292-hp vs. 230 for the Commander. The Explorer is not wider than Commander, only the body is. The Commander's tracks f/r are more than an inch wider. Moreover, the Commander w/HEMI will be a no-contest against the V-8 Explorer. Plus the Commander is a much more stable tow rig, mostly in part to it's solid rear axle. And the ride quality is marginally better, despite the Explorer's IRS/IFS suspension. And the Commander is arguably better looking than the annonymous "me-too" styling of the Explorer.

I tow regularly with my JGC and Commander, and both tow without drama. Stability and wind-resistance are quite good for such a blocky SUV.

hogan3

I just purchased a jeep commander and opted for the epp (environmental protection package) but it wasn't applied at the factory, it was done at the dealership. When I went to pickup the vehicle there were swirl scratches on the hood and some other areas. I pointed it out to the salesman and finally he said to bring it back to be taken care of. My question is how would they rectify this problem? Does it need to be repainted or just buffed out?
Brian

soctec

Thanks for your response. A few questions. Do you tow with the Hemi? I'm not planning on buying that because I just don't want all the features of the Limited. Also, the Commander brochure notes that you should not tow anything with greater than 64 sq. ft. frontal area and my camper is at about 60 sq. ft. I will use a load leveling hitch but I am still a bit concerned about stability on windy days. Finally, can I have confidence in the power of the Commander to pull me up into the Rockies?

blkhemi

Depending on the how deep the swirls are and what color the truck is, they may have to repaint the hood. I had a black '02 Overland and the swirls were so bad that they had to end up repainting the hood.

blkhemi

Yes, I tow with my HEMI. I've got a 22-ft' box trailer that I towed from Memphis through the Rockies all the way back to SoCal without any problems. The trailer and the car(Corvette) weighs about 5600 pounds, but factor in cargo and 3 other people, and you're talking a lot of weight. I took the wife and kids up to the Cascades in Washington State a couple weeks ago and the Commander was flawless.

The 4.7L will serve you well enough. It is a good engine and is very reliable. Depending on the weight of what you're towing, it may struggle a bit going uphill, tho.

The diameter of my trailer is about 60 sq.ft, and I don't have a problem with stability in crosswinds and passing trucks.

tidester

Diameter?

tidester, host

blkhemi

Diameter?? The dimensions of the trailer or box from top to bottom and from side to side. Or if you just have to get technical(lol), height and width.

tidester

Oh, okay! You meant area and not diameter! I think you were trying to confuse me!

tidester, host

tud99cs

I purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited last month and had my spare tire stolen just this past weekend. The question I pose is how is everyone out there securing their spares? Which is the better solution, the Winchlock (do they make one for the Commander?), the chain or the cable lock? I had the spare on my Liberty Renegade stolen also. Any help with my quandry would be greatly appreciated.

csanchez1

Sir

I just purchased my Commander and nobody at the dealer could tell me if the vehicle is equipted with an under dash pig tail connection (a la ford) for the electric trailer brake. Since this vehicle is equipt with a class III/IV hitch and 7 pin connector, a interior "pig tail" should be standard. What is your experience and what guidance can you provide?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Carlos

clambert

We just bought a Commander a few weeks ago and had never had the opportunity to use the rear entertainment system until today. Problem is, we can't find the wireless headphones. Are they located in some storage bin we can't find? I don't recall ever seeing them at the dealer. Thanks for anyone's help!

~C

jumpman

Our headphones were given to us by the dealer during the explanation of warranties, handbook, GPS,etc. It came in a small brown box including two headphones.

commanderman

I had the same issue. I searched the vehicle for my headphones and couldn't find them. Of course, the dealer had neglected to give them to me. Maybe we purchased from the same dealer?

asw1

Does anyone know what the cost of running boards for the Jeep Commander should cost installed (I am having them installed at time of purchase, so I kind of think the dealer's cost for materials plus service for installation is fair).

commanderman

My Commander came equipped with running boards even though I did not ask for them and had negotiated the purchase price over the phone without accounting for them. The sales person wanted to charge me for them or else take them off. She told me that they sell retail for $1299 and that her cost is $899. Rather than take them off, I ended up paying $450 for them. I think the running boards are added at the dealership so I could not find accurate pricing on Edmunds or Consumer Reports.

asw1

Thanks Commanderman.

After doing some research, for molded running boards (not the chrome ones) the MSRP is $425 - DC allows .5 hrs service for installation. The chrome step tubes are pretty close in price, but allow more installation time.

The molded running boards are available for about $382 and maybe less if you really shop around, and the cost of installation is really all over the place. The dealer started at an asking price of $695 installed and we eventually agreed on $500 - probably a bit more than I had to pay, but not worth the time to keep negotiating.

taketheoffer

For what its worth I am 6'4 & came out of an 02 Overland HO and into a Commander Hemi. The good news is that there is more room under the steering wheel and allot more shoulder width & height. The bad news is that because of where the ignition key is placed you need to be very conscious of where your right thigh goes. Also most noticeable is that the Hemi has completely different road manners from the HO. Take a test drive…

dusty_tj

So the wife and I decided that since we have a new baby on the way, we needed something bigger than the '00 Sahara I've been driving for over 185k miles. We went to a local Jeep dealership in our area. After getting out of the vehicle and introductions with the salesman, we explained that we'd been driving a Jeep for a very long time and are devoted fans, however, we were also looking at the MDX. We asked to see the Commander. The young man understood our position and proceeded to show us a Black Hemi. After ten minutes in the vehicle (mind you, we hadnt even taken it off the lot for a test drive yet) our salesman proceeds to begin smearing the Commander in favor of the 'obvious' choice of a Chrysler mini-van. I thought I could keep the man on point by telling him the stigma that surrounds the mini-van was very unattractive to us. No, rather, this fueled his arguments:
(a) children in the 3rd row seats were too close to the roof.
(b) children in the 3rd row seats were too close to the glass.
(c) the doors open traditionally, instead of rolling like a mini-van.
(d) people park close and children opening doors are likely to hit neighboring cars.

