Arguably the first sports-utility or multi-purpose vehicle built, Jeep began the concept with its General Purpose military transport in 1941. Its Grand Cherokee debuted in 1992, and in the quarter-century since, Grand Cherokee has been an award-winning off-road and around-town luxury sports-utility vehicle that performs equally well at upscale occasions, off-road and while towing boats, toys and workloads.

And the awards continue in 2017, as “Car Connection” editors selected the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee as “Best SUV to Buy” and “Consumers Digest” named it “Best Buy” for the seventh consecutive year. And The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA -- the highest single rating in NHTSA’s vehicle-evaluation program.

Assembled at the Jefferson Avenue North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, Grand Cherokee continues on its theme as a Premium SUV with a refined exterior design — complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps. Also new for 2017 are a rearview camera and rear park sensors that are now standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee models; three new exterior paint schemes – Diamond Black, Rhino and Walnut Brown; and many model- or trim-specific upgrades. For example, the new Trailhawk model expands the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup with most capable version ever produced and features red tow hooks in the front and rear, standard rugged 18-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, and new Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents. Trailhawk also features a cornucopia of off-road features and interior specializations and other trims have upgraded interiors as well.

The four-door multi-purpose vehicle is a front-engine vehicle offered in rear- or front-wheel-drive, and is made with steel uniframe construction, and the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk models utilize front fascia and seven-slot Jeep grille that debuted on the 2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition. Key exterior features include front and rear LED lighting, and bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps that are outlined with signature LED running lamps. The front and rear feature unique lower fascias for every trim level and a large, aerodynamic rear spoiler.

I tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, which weighed in at 4875 lbs. (curbweight), and measured 189.8 inches in length, 84.8 inches in width at the mirrors (body width is 76.5 inches), and 69.3 inches in height at the roof rails, on a 114.8-inch wheelbase, with a load floor height of 32.4 inches, sill step-in height of 20.5 inches and a minimum ground clearance of 8.6 inches.

Grand Cherokee offers four engine choices including HEMIs and an Eco-Diesel. The standard engine, which also powered my test Grand Cherokee Limited, is the economical 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 Engine that provides 295 hp and 260 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 17/city and 24/highway – my week of testing in wintry conditions and included some off-road play, averaged 20.5mpg. A 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is also available with 360 hp and 390 lbs.-ft. of torque, and choices also include a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V-6 with 240 hp and 420 lbs.-ft., and on the SRT model, a 6.4-liter V-8 is standard, to power up with 475 hp and 470 lbs.-ft.

All of Jeep Grand Cherokee’s engines are mated to the ZF automatic eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick acceleration and precise, smooth shifting. While the engine noise that filled the cabin was greater than expected, acceleration was steady on the highway and toque provided good off-road power when called upon. At the track, a dash from zero-to-60mph was polished off in 7.8 seconds during a 16.0-second-flat quarter-mile.

The cabin seats five and is well-crafted, technically enhanced and comfortable. Interior accommodations provide 39.9 inches of front headroom and 39.2 in row two; first row legroom is 40.3 inches with 38.6 in the second row with 4.3 inches of knee clearance, and shoulder room is 58.7 inches in front with 58 inches in row two.

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in nine trim styles in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations, beginning with the base Laredo 4x2 at $30,395 and moving through the Laredo E at $32,695; 75th Anniversary Edition at $34,775; Altitude at $36,395, Limited (my test ride) at $37,995, Trailhawk at $43,095, Limited 75th Anniversary Edition at $43,605, Overland at $44,795; Summit at $50,495 and the super-powered SRT goes $66,895.

My Velvet Red Pearl Coat test Grand Cherokee Limited in 4x4 configuration -- for an extra $2000 – came with the 3.6-liter engine -- the 5.7 HEMI would have added $3295. The Luxury Group II added $4300 for a 506-watt amplifier, 9 amplified speakers with subwoofer, Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control, Automatic Headlamp Leveling System, Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps, Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, LED Daytime Running Headlamps, Power Tilt / Telescope Steering Column, Uconnect® 8.4 with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen Display, GPS Antenna Input, Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth® and Ventilated Front Seats.

