Dodge and Jeep Comprise 1/2 of Four Wheeler Magazine's '10 Best New 4x4 Values'
27 June 2000
Dodge and Jeep Comprise Half of Four Wheeler Magazine's '10 Best New 4x4 Values' List
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - In its August 2000 issue, Petersen Publishing's Four
Wheeler magazine named five Dodge trucks and Jeep vehicles tops among its 10
Best 4x4 value ratings. No other manufacturer received more than two category
honors.
The best-in-class winners and the magazine's comments include:
* Compact Four-Door -- Jeep Cherokee
"The six-cylinder engine gives the Cherokee almost limitless amounts of
torque and a great power-to-weight ratio. What more could a true lover of low
range want?"
* Full-size 3/4-Ton Regular Cab -- Dodge Ram 2500
"In a class where work-duty is the prime consideration, the Dodge Ram has
the biggest muscles in the group."
* Full-size 3/4-Ton Diesel Extra Cab -- Dodge Ram 2500 Club Cab Cummins
Turbo Diesel
"We've lived with the 24-valve 5.9L I-6 Cummins motor with the automatic,
five-speed and six-speed manuals, and found it to be the most profoundly burly
truck motor we've driven."
* Full-size 1-Ton Crew-Cab Long bed -- Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab
"We think the 1-ton Ram offers some of the best component parts, some of
the best bang-for-the-buck options, and has the biggest most aggressive stance
of the group."
* Removable Top 4x4 -- Jeep Wrangler
"Long known as one of the most capable out-of-the-box four-wheel drive
vehicles around, and certainly one of the most popular choices on tougher
trail rides, the Jeep Wrangler has been a consistent breath of fresh air in a
world polluted with all-wheel-drive pretenders."
Power and Capability Drive Ram's Success
"The tough requirements of Four Wheeler magazine mirror the demands of
truck owners everywhere," said Frank Klegon, Vice President, Dodge Truck
Platform Engineering. "Beneath each Dodge Ram's bold exterior design lies the
power and capability to meet the most extreme needs for work or play."
Introduced in 1994, Dodge Ram sales have grown over 500 percent in just
seven model years.
The Dodge Ram is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive in
a variety of body styles (Regular Cab, Club Cab and Quad Cab), box sizes (6-
1/2-foot and 8-foot) and payload capacities (1/2-ton, 3/4 -ton, and 1-ton).
The Ram Regular Cab has not only a spacious driver and passenger area, but
a set of storage bins and hooks behind the front seats for tools, maps or
other items.
The Ram Club Cab offers the same spaciousness of the Regular Cab, along
with room for larger items that can be stored or removed by folding the front
seats.
The Ram Quad Cab was introduced in 1998 and quickly became the best-
selling Ram model. It features two rear-hinged doors in the back of the cab
that allow for convenient access for people or a large storage area for gear.
Dodge Ram Trucks have also gained a strong reputation for their power.
Ram is offered with a wide range of Magnum V-6, V-8s and V-10 gasoline
engines, along with the Cummins turbo diesel engine.
Jeep - Six Decades of Off-Road Dominance
"We are very proud to be recognized in this fashion," said Craig R. Love,
Vice President - Jeep Platform Engineering. "Jeep vehicles stand on the
promise to deliver rugged, versatile vehicles with authentic four-wheel drive
capability. It's great to see a publication with the off-road credibility of
Four Wheeler agrees with us."
With almost 60 years of heritage, the Jeep Wrangler continues to be the
true, original Jeep that delivers unmatched open-air fun and freedom with the
ability to go anywhere, do anything. No vehicle illustrates the award-winning
Jeep capability more than the Wrangler, the heart and soul of Jeep. Jeep
Wrangler SE comes standard equipped with the 2.5-liter PowerTech four-cylinder
engine. The optional 4.0-liter PowerTech I-6 engine, available on Sport and
Sahara models, comes standard with the NVG 3550 five-speed manual
transmission. A three-speed automatic transmission is available.
Creating a new segment upon its introduction in 1984, Cherokee continues
to be a success in the lower-middle sport-utility segment. Fully redesigned
for 1997, its classic styling, modern technology and Jeep trademark four-wheel
drive leadership appeal to young and old around the world. With a thoroughly
reengineered 4-liter PowerTech in-line six-cylinder engine for 2000, Cherokee
continues to offer buyers one of the best-performing sport-utility vehicles
with all the traditional Jeep capabilities at an attainable price.