This was not the end of the list, however, this is all I could remember through the experience. I got out of the truck, called to my wife to follow, and thanked the man for opening my eyes to the death trap that is a Jeep. When he figured out what was going on, he apologized profusely and asked us where we were going. "To give a 44 thousand dollar sale commission to a man that loves Jeeps as much as I do, of course." And with that we left for another dealership. It was either that or thump the man in the head.

dusty_tj

Follow-up: Bought the Black Hemi Ltd two days later from a dealer twenty miles away from the mini-van salesman. Could not be more satisfied with the final price, the dealer experience or the vehicle itself. Thank you very much to everyone on this list for offering up your experiences (both good and bad). Because of this, and other research, I dare say I've ever been as well informed during a purchase.

Thanks to all!

withak

I got the message "service 4wd system" on the dashboard of my Commander. When I turned the car off and then back on, the message went away. Did anybody else have this happen to them and if so , what did you do about it.

looneytoon

Has anyone went hard core offroading yet? I have a 4x4 limited with the 5.7 and am getting ready to lift it and put larger rubber on it. Just curious if this is all for looks or will the Jeep Commander live up to the old Cherokee legend?

pfoster389

I purchased my Commander last night... I had read the posts on tire theft. I went to Advance Auto Parts store locally and purchased A 6 foot Master Lock keyyed cable lock. It is braided steel covered in thick vinyl. It is 5/8" (15mm) thick and has a 5 tumbler keyed lock. I threaded it through the spare and then thru the frame. Fits snuggly... no rattling. It will not 100% cure thefts... but it will stop the theif without the heavy steel cutting tools. Cost was $21 including tax. Maybe just enough for theif to look for easier prey.

pfoster389

Just bought 2006 Commander... due to 1st year decided to get extended warranty. I surfed the web after local dealer quoted 3650 for 7/100,000 Maximum care [best one chrysler has]with a zero deductible. i found best price was $2500 for same item and my local dealer matched the internet price. Also... internet price on maintainence agreement... 48 months/60,000 Care plus [@ 3,000 miles it is serviced] that local dealer said was $1375... I got for $770.

pfoster389

2006 4x2 Limited... obviously... nav, saddle seats, towing pkg, extra cost paint color.... paid $34,700.... less $3,500 rebate for bottom line cost of 31,200.

I ordered it from the factory... hard to find Dark Kahki with saddle seats in a 4x2

favian

I get this a few times as well but the dealership is clueless. They'll do a diag and reset but nothing more.

withak

Thanks for the reply. I haven't taken it to the dealer . When I turn the Jeep off and then back on , the message goes away. It's only done this once so far with no indication that anything is wrong.

clarkkent

If I had two spare tires stolen, I'd Move!

CK

dusty_tj

A week and a half in the new Commander and what do you know? Wham, rear-ended in stop and go traffic. Now, no one wants to post about their accidents, but I gotta say, I'm very satisfied with how this vehicle handled the bump and scrape.

The Mercury Villager that hit us from behind had to be moving at around 10 - 15 mph. We were at a stop waiting for traffic to clear.

Villager damage : Wrinkled hood (folded on one corner as much as 3 inches of surface lost), smashed headlight, cracked bumper that met our muffler.

Commander damage : Scrapes and nicks on the bumper (still in its factory position), dislocated muffler.

Daisy, as my wife has dubbed her new baby, took the bump like a champ. The advantage our Jeep had over the Villager was it's greater departure angle vs. the nose dive the Villager took trying desperately to stop in time. Sheer mass also played a very large role.

As much as I hate putting a vehicle in the body shop before the new smell has worn off, we are thrilled with the quality of the design of the Commander.

BTW - everyone walked away without the slightest pain / complaint; the most important point.

commandersucks

was that including any rebates.

bridget3

I plan on buying a Jeep Commander 4X4 Limited (Black V8, only options chrome wheels and saddle brown seats) this year. I like the navigation system and other options, but price is a priority over them. I can factory order a 2006 now for a little under 34K (this seems to be the only way for me to find a Black 4X4 Limited not loaded with all the options.) However, I would probably need to order within the month before 2006 factory orders are eliminated.

Do you think I would pay substantially more if I ordered a 2007 in the fall? Also, do you think I could pay approximately the same price (34K) for a loaded 2006 from a dealer lot when they're clearing them out in the fall? Basically I would like to delay the purchase about 6 months but not if it means paying an extra 5K.

I know no one can answer this for certain, but I'm just interested in getting others' opinions.

Thanks!

stever

"If we had gotten stuck or if the engine stalled, we might have been swept out to sea, but the Commander handled it without a problem. Forget 'Trail Rated,' this thing is now 'Beach Rated."

Check out the photo. :shades:

The link is fighting me tonight so try this one and click on Jeep Commander Hits The Beach.

WebLog: Long-Term Road Tests

Steve, Host