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Jeep Commander

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  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I'm averaging 18.1 MPG as of right now, and this is with the HEMI, and I feel pretty good about that considering the Commander weighs over 5000 pounds and the fact that the HEMI is a very powerful motor, altho I very seldom gun the motor. I don't care what type of car it is (including hybrids), your vehicle will seldom ever hit the EPA estimates. Those estimates are tired out and in critical need of updating. Wish we had a more accurate system like the European Urban Cycle, where they actually drive FASTER than 55mph and they let the vehicle idle in normal traffic situations.

    OTOH, I think that the packaging of the Commander is great, less claustrophobic than the JGC. And yes the Commander appears bigger than it actually is, altho it is the least bit tipsy and body roll is checked in the usual Jeep standard-very good. Some may say that the 3rd-seat is cramped. Maybe for some, not for others. Other than the Durango, LR3, and the GMT 360 long wheelbase SUV's, they're all pretty much lacking. And that's why the industry has what are called FULL-SIZE SUV's, a la Suburban, Expedition, Armada, Sequoia- even Durango for that matter. If all you are buying for is third seat room, then the Commander is not for you. Neither is Explorer. Neither is Pathfinder. Neither is 4-Runner, and the list goes on and on.

    As I've stated before, if you're in the market for an extremely capable do-all SUV, the Commander is top 2 choice, Durango being the other in this price league.

    P.S.- ExploderX4, I might let you grab a hold on to my rear grab bars when your Explorer goes off the deep end only if you'll stop ragging on the Commander's 3rd seat and criticize something else. Oh, I forgot there is nothing else to say but how the Commander is a great SUV.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Personally, I have also averaged better mileage than the EPA estimates on most all of my cars/suvs. I'm not a crazy driver.... easy start, easy stop... and an occasional floor-board!

    Currently, I'm averaging 13.3 on my Land Rover LR3 with 760 miles (300 hp). It's mostly city driving. I also put pencil to paper and I find the computer to be accurate.

    Blkhemi, is your 18.1 mpg a combination of city and hwy, and if so, what percentage? That seems really high for a HEMI and that is wonderful if that's what you are actually getting. Have you checked the accuracy of your computer readout?

    In the two Grand Cherokee's I had in the past, I got really good hwy averages. The '96 had the 4.0 6 cylinder (195 hp) and the '99 had the 4.7 V8 (235 hp).

    Mark :)
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Mark, it's more like a 70hwy/30city split. I don't really rely on car computers because nothing is better at computing than the human brain. I too do all of my averages with pencil and paper, at every fill-up.

    Some owners of HEMI-equipped JGC's are reporting as much as 20.5 mpg, so 18.1 is feasible.

    As for Explorerx4's 9mpg HEMI Ram report, I too have a HEMI-equipped Ram and I average about 14 mpg overall, with more driving done in the city. Just an FYI, the SRT-10 Ram with a V-10 motor gets 10/15, according to the EPA. So you can't always rely on that.
  • kerrimakerrima Member Posts: 7
    Blkhemi, I am impressed that you are getting 18.1 mpg with a hemi engine. I, like, Mark156 am curious to know if your mileage is city or highway? My daughter says she gets better MPG in her Grand Cherokee then EPA estimates.
    Kerri
  • kerrimakerrima Member Posts: 7
    Blkhemi>Somehow I missed your reply to Mark before I sent my question. So now I have my answer.:)
  • nymomnymom Member Posts: 17
    I have had my V6 commander for a week now and am getting about 16.5mpg for short around town trips. I did not think that was that bad for the first week. I will assume it will improve some as time goes by. We are really loving our choice in the commander. Has handled well and has enough power for me. Just tried the heated seats today and they are really nice. Traded in a jeep GC 04 for the commander and the inside feels very large compared to the GC. Good luck with your choice.
  • ed108ed108 Member Posts: 39
    I am getting about 16.5 mpg with the hemi, about 70/30 hwy/city split. Although the highway part is often 25mph rush hour traffic.

