I bought a 2006 Jeep Commander with a Hemi 5.7l V8

00:00 Intro
00:19 Talking about the engine
01:04 What is the purpose of the Commander
02:19 Interior size and oddities
03:22 My thoughts on the Hemi V8
03:59 Going over the transmission and drivetrain
06:09 Size on the Commander on back roads
06:47 Thoughts on the leather seats
08:24 Accelerating to 55mph
09:07 Outro
My Instagram:
/ rustyautoholicguy
My Twitter:
/ autoholicguy
Thank you so much to KubotaSwappers for all of his help, so please check out his site at:
www.KubotaSwappers.com
Also special thanks to JB Custom Fabrications for all of his help, so please check out his site at:
jb-custom-fabrication.myshopi...
Also special thanks to Brown Dog Offroad for all of his help, so please check out his site at:
browndogindustries.com/
#RustyAutoholicGuy

[@chikombechela2460]

Love how honest this is. Answers alot of questions I have over the Jeep Commander. Looking to purchase one soon. Thanks.

[@justing7880]

Very well done review. I'm looking at one of thrse and you hit a lot of points I am looking to clarify. Most every other reviewer might go on about fit and finish, things of that nature, but it was good to see a real owners POV. Thanks for that.

[@AlexTM44]

Dude, you make that Commander looks like a small sedan in size, standing next to it lol Anyway, I have an XJ and last week I bought a 2007 Jeep Commander, I still love my XJ and have it for over 20 years, but boy the Commander is a sweet Jeep, it's ridiculously smooth to drive. I've been looking for a Commander for over a year, don't know why exactly, but probably for how similar to the XJ it is, it's like an overgrown XJ, and it's just as cool

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

The comment made my week! Yeah at 6’5” I make everything look smaller! I honestly can’t wait to get my Commander back, it’s shear size was a welcome change for my height for sure!

[@moparmadman1134]

I think these are future collectables !

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I hadn't thought about that actually.

[@boost1728]

What makes you think that?

[@moparmadman1134]

@@boost1728Limited 2006 to 2010 production ..classic shape and especially with the Hemi

[@boost1728]

@@moparmadman1134 yeah but there’s nothing special about them. These aren’t 69 Camaros or 70 challengers. It’s a strange looking Jeep worth $7,500 or so

[@moparmadman1134]

@@boost1728 Wait and see ...look at what Dodge Ramchargers bring now .The boxy look is popular!

[@PB_Entertainment34]

Loved the video man. I have a 2006 jeep commander 65th anniversary addition 4X4. I absolutely love the vehicle

[@thelastpitboss]

Rusty: when you give it the power iy GOES! 1week later: when it breaks down it STOPS.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I mean . . . you’re not wrong

[@dennisclark8766]

love ours

[@HomeWrenchin]

Looks awesome! Can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

You and me both!

[@Hard_7_Iron]

I always kinda thought, these were a little odd looking. But, as time passed, it really grew on me. We had a 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland that we finally sold. As kids grew up and moved away, along with fuel prices…we finally sold it. Honestly, I miss the 5.7L engine. Still in a Jeep….but I miss that engine. Love the interior on your Commander. Enjoy it!

[@andreipretorius92]

Great video. To turn the seat moving off. Go into settings and turn off “easy exit and entry”

[@TyGuyPS5]

Ive noticed that small motors that control seats, windows, etc. Often go out from not being used. They just seize up since lubricant isnt getting around

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I never thought about it that way Tyler, I'll look into adding lubricant to everything just to keep everything happy.

[@josephgerardi892]

I have a 2008 limited luxury 2 package. Basically an overland with out the hemi. 4.7 H.O. 303 stock horse and 333 stock torque. My dream truck. Bought the beast at 20 years old and paid it off. Off lease, 32000 miles. Its the BEST truck I've EVER owned, being a former mechanic, and from a jeep family, these trucks are gold. Had a 1994 ZJ with the 5.2 prior to this, great truck but can't compare to the commander; They're just made different. Zues as I call him; 10 years later he has 135000 miles now, 2 inch lift, kenda klever mt tires, duel open air filter, flow master exhaust with a removed resonater. Roller rockers and lifters. Still runs brand new. Never misses a beat. If you can buy one, do it. You won't be disappointed

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Sorry for the late reply Joseph! I can say that my Commander is off getting a new Hemi right now. As much as I would love to do the Commander myself, my TJ Wrangler really is my main focus at the moment and I need my Commander to be my family SUV. I'm looking forward to getting it back however with that said I'll keep an eye out for the 4.7 V8 as well, I maybe should have gone with that engine instead!

[@lc8671]

Great buy. I own one too... I'm a Wrangler guy. I also own a TJ & JK. But, this is by far a better day/day drivr over a J/K or J/L.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Agreed, I still prefer my Wrangler when I'm by myself, but if I have my kids or wife with me, Commander all the way! Just need to get it fixed and I'll be good!