The Keep Active Safety Group was $1495 and upgraded safety with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Advanced Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning systems, Lane Sense®, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist and Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers. Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection added $595. With Destination Charges of $1095, my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited-as-tested, stickered at $45,980.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been
writing professionally for about 30 years.

As the 21st century speeds forward and the automotive world blends its 14-decade history into modern technologies, Carlisle Events is doing something similar. Effective this year (2017), the minds behind America’s Automotive Hometown will blend its five decades of excellence with a piece of modern technology; an app known as MatchMyStuff.

MatchMyStuff is the brain child of “car guy” David Cannizzo, a technology and long time automotive enthusiast. His love for both helped forge this partnership and the goal is to offer a vast search engine for not only the more than half a million guests who pass through the Carlisle Events gates, but the millions of gear heads around the world. The app, available for iOS and Android devices, helps auto enthusiasts create an inventory list of wants and needs and best of all, keeps track of said list. This way, when the enthusiast returns to the page they don’t have to re-enter any of their data. The point to the memory aspect is that with just one click/tap on the page, its search engine enables those looking to buy with those looking to sell. Once stuff has been matched, buyer and seller can connect and negotiate deals direct.

Cannizzo isn’t just a run of the mill car enthusiast, he’s a Carlisle lifer. He’s been attending shows at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds since he was a kid, over 30 years ago, and spent many a weekend at Carlisle with his dad. While he recognizes that value of the person to person dealings at Carlisle within the swap meet, he also believes a tech app can be the perfect complement (not a replacement) to how business is done for enthusiasts like him.

“I have observed customer behavior at Carlisle along with the general marketplace and how the internet’s role has helped to evolve people’s transactions and behaviors,” noted Cannizzo. “Mobile has played a big role and to date, there is still a huge hole in the marketplace for an easy to use tool for people to keep track of their items to buy and sell and work directly with each other,” continued Cannizzo. “People should not use a third-party platform like auction sites because the person to person aspect is still very important to making the right deal with the right person for the right products and that’s why I have developed this app.”

The app is expected to go live on April 1 of this year and will be free to download. With swap meet season right around the corner, the MatchMyStuff app just might be the perfect complement to every car buff who attends Carlisle in 2017 and beyond. More details on the app can be found at www.MatchMyStuff.com and a link to download it will also be available via www.CarlisleEvents.com (posted at the bottom of each event page).

By popular demand, Carlisle Auctions recently announced an expansion from two-days to three as part of its Pennsylvania based auctions. Similarly, by popular demand, the Fast and Furious movie franchise will showcase its 8th installment beginning April 14. Starting April 20 at the Carlisle Expo Center as part of Spring Carlisle, the world of car auctions and Fast and Furious come together.

Own a piece of Hollywood history as a screen-used Fast and Furious car crosses the auction block on Saturday, April 22 at approximately 12:30 p.m. The car, a 1968 Dodge Charger, was used for stunt and green screen scenes in Fast and Furious 4 as well as Fast and Furious 5. It’s one of only two Chargers from production to have survived undamaged and best of all, as star cars go, this one was showcased with Vin Diesel behind the wheel with the late Paul Walker in the passenger seat.

Aside from it looking great on the big screen, it’s an awesome piece of craftsmanship in real life. The Charger is a 1968 as mentioned above, but for continuity purposes in the film it was built to look like a 1970. Under the hood (and popping out of it too) is a 350 Chevy engine with a faux BDS 871 blower. In addition, to the powerhouse engine, a 350-turbo transmission and Ford 9-inch rear end helps make it go!

This isn’t the first time a “celebrity” car has crossed the block for Carlisle Auctions either. In 2015, Carlisle Auctions moved a car that was owned by none other than the Bandit himself, Burt Reynolds. That sale drew national attention and at one point was a trending top national story on social media. The Trans Am sold for $181,900 including all fees. Now, with the Fast and Furious franchise front and center both on screen and at Carlisle Auctions, the expectation is for yet another high end six-figure sale!

