Ford explorer vs jeep commander?

I have an explorer, 2006. There's a 2006 jeep commander I'm interested in. Explorer is starting to have problems. Anyone had both and an give advice?

Yes. I have a 2009 Ford Explorer. It's one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.

2006 was the introductory year for that generation of Explorer. It had not been in production long enough for them to find/work out any kinks - so it's more prone to have problems versus other years. 2007 came and they changed some of the mechanics. It's more reliable, but the biggest change came in 2008+ when the sealed transmission replaced with a serviceable one.

If you like the Explorer, I would simply trade it in on a newer model.

As for the Commander, it was a introductory model as well. I would avoid it simply for that reason. Besides, it would probably turn around and give you the same trouble you are having now. However, if that is what you want, I would shoot for at least a 2007+

I think the lesson to learn here is to avoid the introductory models. Try to shoot for at least a year or two after so they would have had time to work out any bugs.

I personally would keep the Ford. Chrysler products are known for being at the bottom of reliability.