PRESS RELEASE

Chrysler Announces 4-Wheeler of the Year Award for Jeep Cherokee


      Chrysler Announces Four Wheeler Magazine Names 1997 Jeep Cherokee
                          'Four Wheeler of the Year'
  


    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 2 -- Four Wheeler magazine today
named the 1997 Jeep(R) Cherokee "Four Wheeler of the Year," marking the second
consecutive year a Jeep vehicle has won this prestigious award from America's
oldest four-wheel-drive enthusiasts magazine and the fifth time overall since
the award program began in 1974.
    "Being named Four Wheeler magazine's "Four Wheeler of the Year" is
spectacular news to all of us at Jeep," said Martin R. Levine, General Manager
- Chrysler/Plymouth and Jeep/Eagle.  "This award highlights the all-new
interior, new features, classic design and value of Jeep Cherokee, while
drawing attention to the authentic Jeep capability."
    This year's "Four Wheeler of the Year" competition included: Chevy Blazer
ZR2, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wrangler, Lexus LX450 and Toyota
4Runner.
    According to John Stewart, Four Wheeler's editor, "It was a tough
competition this year, but our Four Wheeler team thought Jeep Cherokee was the
best all-around vehicle with its outstanding performance, off-highway
capability and classic styling.  The solid front axle and traditional design
all packaged at the right price made Jeep Cherokee stand out in the crowd."
    Four Wheeler rates four-wheel-drive vehicles in five performance
categories and in nine empirical tests.  Subjective performance judging
includes mechanical operation, on-road ride and handling, off-highway
performance, interior design and function, and exterior appearance.  Emperical
ratings include fuel economy, interior noise, braking, acceleration, cargo
capacity, ground clearance, and suspension travel.
    A four-wheel-drive vehicle must be new or significantly revised for the
model year to be eligible for the annual Four Wheeler competition.  For 1997,
Jeep Cherokee has an all-new interior, and its first exterior refinement since
it debuted as the first four-door compact sport-utility vehicle in the 1984
model year, as well as significant improvements to fit-and-finish and overall
body integrity.
    The most visually evident change in Cherokee is the "modular" instrument
panel which includes a new heating, ventilation and cooling system; accessory
and radio controls; an available combined cassette/CD with premium speakers;
and twenty amp power outlet and cigar lighter.  Jeep Cherokee retains its
classic exterior with an overall rounder appearance at the front and rear with
new grille, fascias, bodyside moldings and wheels.
    Jeep Cherokee first won "Four Wheeler of the Year" in the 1984 model year
when it was originally introduced.  Similarly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was
"Four Wheeler of the Year" when introduced in 1993, and again in 1996 when it
was virtually redone.

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    Visit Chrysler's Media Relations Web Site at http://www.media.chrysler.com
for additional Chrysler news.
CONTACT: Carrie McElwee, 810-512-2664, or Alex Tsigdinos, 810-512-2692, both of Chrysler