If There Is No Such Thing As the Perfect Vehicle, How Do You Explain the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

A dark red 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is parked on an ocean beach after leaving a used Jeep dealership In Southern California.

Here in Southern California, we enjoy near-perfect weather almost every day of the year. Our climate is amazing for windows-down driving, and Southern California drivers are just as likely to hit the slopes in Big Bear as they are to hang out at the beach. Some say there is no one vehicle that can let you enjoy all of these opportunities, but we say they are wrong. Visit our used Jeep dealership in Southern California, and you’ll see why the Jeep Grand Cherokee is your perfect companion for every California adventure.

It’s a great time to buy a used Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeeps are always a smart pre-owned choice because they’re built to last, so whether you’re buying a three-year-old Grand Cherokee Limited that just came off a lease or an older base model with plenty of miles on the odometer, that common thread of Jeep quality is present. That means a hassle-free ownership experience.

The Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s most iconic models, mostly due to its versatility. There are value-priced trims and top-of-the-line luxury versions, so buyers are likely to find a sweet spot of features and price within the Grand Cherokee lineup, and because they’re such a popular option, there are always plenty of used Jeep Grand Cherokees to choose from at your nearest used Jeep dealership.

The Grand Cherokee represents the best of what Jeep has to offer. There’s plenty of rugged off-roading capability, but that grit is delivered in a more refined package than the iconic Wrangler. The best used car is one that adapts to all your lifestyle demands; the Grand Cherokee is equally at home in the carpool line and on the side of a mountain, making it a favorite of Southern Californians.

What are our favorite Grand Cherokee features? Read on for more details about this popular midsize SUV, from its humble beginnings to newer Grand Cherokee models. Whether you buy used or select a cream-of-the-crop certified pre-owned model, when you take a Jeep Grand Cherokee home, you’re joining a family of nearly five million owners who love what they drive.

A red 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is driving on a tree-lined road past a guard rail.

The Grand Cherokee’s Celebrated History

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was first launched in 1993. Slated to compete in the rapidly growing SUV segment, the Grand Cherokee was a sized-up version of the wildly popular Cherokee and presented a viable option for buyers looking for something a little bigger. At the time of its launch, Jeep was part of the AMC family of brands.

Almost from the moment of its launch, the Grand Cherokee has resonated with buyers. Unlike many of AMC’s vehicle launches, the Grand Cherokee was an instant success and has remained popular year after year. To date, Jeep has sold over five million Grand Cherokees, a staggering number, especially considering it hasn’t undergone a major redesign since 2010.

How can it be that this particular SUV has struck a style cord with so many buyers? It’s partially due to timing, but more because of how the Jeep name has maintained its integrity and brand essence over many years, multiple ownership changes, and a whole host of political and social change. Not only did the Grand Cherokee offer different exterior styling than the competition, but its capable Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive system was far superior to anything else on the road.

Threading that unique Jeep-esque vibe through the Grand Cherokee’s architecture proved to be a winning strategy. Buyers felt like they were joining an owner base that valued adventure and open-road fun without having to commit to a rugged Wrangler. The Grand Cherokee successfully transported the kids to soccer practice without losing its appeal.

Today, as Jeep begins to explore hybrid and EV technology, the Grand Cherokee remains steadfast. It’s staying in its lane as an all-around smart midsize SUV option, with the right balance of style, capability, and luxury. Only one major change is on the horizon, and that’s the new Grand Cherokee L, a longer wheelbase version that offers three rows of seating.

Certified Pre-Owned Models

There are used Jeep Grand Cherokees, and there are certified pre-owned models. Both represent an opportunity to buy a high-quality Jeep vehicle, but certified pre-owned (CPO) Jeeps take that quality reassurance factor to a whole new level. They’re the best of the best.

Certified Pre-Owned Jeeps undergo a rigorous inspection and reconditioning process before they’re accepted. To even be considered, the vehicle must have fewer than 75,000 miles and be no more than five model years old. It must have a clean CARFAX report and title, and any aftermarket accessories cannot diminish safety or impair proper operation.

The 125-point inspection is a meticulous bumper-to-bumper process that checks for frame damage, interior and exterior condition, and tests every feature – from the key fob to the windshield wipers – to ensure everything is in good working order. The vehicle is road tested and visually inspected as well.

Finally, all vehicles receive comprehensive reconditioning that includes exterior and interior detailing, removal of any odors, and touch-up of any paint scratches. What results is a near-new vehicle that’s covered by a 7-year or 100,0000-mile powertrain warranty, a 3-month or 3,000-mile maximum care warranty and the option of purchasing additional coverage.

A CPO Grand Cherokee is a smart investment. You’ll get a gently used vehicle that leaves the dealer’s lot with added warranty coverage and have confidence knowing your new-to-you vehicle is in the best possible condition. You can only buy authentic CPO Jeeps at an official Jeep dealer, so plan a visit to Orange Coast to view all your options.

A white 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is shown from the side on a beach.

Used Grand Cherokee Models

Are you looking for a value-priced Grand Cherokee? The good news is, quality isn’t limited to just CPO models. Jeeps are built for rugged driving, and dependability is the cornerstone of all Jeep models. The Grand Cherokee is no exception, earning high marks for reliability from trusted third-party reviewers.

We particularly love the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee model. Launched in 2011 and carrying through to the present model year, this generation of Grand Cherokee is the most consistently reliable series to date. There’s a reason Jeep hasn’t redesigned it after ten years (a lifetime in automotive circles): it’s a timeless and winning design.

Over the ten-year span, you’ll find a variety of engine options, from the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the big 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that debuted in 2012 and wowed buyers with a whopping 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Add the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that entered the fray in 2018 on the Trackhawk trim, and you have a broad spectrum of powertrains to choose from.

As the model years progress from 2011 to more recent years, you’ll find that a growing number of infotainment and technology features, along with driver-assist systems, like automatic emergency braking, are more readily available. 2018 saw the addition of a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Older model years, like the original 2011, still offer SiriusXM satellite radio, USB ports, and an auxiliary port for listening to music on your smartphone.

The Grand Cherokee Is Ready For California

Whether you choose to purchase a used or CPO Grand Cherokee, you’ll feel the confidence of the Jeep brand. These vehicles have stood the test of time, drawing millions of owners who swear they’d never buy anything else. Styling is both modern and classic because the designers got it right the first time, so each new generation is simply an evolution of the original.

Now is a great time to get your hands on a quality used Grand Cherokee. The team here at Orange Coast is always taking in high-quality lease returns, so CPO inventory is constantly refreshed. These Grand Cherokees go fast, though, so we recommend visiting our website often to view current inventory or contacting us to find out what we have coming. Join a family of happy, adventure-seeking owners and buy a Grand Cherokee today!