[@m.rodrigolemus6224]

I purchased my 07 Jeep Commander V8, 5.7 L Automatic HEMI brand new and 16 years, 159,469 Miles later I still have it ... The only problem I have is water 💧 coming through the sunroof and not draining properly, and it gets my floors wet... I think that's a poor design... other than that, I'm very happy with my Jeep and hope to reach the 300,000 mark... God bless you all. 🙏 ✝️

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I had the same problem, go to a body shop and get them to clear out the drainage line for the sunroof. I had a body shop do that for mine and I've never had an issue since.

[@ciscopolo711]

Great video dude 👍🏼

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I appreciate it thank you so much!

[@gregmercil3968]

I own a ‘95 ZJ 4.0. Cool Jeep but it’s advanced age and mileage, and rough shape means it’s not long for this world. I’ve entertained the idea of getting a Commander a time or two.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I really love the Commander just get one after 2008 if you want the Hemi!

[@johnrod1]

I own a '06 Jeep Commander 5.7 V8 hemi 4x4 Quadtrac2 . Great vehicle!

[@samm5941]

Have you ran across any big issues with your commander?? I’m looking at the same car to purchase.

[@IndianaTony]

I have a Grand Cherokee (WK) 5.7/Quadradrive II, which has the same chassis/drivetrain I think. Same as you, the towing capacity and Quadradrive were a big part of it (it is amazing in the snow with good tires). I put a basic Daystar 2" spacer lift and Falken Wildpeak AT3/W 265/65/R18s on it. It's a bit of a pain to work on compared to the CJ though.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

One of the reasons I got the Commander was the basic same parts as the WK as well. I find more other Jeeps are not as easy to work on as the CJs/Wranglers though I can not speak for the JKs and JLs, my Liberty has always been a difficult vehicle to work on.

[@jrpen22]

My parents bought one of these back in 2008 irrc. Has been great except for fuel economy. I don’t drive much but go on the occasional road trip. I’m trading them my 2016 golf for their Commander, and they’ll pay off my loan. Only 119k km on it and they’ll be making some repairs so I get it in excellent quality. Good deal and everybody wins.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

That is an awesome win and you are going to a much bigger vehicle as well, I've owned a Golf, good car but tiny!

[@zayne16]

I also have a white one. Just bought a cts v

[@JeepingNet]

Sounds like you already order a lift but if not I put OME coils and Bilstein shocks in mine and it was amazing! I really did enjoy mine and kind of regret selling it at times. I towed my LJ Rubicon a few times with it and it works ok, not great but ok. Could use more stopping power.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

The lift I had order I just found out is now lost in the mail, so I'll look into the OME coils and Bilstein setup, do you have the part numbers? I don't really plan on towing my LJ though I will if needed but I do plan on towing my 1947 CJ-2a which is only 1700lbs with it.

[@elrey7438]

U can turn it off using the controls between the ac and the radio. It being the seat adjustment when you turn on or off.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I'll take a look, some of the buttons have rubbed away so I need to replace those at some point as well.

[@luchaDor]

I've owned 2 Commanders, both have been extremely reliable. Our 2nd one has 185k miles on it and shows no signs of stopping. You did purchase the one model year I would probably have avoided, just do not let that motor get hot and you should be ok. The Valve Guides weren't seated properly and like to drop into the cylinder if the motor overheats...so keep an eye on it. I prefer the 2nd Gen V8's they put in the later model years. 08-09 4.7L got a redesign and doesn't have MDS, 70 more HP & more Tq. 09-10 Hemi added HP & Tq as well, and vastly improved reliability. But..if you treat yours right, it'll be a great vehicle.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Do you mean 5.7l? I responded to your other comment but yeah if hindsight was 20/20 I would have looked for a later model Commander.

[@luchaDor]

@@RustyAutoholicGuy Yeah, 06/07 Hemi's drop valve guides into the cylinders...a prior overheating incident seems to be the catalyst to this happening. But it's been known to just happen too. The 3.7L is...ok...but works too hard to move such a heavy vehicle. Heck, its underpowered in our '08 Liberty.

[@gamingseeks3580]

i might be buying a used 2007 with the hemi in it tomorrow 6/12/21 from the photos it looks like its almost in show room condition

[@gabrielhugges6820]

I drive a 07 commander with the 5.7. Has lots of power and is super comfortable, the only complaint that i have is its sucks on gas as i only get 13 average

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I've already noticed on mine that stop lights and drive thru kill my fuel economy with this Hemi. Long highway runs seems to do better.

[@jimstenlund6017]

I had a neighbor with a Chrysler 300 and 13 is what he was getting also.

[@shanereynolds4822]

Thanks for the video. I found a 2007 Commander Overland 4wd Hemi. Going to get it!

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Sure thing good luck!