    This is the first SUV or truck I have ever owned - as well as the first American car, kinda scary - so I have nothing else to compare. If the EPA says 14/18 and I am averaging somewhere in the middle, I am content.

    My other two cars require 91 Octane. The Commander only needs 89. This saves me $0.10 per gallon and in my mind makes the 16.5 MPG not so bad.
  • kerrimakerrima Member Posts: 7
    A few years ago I got to try out a 2003 Yukon XL. An 1 1/2 hour drive twice and trips around town, within 5 days I had spent over $75 in gas, just trying to keep the tank at less then a half. I thought at the time, I would never get a gas guzzler. The Commander V6 4x4 is my kind of vehicle, although I have a BMW740IL which is incredible on gas, I still prefer the more rugged typed of vehicle. I continue to do my homework on all kinds of vehicles to compare. I have appreciated all the thoughts on the Jeep Commander, I have read in this forum.
    Thank you, Kerri
  • steve84steve84 Member Posts: 1
    Hello..I am having horrible lower back problems since owning my commander. Dont get me wrong...I love my new Jeep... but I feel that Chrysler cheeped out on the controls of the seat. I owned a Durango before the Commander...and a Grand Jeep Cherokee before that..and loved both of them...the new seats on the Jeeps...are not the same...much thinner...I can put my hand around the seat frame.. also..in order to "tilt" my seat up..so that my knees are higher than my lower back..cannot be done...both the top and bottom seat work together..which i think Stinks!! When I called and spoke to the head of service...he said nothing could be adjusted...and that i should see if i could put in a different seat!!! My Commander is only 3 weeks old!! Also.. i dont understand why i am only getting 11.2 mpg...even on the highway. Blackhemi..I am hoping you see this email as you are so knowledgable about the Jeep Commander. Is anyone else having back problems from the seats? Anyone have a suggestion? I have been trying out two different cushions..but hate having to use a cushion in a brand new car. and 11.2 mpgs...??? Ugh!
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I'm sorry to hear that you found your seats uncomfortable. Like yourself, I found that DC makes some of the most comfortable seats in the industry, having owned a slew of previous Jeep and Dodge products.

    I found that the seats in the Commander were supportive. But that goes with the saying that some people like firm, others like soft cushions, sort of like the mattress on your bed. And your dealer was right, there is no other way to adjust the seat other than the way DC made the controls.

    As for your mileage, with only 3 weeks of driving, your mileage is sure to go up. If you're using the Commander's computer readout, then that along with all other car's computers sometimes give faulty readings. And this is why I do the math myself. And found out yesterday that my MPG has risen to 18.7 MPG overall. HOWEVER, I do have cold-air intake and upgraded exhaust systems on my Commander that gives it better mileage.
  • 104thcavalry104thcavalry Member Posts: 10
    blkhemi

    A little change of subject, I was able to get a GMID (General Motors In the Driveway) discount from GM, It saved me a bundle on my H3. Does Jeep have any discount programs like that? Does anybody know of a DC program like this? My wife is looking at a Commander and it would sure help convince me to look at one a little more closely. Any one posting the prices they are paying for their Commanders on here?
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    If it's the GMID discount I'm familiar with, then it's the one that a GM employee has to give you, correct?

    If so, then yes, DC has a program similar to GM's. It is called family and friends discount. It, along with other offers saved my son about 5k on his Charger R/T.
  • 104thcavalry104thcavalry Member Posts: 10
    Exactly, GM was offering to the soldiers reurning from overseas. On the H3 it offered you about 10% off sticker. I keep hoping my wife will stick with her Jeep Liberty until the Challenger comes out so she can hae my H3 and I can purchase it.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I'm hoping that DC decides to build the Challenger, to go along with my '71 Challenger R/T HEMI and '70 Charger R/T. Maybe you can talk your wife in keeping the Liberty for, say, 3 more years.:)
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    That brings back a lot of memories of my 1972 Dodge Charger (bought in 1977) metallic brown with beige vinyl and black forward half top. I got 12 mpg in the city... for a young kid working part time, .55 cents a gallon was expensive.

    I also hope the Challenger comes back. The re-sell prices of an original unmolested sample bring huge money at the car auctions.

