2007 Jeep Commander Review: One of the Worst Jeeps Ever Made

The 2007 Jeep Commander was a short-lived three-row mid-size SUV that combined bad fuel economy with rigid suspension, claustrophobic seating, and early breakdown. Even if die-hard Jeep fans, and the CEO of Chrysler, have disavowed this clunky, weird-looking off-roader.

Is the 2007 Jeep Commander a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 6/10 – You gotta hand it to Jeep for their willingness to experiment, but the 2007 Commander is an instance where the trial-and-error process turned up an error.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Less roomy than you’d guess from the outside, with limited cargo space and cramped rear seats. Combine that with Jeep’s trademark rigid suspension and this is one of the least comfortable mid-size SUVs on the road today.
• Reliability 5/10 – It’s expected to last around 150,000 miles before the expensive repairs start to pile up, and most used models have around 150,000 miles on the odometer by now.
• Safety 8/10 – Anti-lock brakes and stability control come standard, and some models even have parking assist. Crash test scores are very good, and the unibody design and large build feel tank-like in their durability.
• Gas Mileage 5/10 – The Commander is offered with three engine options, and not a single one of them can reach a combined 20 miles to the gallon. That’s downright embarrassing for a mid-size SUV.
• Value 5/10 – Five years ago this SUV might have been worth the asking price. Today, it’s only a worthwhile purchase as a project car or a parts donor.

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Jeep Commander?

Consumer Reports praised the 2007 Commander as the first Jeep with a third row, and they liked the solid acceleration in the 5.7L Hemi V8 model they tested. But, they add that fuel economy is lousy even for a Jeep, and the poor interior layout will have the back seats blocking your view.

Kelley Blue Book liked the unique “industrial” look of the squared-off Commander, praising the seven-passenger capacity and off-road capability. They were less impressed with the poor fuel economy and lousy on-road handling.

Edmunds found the interior to be luxurious and quiet with solid build quality and generous features. They also liked the Commander’s lineup of powerful V8 engines. They note that the third row is a tight fit for adults, cargo space is limited, and, of course, fuel economy is pretty bad.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Jeep Commander Have?

The 2007 Jeep Commander has generated 1,030 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is a bit high. Electrical issues make up around half of the total, with drivers reporting ignition failure and the key getting stuck in the ignition.

Engine and powertrain issues have generated 226 and 217 complaints, respectively, with plenty of overlap between the two. Drivers report sudden stalling and loss of power. A powertrain recall was issued in 2013, but this was for possible rollaway, not power loss.

A handful of drivers have reported the power steering suddenly going out. This is sometimes reported in relation to total power loss, and sometimes independent of the issues the vehicle has had with stalling.

The 2007 Jeep Commander has generated 6 recalls with the NHTSA, which isn’t terrible, but with more than 1,000 complaints on file it may eventually turn out that the SUV could use a few more recalls.

How Long Will the 2007 Jeep Commander Last?

Drivers report well-maintained Jeep Commanders lasting around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, which puts the SUV on the lower end of the spectrum for longevity. Jeep engines and powertrains are generally known to be durable, but the various hose, pump, seal, and gasket repairs will add up and lead the SUV to an early retirement.

Repairpal estimate the 2007 Jeep Commander to cost around $484 a year in regular maintenance, with the most expensive common repair being a new cylinder head, starting at around $2,443.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology options in the 2007 Jeep Commander are solid for the model year. You’ve got a CD player in the entry-level model, and GPS navigation systems, MP3 players, and Boston Acoustics speakers in the higher trims.

Safety technology in the 2007 Commander is good for the model year, but you expect that with a Jeep, because features like power anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are a requisite if you want to build a capable off-roader.

Is the 2007 Jeep Commander a Good Value?

The 2007 Jeep Commander is a poor value, despite being reasonably priced. A typical listing price on an entry level Sport model would be $6,717, while a Limited edition typically goes for around $7,529.

These aren’t terrible prices for a full-size SUV from 2017. But, these prices are for models that have around 150,000 miles on the odometer, with many Commanders not making it to 150,001. Add expensive repairs and refueling costs to the mix and you’ve got a serious money pit on your hands.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Jeep Commander?

The 2007 Jeep Commander is available in three trim levels, from the base Sport to the high-end Overland.

With the entry-level Sport edition you’re getting:

• Anti-lock brakes and traction control
• Heated mirrors
• Remote keyless entry
• Manual air conditioning
• ParkSense parking assist
• 8-way power driver seat
• CD player with 6 speakers

The mid-range Limited model adds:

• Sliding/tilting sunroof
• Fog lights
• Heated front seats
• Dual zone automatic air conditioning
• Rain sensing windshield wipers
• Leather seating

In the top-of-the-line Overland you’re adding:

• LCD monitor
• Suede and leather seating
• Navigation system
• MP3 player with 6 Boston Acoustics speakers and 6-disc CD changer

What Engines Come In the 2007 Jeep Commander?

• In the Sport edition Commander you’ll find a 3.7L V6 flex-fuel engine delivering 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in rear/four wheel drive, it averages 16/20 miles to the gallon, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
• The Limited edition Commander packs a 4.7L V6 delivering 235 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 15/19 MPG. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in rear/four wheel drive, and can tow up to 6,500 pounds, roughly its own total weight.
• With the Overland model you’re getting a 5.7L Hemi V8 delivering a whopping 330 horsepower and up to 375 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in rear/four wheel drive, it averages 15/19 miles to the gallon, and and it can tow up to 7,400 pounds, depending on your options.

What Colors Does the 2007 Jeep Commander Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Jeep Commander?

Not very.

Jeeps are notorious for their rigid suspension. Those rock-hard shocks and struts are how they’re able to climb over rocks and stumps with ease, and that’s also why these SUVs make terrible daily-drivers.

The front seats are firm and the interior features are generous, but the rough ride and tight back seats make the Commander a fairly uncomfortable ride even by Jeep standards.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Jeep Commander Have?

The 2007 Jeep Commander has less storage space than you’d guess from outside the SUV. The way-back only holds 7 cubic feet of cargo with the seats up. The 2007 Toyota Yaris offers 9 cubic feet, and that’s a budget-friendly subcompact.

With the seats down you get a respectable 69 cubic feet, which puts it in the same range as a compact SUV. Which would be nice if the Commander weren’t listed as a mid-size.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2007 Jeep Commander was the second model year for the short-lived nameplate, running for a single generation from 2006 to 2010.

2006: The 2006 Commander debuted with a unibody construction and 5-link live rear axle, just like the Grand Cherokee, featuring a unique squared-off design style.

2007: Power liftgates and optional rearview cameras were new for 2007.

2008: The 4.7L V8 engine was revised for 2008, delivering a 70 horsepower improvement over the 2007 edition.

2009: Jeep revised the 5.7L Hemi V8 for 2007, offering a marginal improvement in fuel economy and horsepower.

2010: Jeep discontinued the Overland trim and the 4.7L V8 engine for the Commander’s final model year.

How Does the 2007 Jeep Commander Compare to the Competition?

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne once said of the Jeep Commander that the SUV was “unfit for human consumption.” This might not be the worst SUV released in 2007, but it’s certainly the worst Jeep, so if you’re loyal to the brand just get a Wrangler.

If you’re not so loyal to the brand, a Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent alternative, delivering 266 horsepower at 16/23 miles to the gallon in a ride that’s more comfortable, more dependable, and about a thousand dollars cheaper.

When it comes to Jeep, you go in expecting to make a few concessions for the fun of driving an iconic, capable off-roader. The Commander is just asking for a few concessions too many.

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Jeep Commander?