Tell me about the Jeep Commander.

**Cerwin Vega Fan** · 01-06-2009, 09:05 AM

Had my heart set on a 1996 Vette but I have yet to find one within the regional area that is a six speed with the LT4. With the Aztek about to be paid off shortly I was going for a second vehicle to own as a toy. Instead I think I will upgrade to a SUV. I have always love the styling of the late model Jeep SUV's. In true Chrysler style the deprecation on these things is stupid high making them affordable and within my budget. Speed is really not that big of deal for me so I'm open to getting any size engine (3.7, 4.7, 5.7). Anyone have experience with this vehicle, what kind of problems can I expect in the long term with owning a Commander?

**Crimson Sin** · 01-06-2009, 09:23 AM

Seen a few come through my shop. Typical stuff worn etc. Three of them had serious worn steering rack and components. When I called on the rack they were on national back order... That tells me there's alot of failures on that part.. Have the front end checked if you look at one used..Hope it helps.

**SS02** · 01-06-2009, 09:48 AM

Those Jeep Commanders, are sweet looking!

**1fastcamarosss11** · 01-06-2009, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Cerwin Vega Fan

Had my heart set on a 1996 Vette but I have yet to find one within the regional area that is a six speed with the LT4. With the Aztek about to be paid off shortly I was going for a second vehicle to own as a toy. Instead I think I will upgrade to a SUV. I have always love the styling of the late model Jeep SUV's. In true Chrysler style the deprecation on these things is stupid high making them affordable and within my budget. Speed is really not that big of deal for me so I'm open to getting any size engine (3.7, 4.7, 5.7). Anyone have experience with this vehicle, what kind of problems can I expect in the long term with owning a Commander?

get a 97-00 vette. and call it a day.

**Dan01Vette** · 01-06-2009, 01:42 PM

The 3.7 and 4.7 motors are not very durable in my experience. They tend to blow intake gaskets, then the motor. I would go with the Hemi if I got one.

**StuntmanMike** · 01-06-2009, 02:19 PM

Well, I know they're gas hogs, and Chrysler can't even give them away at this point. I think '09 is the last year for them too.

I love Jeeps, I have a '97 Grand, but I hate the Commander. Overpriced and ugly, if you ask me.

Get a Grand Cherokee. Same chassis and driveline, but smaller and better looking.

check out www.jeepsunlimited.com , there's a Commander forum over there, and some of them are modded.

If you get one, I wouldn't go with anything smaller than the 4.7. The Hemi would be nice, but you're looking at 13mpg with that one. IMO the 4.7 is a nice compromise.

**Cerwin Vega Fan** · 01-06-2009, 03:53 PM

I just talked to a buddy of mine who works at one of the local dealership and he can get me a test drive in which ever commanders I choose. So I get to test out hopefully every engine/transmission combo Jeep offers. I noticed their are two different 5 speeds auto offered with the Commander, the W5A580 and the 545RFE. Jeep is not real clear on what is the difference between the two.

**StuntmanMike** · 01-06-2009, 07:26 PM

Probably the different transmission depends on what engine. Most likely one of those is beefier and used on the more powerful engines.

Once again, it might be a good idea to check out a Jeep board.

**310stanger** · 01-06-2009, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Cerwin Vega Fan

I just talked to a buddy of mine who works at one of the local dealership and he can get me a test drive in which ever commanders I choose. So I get to test out hopefully every engine/transmission combo Jeep offers. I noticed their are two different 5 speeds auto offered with the Commander, the W5A580 and the 545RFE. Jeep is not real clear on what is the difference between the two.

haha find out which tranny gets pulled out the most lol They should put chrysler automatics in with velcro

**Cerwin Vega Fan** · 03-03-2009, 07:39 PM

Test drove a few and the results were ok. The V6 is under powered but it can pull itself around town. The 4.7 and the 5.7 are both ok and the only time you can tell the difference between the two is on the highway. All in all an average SUV.

**C&Cbird** · 03-04-2009, 12:03 AM

The newer Chrysler trans are a lot better than they used to be.

**spdfrk69** · 03-04-2009, 12:40 AM

my 06 with the 3.7 gets on average about 14.7 to 16.2 mpg, if i bought another i would get the 4.7,back seat leg room is small too, go with the srt GC.both have 116 in wheelbase, much more fun

**korndawg** · 03-04-2009, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by C&Cbird

The newer Chrysler trans are a lot better than they used to be.

LOL. My buddy has an 08 Ram Larimie, 50k and tranny is shot. Typical mopar.

**86 IROC-Z** · 03-04-2009, 09:42 AM

Why the hell did you buy an Aztek?

**Cerwin Vega Fan** · 03-04-2009, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by 86 IROC-Z

Why the hell did you buy an Aztek?

Gas prices at the time and I needed something with moreroo. Had the Camaro sold and was going to buy SC400 but the deal fell apart so I ended up with this thing.

**hutch1999** · 03-04-2009, 11:00 AM

SRT8 G.C. do it

**spdfrk69** · 03-04-2009, 02:35 PM

what hutch said^

**CJREX** · 03-04-2009, 02:36 PM

Any used Chrysler product is going to be in 1 of 3 situations...

1. Needs a transmission.

2. Will soon need a transmission.

3. Just had transmission replaced.

That said, go GC.

**Cerwin Vega Fan** · 03-04-2009, 03:05 PM

I'd rather an HHr SS then an SRT 8, for some reason it just doesn't do anything for me.

**StuntmanMike** · 03-04-2009, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by CJREX

Any used Chrysler product is going to be in 1 of 3 situations...

1. Needs a transmission.

2. Will soon need a transmission.

3. Just had transmission replaced.

That said, go GC.

Just hit 142k on my Grand. No transmission problems at all, hell, I've never even changed the fluid. At this point I'm a little afraid to, I don't want to jinx anything, lol.

Oh, and my 4 liter six uses less oil at 142k than my 83k LS1 does.

Honestly this thing has been rock solid reliable, knock on wood. I love this thing, if I had to choose between my Jeep and F-Body it'd be a very hard decision.