    Mark :)
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Mark, I was offered $140k on the Challenger last October at the Mopar National Convention Show. I had to pass on it because I know this thing will bring in at least $300k. 8600 original miles and garage kept for 34 years, they don't come any better than this
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Blkhemi, I totally agree with you on the price for your Challenger... 8,600 miles!!! WOW, you definitely have a winner there.

    If you decide to sell, don't let the bubble pass. My understanding is that cars from the 20's and 30's are losing their value as the "admirers" begin to die off. A Duesenberg is a nice gorgeous rare car but those who would pay 2 million dollars for one are becoming a smaller and smaller group (many people have the means to buy one, the group of enthusiasts are dwindling).

    With the Challenger, you have a good 20 years before the next phase comes through. :P

    Mark :D
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • slam4slam4 Member Posts: 3
    So having a hemi engine does not save me gas at all? and cost more?
  • singletarysingletary Member Posts: 3
    I am looking to buy a new Commander in the next few weeks and I have few questions. Are the fender flares with the chrome rivets only on the limited models? If so, can you order them for the Commander model? I have asked a few dealers and they dont seem to know.... Help if you can.

    Thanks.
  • rparnellrparnell Member Posts: 27
    The fender flares with fake bolt heads are only fitted on the Limited. They are not available as an order option on the standard vehicle. I'm sure you could get them fitted as an after purchase option if you were desperate.

    IMHO the fake bolts are rather cheesy. I have a Limited that I bought because of the equipment package on it, but I actually prefer the look of the standard.
  • singletarysingletary Member Posts: 3
    I live in Texas and have priced several Commanders. They are wanting 34,500 for a limited, 2 wheel drive, leather, gps, 4.7 V8. Does that sound right? Seems a bit high to me if guys on here are getting the Hemi for 35K. I dread dealing with these dealerships.
  • slam4slam4 Member Posts: 3
    hi I live in texas too dallas-ft worth:
    Base on my own research including reading this panel.
    Jeep commander 4x4 limited with a hemi engine fully loaded should roughly be $44K (TT&L inclued) also check the freedom of mileage offer by jeep and dealer discount.

    I am still searching for the best deal.
    I just saw an offer of 7years (70,000 miles) extended warranty by jeep on the commander. is this correct?
    If anyone can answer this question I'll be greatfull
    sam4
  • t_rexstert_rexster Member Posts: 3
    I want to put a good wax on my Commander Limited 4x4 Hemi and would like to know what you all think is a good wax that does not discolor black trim (bumper area).
  • hinterlanderhinterlander Member Posts: 2
    Just returned from the Detroit Auto Show. I looked the Commander over very closely, then the new GM SUVs. The GM design is same as it has always been, very bland. Commander stands out - some like it, some don't, but everyone will be able to distinguise it from Explorer and GM's boring SUV's. Also the new Wrangler is going to be a winner; longer, wider lower, power windows, locks new v6 and unbelievable suspension articulation.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    t_rexster, I'm not a wax expert but I'll tell you what I found to work perfect for me.

    In 1984 I bought my first black car, a new 1984 Peugeot 505 STI. I noticed over time that I started getting swirl marks in the paint, also known as "spider webs".

    I searched and searched for a good wax and came across "Malm's" car products in my car magazine.

    I bought the 2 step process that I have been using for over 20 years. The first bottle is "Malm's Polishing Cleaner". You put it on the car in the direction that the wind blows, let dry and then buff off. The second bottle is "Malm's Carnauba Wax" that is put on as the second step. It guarantees the "most symmetrical water beads". It was made for black cars but can be used on any color.

    I'm sure there are many good products but I'm very happy with Malm's. You can find it at Malms.com.

    Now that I have bought my 4th black car, (2006 Land Rover LR3 HSE) I will keep the paint as shiny as ever with no fine swirls in the paint. :shades:

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • t_rexstert_rexster Member Posts: 3
    Mark..Did you ever get it on any black rubber trim?? I've had a car that I got wax on a black trim and when I tried to rub it off it actually discolored it...I'll definately check Malm's out..Have you ever tried Mother's or Maguire's? How was it compared to Malm's?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Creamy peanut butter supposedly works to clean wax off of black rubber trim. Check out the Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts) discussion too.

