2004 Detroit Auto Show: American Woman Road & Travel Top 10 Car of the Year Award Winners

DETROIT, Jan. 3, 2004 -- American Woman Road & Travel, a 15-year- old publication specializing in automotive and travel topics for women, announced its 2004 - Top 10 Car of the Year winners on January 3, 2004. The presentation, held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel, hosted more than 500 industry leaders and media on the eve of the official opening of the North American International Auto Show. And the winners are:

  *  Car of the Year: Cadillac XLR
  *  Pick Up Truck of the Year: Most Athletic - Ford F-150 FX4
  *  Sports Car of the Year: Most Sex Appeal - Cadillac XLR
  *  Sedan of the Year: Most Dependable - BMW 5-Series
  *  Luxury Car of the Year: Most Respected - Jaguar XJ
  *  Minivan of the Year: Most Compatible - Nissan Quest
  *  Entry Level Car of the Year: Most Spirited - Dodge SRT-4
  *  Classic Car of the Year: Most Likely to Be Remembered - Chevrolet SSR
  *  Crossover/Sport Wagon of the Year: Most Versatile - Chrysler Pacifica
  *  SUV of the Year: Most Likely to Survive Anything - Volkswagen Touareg

"These awards center on how cars reflect our lifestyles and self-image, an attitude the average consumer can identify with," says AWRT editor-in-chief Courtney Caldwell. "Our awards represent the relationship consumers have with their cars."

A jury of 12 nationally-renowned automotive journalists selected the Top 10 with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates.

During the program, AWRT recognized veteran automotive journalist Denise McCluggage with its first Lifetime Achievement Award.

VIP speakers and presenters included Detroit Police Chief Ella M. Bully- Cummings and noted automotive expert John McElroy.

Sponsors include Detroit Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Bridgestone/Firestone, General Motors, Dolby Laboratories, Ford Motor Company, American Honda, ArvinMeritor, BMW NA, GMAC, Hyundai, Kia Motors America, Mercedes-Benz USA, NAWBO - Detroit Chapter, Nissan NA, Subaru of America, Tower Automotive, AutoNation, Bose Corporation and Meguiar's Inc.

For more information about AWRT, visit www.roadandtravel.com .