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Three DaimlerChrysler Vehicles Earn Kiplinger's Awards

8 February 1999

Three DaimlerChrysler Vehicles Earn Kiplinger's Awards

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 8 -- Three DaimlerChrysler
vehicles were awarded Kiplinger's Best Cars of 1999.  Among this
year's top scorers were the Chrysler LHS, Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT, and
Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Limited.
    The all-new Chrysler LHS luxury sedan earned "Best New Car" ($25,000-
$35,000) honors.  Kiplinger's noted: "A powerful V-6 churns out an impressive
253 horsepower, and the nifty AutoStick(TM) transmission gives you added
control."
    The Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT was named "Best in Class Small Pickup."
Dakota was also ranked first for safety and given high marks for its smooth
ride and six-passenger seating capacity.
    The all-new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited was named "Best New Sport
Utility Vehicle."  According to the publication: "This redesign delivers a
more car-like ride, better steering and more cargo space than its
predecessor."
    Each year, Kiplinger's editors review nearly 500 domestic and imported
cars and trucks, awarding "Best in Class" and "Best New Car" designations to
vehicles that rise to the top of the publication's exclusive scoring system.
    "We're delighted that Kiplinger's has recognized three of our most popular
vehicles with their 1999 awards," said Arthur C. (Bud) Liebler, Senior Vice
President - Marketing.  "These three vehicles represent very diverse
audiences, yet they offer the universal appeal of great styling, capability,
fun and affordability."
    The all-new 1999 LHS is Chrysler's top-of-the-line image sedan that
provides more room for passengers and cargo, agile handling, as well as
outstanding fuel efficiency and performance from an all-new 3.5-liter V-6
engine.  Priced just under $30,000, the Chrysler LHS is fully equipped with
many of the standard features normally reserved for automobiles costing
thousands of dollars more, including heated leather seats, ABS and traction
control.
    Dodge Dakota, redesigned with a bolder look for 1997, had a record year in
1998 with more than 152,629 units sold during the calendar year.  Dakota
offers consumers more than other compact pickups with its bold design, unique
size, outstanding capabilities and Magnum power, including the only optional
V-8 engines in the segment.  Added to its reputation as the roomiest and most
powerful compact pickup are standout appearance, increased comfort, greater
safety, thoughtful features both inside and out, and the best ride and
handling in the compact truck class.
    The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets new standards in four-wheel drive
leadership, capability and style with an exceptional balance of power,
performance, on-road ride and handling, security and luxury.  Jeep wrote the
book on four-wheel drive, and its all-new Quadra-Drive(TM) system is the only
4WD system in the industry that delivers traction in all driving conditions.
    Kiplinger's New Cars and Trucks 1999 Buyer's Guide, which helps vehicle
buyers make informed purchasing decisions, allocates honors to cars and trucks
based on safety, reliability, performance, comfort, estimated resale value,
fuel efficiency and cargo space.