"As we move forward and our auctions continue to evolve and expand, we are thrilled to offer this rare Charger as part of our inaugural Saturday auction,” said Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline. “It is exciting for our team to be chosen to represent this piece of Hollywood Automotive history and I encourage everyone to get involved for this very special weekend."

To own this historic vehicle or to at least see it cross the block, get involved with Carlisle Auctions today. Call 717-960-6400 to register to bid or visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

The Honda CR-V has been the best-selling entry-SUV since its launch in 1995 as the Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It debuted as a small SUV that met the need for a daily driver that could go off road while satisfying varied lifestyles. CR-V has since been upgraded to add elegance, sportiness, state-of-the-art tech and entertainment, more power and better fuel economy.

Last redesigned for 2012, the 2017 CR-V begins its fifth generation with a new chassis, more aggressive styling, and an available turbocharged engine.

New for 2017 are more than 60 changes that have been made to the CR-V’s body to increase safety performance through better energy absorption; enhance dynamic performance with increased body stiffness; and improve noise, vibration and harshness. North American-built, the new CR-V is produced at three plants -- East Liberty, Ohio; Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and Greensburg Indiana -- and its engines are manufactured in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario.

The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all models, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and new dual exhaust outlets give the 2017 CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

The CR-V's new windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille system that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes to 17 or 18 inches on all trims, narrower A-pillars for improved visibility, and sporty dual exhaust.

The revised CR-V is higher and longer, with a wider stance, as the compact SUV gains 1.2 inches in length over the previous generation and now measures 180.6 inches in length, 66.5 inches in height (a gain of 1.4 inches), and 73.0 inches in width (up 1.4 inches) on a 104.7-inch wheelbase, an increase of 1.6 inches. Curbweight comes in at 3421 for my test vehicle, taking off about 130 lbs. from a similar Gen-4 model I tested two years ago.

The 2017 CR-V in EX and higher trims are powered by CR-V's first-ever turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter DOHC, Direct-Injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual Valve Timing Control, delivering refined and responsive performance across the engine's full operating range. Combined with the CR-V's more aerodynamic body, models equipped with the new turbocharged powerplant have the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class (non-hybrid).

CR-V LX trims are powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC direct-injected i-VTEC engine with Variable Timing Control. Both engines are mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission with Honda G-Shift control logic. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 184 hp and 180 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the 1.5-liter turbo is rated at 190hp and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque. In AWD, the 2.5 is EPA rated at 25/city, 31/highway and 27/combined mpg. My test turbo, rated at 27/city, 33/highway and 29/combined in AWD, averaged 28.1mpg in mixed-use driving.

On the highway, acceleration is predictable, with sure passing power, but on the track, CR-V lumbered through a zero-to-60mph sprint in 9.1 seconds during a 17.0-second quarter-mile. The MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear, both with stabilizer bars provide a family-friendly riding experience and steering is responsive for the niche, with minor understeer.

The 2017 CR-V raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class. Spacious inside, the quiet cabin is accommodating, filled with electronics and comfort items and is thoughtfully laid out. Passenger volume is up by 1.8 cu.ft. to 105.9 cu. ft. Interior room measures 40.1 inches of front headroom and 39.2 in row two – slight gains over last year; Legroom is 41.3 inches in front and 40.4 inches for the second seats – more than 2 inches of increased rear seat room, and shoulder room measures 57.9 and 55.6 – an inch less than last year.

The fifth-generation CR-V incorporates premium active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features, including Honda Sensing™ technology, now offered as standard equipment on EX and higher trims. Utilizing Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, the 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS, including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing.

CR-V is offered in four trim packages in both AWD and 2WD. The Base LX starts at $24,045 and the EX trim I tested starts at $26,695 for the 2WD -- and you gain the Turbo engine, Honda Sensing™, Smart Entry and a 7-inch display audio touchscreen. EX-L starts at $29,195 gaining leather inside, a power liftgate, power seats and auto-rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $32,395 in 2WD and picks up a hand-free access power tailgate, full LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and satellite-linked navigation. My EX in AWD (for $1500 more) based at $28,195. Body side molding added $225, roof rails were $399, running boards were $549, splash guard set added $104, back-up sensors added $528 and destination and handling charges were $940, for a sticker-as-tested of $30,515.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Scheduled for a full makeover for 2019, Toyota’s three-row family SUV, the Highlander, nears the end of its third generation, which debuted in 2014. In January 2001, Highlander became the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover available in North America, and it has been a solid seller for Toyota ever since.

