JEEP Commander Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Commander offered a seven-seat option in a package that looked like the Jeep Cherokee XJ.

Boxy-looking, rugged appeal, and hard-core stance: these were the main attributes of the Commander. It was a vehicle built for big families or those who had a Jeep Cherokee XJ while they were in college. Unfortunately, the car's sales were hit by the world financial crisis, and despite its good on- and off-road abilities, it remained mostly unknown, and sales were lower than expected.

The flat front fascia with big, squared headlights was a tribute paid to the older Jeeps for starters. Its flat panels for the fenders, hood, and almost straight windshield resembled the Grand Wagoneer and the Cherokee at the same time. A set of plastic moldings enhanced the wheel fenders' look, and they were bolted in with chromed bolts. The big side windows were accompanied on top of the car by a set of two glass sunroofs.

Inside, the carmaker offered the car with an option for three rows of seats and room for seven. When the rear seats were folded, they left room for a big trunk, which could have been further enlarged by folding down the middle row. For the dashboard, Jeep chose a classic design theme with flat surfaces and a touch of modern features such as the infotainment unit installed on the center stack.

Under the hood, Jeep offered a 3.0-liter diesel engine for the European market, carried over from the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class along with the 5-speed automatic gearbox, renamed as Autostick.

The first and only generation of Jeep Commander was revealed to the public in 2005 as the 2006 model year.

Taller and longer that the Jeep Cherokee, the Commander was the 2nd largest mass-produced Jeep in the history at the time it was released.

While the first concept of Jeep Commander was unveiled in 1999, the 2006 model had nothing to do with it.

Focusing on expending their product line, it was for the first time when Jeep decided to offer 3 row seating, accommodating 7 passengers.

The new model was shared its platform with the Jeep Cherokee, as well as most of its features and powertrains, using the same unibody construction, an independent front suspension and the same wheelbase and track.

Available in two trim levels, the base and the Limited, both versions could be ordered with a 4x2 or 4x4 system.

With its bulky design, the new Commander was easily recognisable as a Jeep, featuring the 7-slot grille, square body lines and flat surfaces.

With the Base version, the Commander featured a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that produced 210 hp. The Limited trim level came equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 unit that developed 235 hp. Optionally, customers could choose a more powerful unit, a 5.7-liter V8 with 330 hp. All engines were mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety wise, the Commander was equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags.

The Commander had a short life of only 5 years, with production ceasing in 2010.