    Steve, Host
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    t_rex.... I have never noticed a problem with the fine polishing cleaner or the pure wax on the rubber and plastic pieces... I have waxed a lot of cars with this product with no discoloration problems.

    I have never used Mother's or Maquire's but I have heard of them.

    HOST... thanks for the peanut butter tip.. good to know.

    My neighbor has a 1986 Mercedes 560SL, red with tan leather and only 67,000 miles. The trunk lid was starting to discolor and the car looked a little dull. My neighbor, knowing I'm a car nut, asked me what she should do. I told her to let me give it a shot with my "special" wax. :blush: While she and her husband went to dinner, I used my 2 step wax and polished the car. I WAS absolutely shocked myself to how well the trunk lid polished back to the normal red. The car was a jewel again!

    I know you are thinking that it was a mighty noble thing for me to wax my neighbors car, Actually, my neighbor is a fantastic cook and I secured a few good meals with my 2 hours of waxing! :P And, she is a doll and I would do anything for her! :blush:

    Mark :D
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • jumpmanjumpman Member Posts: 10
    :confuse: I'm planning to buy a Commander in the next few weeks. It's going to be mostly used for hauling two kids and a wife and hopefully weekend off roading. My question: is HEMI a must vs. a standard V8? Thank you in advance.
  • dcjdcj Member Posts: 1
    Purchased 4.7 V-8 Commander 12-28-05 from Arrigo Dodge in West Palm Beach, Fl. Spent all day in shop trying to get high pitched whistle coming thru drivers side of dash fixed. It is extremely noticeable at speeds over 45 mph especially when driven into the wind. Service dept said they were aware of the problem but had no fixes nor had they rec'd any repair bulletins from Daimler/Chry. Suggested I use the recirculation selector and not fresh air intake. Sales dept said they didn't build the vehicle and if I wasn't happy I should file suit under the Lemon Law. :lemon: Next step is to contact DaimlerChrysler Customer Center, PO Box 21-8004, Auburn Hills, Mi, 48321-1997. 800-992-1997. www. jeep.com. Any other suggestions?
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    If you don't do any heavy towing or just don't need the added power of the HEMI, then the 4.7L will do just fine.

    However, the HEMI and the 4.7L get about the same mileage, give or take a gallon, so the extra 100hp was worth it when I got my Commander. Drive both, and you'll feel the added power of the HEMI vs. the 4.7.
  • ed108ed108 Member Posts: 39
    I drove both of them back to back and there is a noticeable difference. I will probably never tow anything but I do love that throw me back in the seat feeling when I hit the gas which you don't get with the small V8.

    For an additional $1500 it was worth it.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I thought so too. $1500 for an extra 100hp? Without question, it is probably the best deal as far as engine choices go.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Commandeering the Jeep Commander (Karl on Cars)

    Steve, Host
  • jumpmanjumpman Member Posts: 10
    How much are the monthly fees for the GPS navigation?
  • rparnellrparnell Member Posts: 27
    I bought the a 4.7L Limited. I agree that $1500 for 100hp is a great deal, but I find the 4.7 has all the urge that I want for dragging 3 adults and 3 kids around.

    I've had much more powerful SUVs than this - Jeep and Nissan, and they always felt to me as if the power was too much for the handling, roadholding and stopping capabilities of the vehicle. The 4.7 feels good to me.

    I tried the hemi, and I can't deny the power was fun. But I think I get better value for money from the rear seat DVD which gives me quiet longer journeys with happier kids !!
  • ed108ed108 Member Posts: 39
    Monthly fees for GPS? $0. It does cost to get updates but no usage fees.

