Isuzu Amigo Wins Stiff Texas Auto Writers Competition

22 January 1999

Isuzu Amigo Wins Stiff Texas Auto Writers Competition; the Versatile Sports-Ute Also Debuts at Baja 1000

    HOUSTON--(AutomotiveWire)--Jan. 21, 1999--The 1999 Isuzu Amigo Hard Top won first place in the small SUV category at the sixth annual Texas Truck Rodeo, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).
    Isuzu will receive the award at the Houston International Auto Show, Jan. 22. More trucks, sport utility vehicles, and all-wheel-drive specialty vehicles participated than ever before -- and the competition was stiff. The largest assembly to date of automobile writers from around the state judged the event.
    "We drove all of them hard both on-road and off," said Roger Gray, president, TAWA. "We scored them in a variety of categories and under a variety of circumstances.
    "The narrowness of all the winners' margins just goes to prove the quality of the vehicles one has to choose from in the American marketplace. In short, there was nothing we drove that wouldn't make us happy with our choice."
    The Amigo won first place, nosing out the Jeep Wrangler and six other small SUVs, which were rated for exterior styling, interior comfort and convenience, drivetrain, on-road driving, off-road driving, versatility, and value. The Amigo stood out in all categories.
    The 1998 Amigo Soft Top was also honored in the annual rugged Mexican off-road race, the Baja 1000. Bob Land, with Bob Land Racing, entered a standard Amigo in the Stock Small Truck Class. (No modifications were allowed in this class with the exception of safety equipment, including roll cage, fuel cell, and five-point driver and co-driver seat-belt system.)
    Supported by Quaker State Oil, BF Goodrich Tires, IPF Lights and Dura Last Batteries, the Amigo Soft Top placed first in class in the 1,070-mile off-road classic event down the Baja California peninsula.