Fast-forward to 2017, Highlander has earned a solid rep for being the right size for family use, with good economy for the niche and easy maneuverability for in-town and soft-road utility.

This year’s edition is 1.35 inches longer for improved dynamics; the top engine gains 25 horsepower and 15 lbs.-ft. of torque; sportier styling has refreshed the SE trim; the hybrid line-up has been expanded to four grades and Highlander adds more safety features to gain it an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ ranking – qualifying for the award with standard equipment.

The Highland exterior has been tweaked with revised front and rear styling and enhanced interior convenience and comfort. Up front, the grille is larger and bolder and the new LED taillights are crisp and lithe. And the interior has been enhanced in the areas of convenience and comfort.

Safetywise, Highlander is among numerous Toyotas employing the innovative Toyota Safety Sense™ P driver-assist technology as standard. Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect a preceding pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, and visible lane markers in the surrounding area, TSS-P can help the driver identify obstacles and automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions. TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Sophisticated and dynamic, Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a low roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. Dimensions for Highlander measure 192.5 inches long, 75.8 inches wide and 68.1 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, to offer 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 5000 lbs., with a curbweight in Limited trim of 4495 lbs.

The 2017 Highlander is available in 4-cylinder and V-6 powertrain configurations. The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder is mated to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with FWD, and with intelligence (ECT-i), sequential shift mode and snow mode. The system provides 185hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA estimate of 20mpg/city, 24mpg/highway and 22/combined.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is rated at 295hp and 263 lbs.-ft- of torque, coupled with a Direct Shift – 8AT, 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence in either FWD or AWD, for an EPA fuel rating of 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 22mpg/combined for AWD.

My test Highlander Limited’s 3.5-liter finished a week of mixed-use driving in wintry conditions, with an average of 21.9mpg. Acceleration and performance were confident and responsive at speed and off the line, as tests polished off a zero-to-60mpg dash in 7.7 seconds while completing 16-second quarter-mile.

Independent MacPherson front struts with an L-shaped lower arm and a stabilizer bar, worked with a trailing arm double wishbone rear, Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, optimized electric power steering and enhanced fine tuning of springs and shocks to demonstrate solid grip, handling and a road-smoothing experience.

Inside, the quiet cabin seats seven with 39.5 inches of front headroom (with moonroof), 39.6 in row two and 35.9 inches in row three; leg room is 44.2, 38.4 and a child-worthy 27.7 in row three, with shoulder room of 59.3, 59.6 and 55.0. And the Limited trim cabin is packed with infotainment and amenities upgraded with Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors adds a touch of high-tech elegance, and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors set the luxury tone for driver and passengers.

Available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum trims, as well as four Hybrid trims starting at $36,270, the gas-version Highlander starts at $30,630 for the base model and tops out with the Limited Platinum starting at $46,260, My test Limited based at a $43,140 starting price that included the Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) package, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist Sonar, Integrated Backup Camera, Smart Key System+ Liftgate with Push Button Start, Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel, Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel, Heated/Ventilated Front Seats, Perforated Leather-Trimmed Front- and Second-Row Seats, Seating for Seven With Second-Row Captain's Chairs and 60/40 Split Third-Row Seats, Multi-Information Display, Roll-Top Center Console, Soft-Touch In-Dash Shelf, Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Height-Adjustable Power Liftgate and Flip-Up Rear Hatch, Chromtec® Roof Rails and a Moonroof.

Ooh La La Rouge Mica (Red) paint was matched to a Black Perforated Leather interior. Body Side moldings added $209, Door Edge Guards added $125, Roof Rack Cross Bars added $350, Running Boards added $599, Carpet Floor Mats added $129 (but I would opt for the all-weather floor liner package at $249 instead), Remote Engine Starter added $499. With Delivery, Processing and Handling fees of $960, my test 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited stickered at $46,011.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.