    If you are asking about the sat. radio (Sirius), you get 1st year free then $12.95 a month thereafter.
  • jumpmanjumpman Member Posts: 10
    Thanks,but I finally found the info in the Jeep website under the Grand Cherokee.
  • t_rexstert_rexster Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone had the pleasure or pain of changing the oil on the Jeep Commander?? How hard or easy was it? How messy was it trying to remove and replace the oil filter? What type of oil did you use? I'm thinking of doing it myself and I want to know what I should expect to run into.I'm a proud owner of a Commander 4x4 Limited Hemi 5.7L..
  • jumpmanjumpman Member Posts: 10
    Proud owner of a white(ext)saddle brown(int),limited 4x4 Hemi Commander. Bought it yesterday and have no complaints whatsoever. Love the power of the Hemi, ride, options, everything about it. If you are in the southern California area, check out Huntington Beach Chrysler if you're planning to buy one. I got it $6800 below invoice, including $2000 rebate.Out the door price: $41,000 and change. Uconnect, saddle brown seats, upgraded tires, rims, gps navigation, VES and forgot which tow group. No haggle and hassle.
  • carey1carey1 Member Posts: 1
    I hear a noise coming from the passengers side door when
    I go over bumps Is anyone having this problem
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    My '06 Commander LTD 4X4 HEMI just hit the 5000 mile mark without any problems whatsoever. No noise or malfuctions. It has been a pleasure to own this vehicle. Mileage isn't all that bad given the power and weight this thing has. I average about 17.9 mpg, with about 60% of highway/freeway use.
  • 05rubisahara05rubisahara Member Posts: 25
    Jumpman,

    Is the $6800 off MSRP (window sticker) or dealer's invoice? What was the price before taxes and other fees. This is important as they will vary greatly from state to state. Your new baby sounds like the color and equipment combination I will probably choose. Not sure what you mean by VES. Is this the rear video system? In my area (MD) the dealers are loaded with units not well optioned.

    Thanks,

    Harlan
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "An undeniable advantage the Jeep has over the Land Rover can be summed up in one word: ergonomics."

    Jeep Commander versus Land Rover LR3 (Karl on Cars)

    Steve, Host
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Still hard to believe, after all these years, LR can't seem to get the interior ergonomics right. They are known for hap-hazardly placed controls and buttons. Don't get me wrong, the materials that LR use in most of their vehicles are sumptuous, but only to be let down by crazy ergos. Even the $80k Range has some issues in this department. I love LR's for their technological advancements, extraordinary resale values(for SUV's anyway), and near unmatched(except for Jeep, of course) off-road prowess yet retaining a plush ride. But please, hire the people from the VW Group to do the ergonomics so we can put this subject to rest.
  • brian511brian511 Member Posts: 1
    Im looking to see what price people have paid for the commander with the u package 4x2. Live in the south and dont need 4x4
  • jumpmanjumpman Member Posts: 10
    There is an aux input in the rear video entertainment system. I've tried hooking up my IPOD once and it worked but I can't seem to make it work now. Does anybody know how to properly work this?
  • evaddaveevaddave Member Posts: 156
    Linky no worky?? :cry:

    It tries to go to www.goes.here.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I thought I checked that one. :blush: Let's try this again:

    "With the promise of off-road superiority plus seven-passenger seating at our disposal, we anxiously look forward to pressing the Jeep Commander Limited further into service."

    Long-Term Test: 2006 Jeep Commander Limited (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • cmdrerichcmdrerich Member Posts: 1
    Where is this type of info available for ANY vehicle?

    Can someone with a Commander do this for me? Put down the 2nd and 3rd row seats, close the back hatch and tell me the length of the cargo area from the back surface of the front seats to the inside of the cargo hatch.

    Or point me to the dimensions of the cargo area. Not the area (in sq. ft.) which tells me next to nothing.

    I need to know if I can comfortably sleep laying down back there. I currently have a Ford Ranger with a 6' bed but I am 6'1". This makes it hard to sleep back there and I do about 6-8 weekend trips in the hills plus a trip of about 2 weeks in Yellowstone each year. I need to be able to sleep in the back of my truck. I fly-fish til the sun goes down and never know where I'll be sleeping so a tent is out of the question. Besides who'd want to leave such a sweet vehicle!

    Thanks!
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