[@jccostarakis5983]

You posted a year ago. Looking to buy the same with 160,000 miles. Still happy with yours?

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Yes, I use it to transport my family and when I go on vacation with the everyone, it does great. Super comfortable.

[@bugoutjeep8065]

When's the sprinter van coming? Those V8 SUV Jeeps are great for the money imo. That's still why I really like my ZJ. V8 and diesels move jeeps very well obviously.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

When I find one down by the river! This is my first V8 Jeep and I really get why people want a V8 Wrangler now as well. It's interesting if I had gotten a Hemi Commander before my Diesel Liberty I might have been a V8 guy instead of a diesel guy.

[@bugoutjeep8065]

@@RustyAutoholicGuy I started with the v8 Grand Cherokee and then going to the i6 TJ, I really missed the power and torque of the V8. V8 fuel economy was better too when I had mud tires as well, but that could probably have been fixed with gearing. First TJ trip I got sub 10 mpg because I didn't understand why 5th gear wouldn't do anything on the highway.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Yup I hear you there! I really like my diesels, and I'll still put a diesel in my LJ as well, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about putting a Hemi in a TJ or LJ in the future as well. Heck a Hemi in a JKU would probably be really good as well.

[@chelio1932]

You can turn it off in the center console on the menu button

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I'll check that out, good to know! Thank you!

[@robertridder6543]

these are WAY nicer than any wrangler. more luxuries more room, and V8 power and wayy cheaper to buy. PUT A LIFT KIT on her. go 33inch tires and you are winning

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

For transporting my family, yes I agree, but it's weight and overall size for the area where I wheel it would limit me severely. Also having worked on both, I'd rather wrench on my Wrangler.

[@hughjanus1870]

Hey how is it suiting you so far? My wife and I were thinking of getting one for a few reasons, 4 wheel drive, third row seat, cheap price relatively even though they are old at this point considering a new suv modern day would probably cost $60k

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Well I blew the motor in my next video, my fault, but I love the Commander, getting a new Hemi installed in right now.

[@hughjanus1870]

@@RustyAutoholicGuy haha yeah I saw that, it happens. Been looking a tons of them, would prefer the big boy hemi, I see some 6cylinders and feel like that’s a bad idea

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

I would still recommend the Hemi model, there just isn't anything like the power delivery from that motor. I would just look for a model that is made after I believe 2008 which is when the valve stem issues was fixed in the Hemi engines.

[@hughjanus1870]

@@RustyAutoholicGuy alright perfect thanks for the advice man!

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Sure thing!

[@kokingshag2278]

Looking at one for $3800.00 with 130k miles on it...it's a "2008 Limited 5.7 HEMI"...very informative video, trying to choose between this and and a H3 with 160k miles for 5200.00 but only has a 5 cylinder and half the horsepower...hmmmm

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Glad it helped! I have never been in or messed with a Hummer so I can’t give any advice on that front.

[@ileanasoto8150]

I love my Hemi commander and the seats uff love the brown 😌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@bucketmouthinc2937]

I just got a 07 Commander v8 4.7 Trail Edition 4x4 Limited. It’s got more options than I even know what the heck they are. It drives like a caddy and can move even with the 4.6L vs 5.7L.

[@h22eh6]

Do u still have it

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Yes I do

[@MrMurph111]

I hope you have a big repair budget cause that thing is going to test your nerves big time.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

LOL Have you seen the next video?

[@MrMurph111]

@@RustyAutoholicGuy Ouch, yeah just seen that. That blows, no pun intended. Luckily mine still runs but I have about 6k into it now including the cost to buy....way more repairs than i originally thought. Here is an early video of mine.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/o36UfYiHZ8dkj6s

[@moparmadman1134]

Why??? no more than any other car.

[@FamilyLopezVlogs]

Great buy yes sir that’s the reason y I bought my Jeep Commander 5.7 hemi I was looking at jeeps but none had 3 row seats. I my self was the same way I needed something all my 4 kids and my wife and I to off road and overland and trails good for a big family off road and camping suv and best of all 5.7 hemi Jeep But I saw the commander and in a 5.7 man it’s a smooth ride works great and also good on gas mileage great buy man glad you whent with the 5.7 hemi it’s hard to find but worth the buy. Video1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5a3YX6JltN9rNU Video 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpDHp3Sqgah6jcU Video 3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYWnq4Z6rtFlj7c

[@quietlion33]

How much did you pay for yours?

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

$5500 not including air fare.

[@elulysero8863]

Get a custom tune for it. It'll really move then

[@DeeBrackin]

Imagine doing what I did ...a 6.1 hemi swap 🤣

[@Macsk8ing]

These things are terribly unreliable.

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Trust me I found out shortly after making this video!

[@tkoprojoe]

Go check out "Car Wizard". He is a large repair shop owner. He has a different take on this as a "buy" ....spoiler -NOT.