May 1994
Freiburger's first 4xForward: "We'll have an added emphasis on hooking you up with more hard-core, real-world tech. And, along with the full-zoot dream parts, you'll find plenty of low-buck repairs, modifications, and building tricks.... We're talking duct-tape-and-bailing-wire, down-and-dirty cheap. Hands-on tips for the average dude or dudette."
June 1994
Drew Hardin's parting gift to Freiburger: American Gladiator story runs.
September 1994
Current Art Director Alan Huber joins staff, starting what would become the longest tenure of anyone now with the magazine.
February 1995
Tom Bezzi writes guest editorial about leaving the magazine after 10 years to go on medical disability due to AIDS (and passes away in March); Dodge Ram 2500 V-10 wins 4x4 of the Year, beating Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 and Blazer, and Ford Explorer and F-250 Power Stroke.
April 1995
First coverage of a double-low transfer case, the Marlin Crawler, for Toyota; also first mention of installing Dana 60 axles at both ends of the truck.
May 1995
First "wild action" cover featuring Moab trail carnage.
June 1995
Freiburger and staffer Brent Ross "got drunk to prove a point" for the story "Under the Influence"; Craig Johnson, the magazine's current managing editor, is hired.
November 1995
Pw is hired as a feature editor; Drivelines runs spy photo of the Jeep TJ.
February 1996
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V-8 wins biggest 4x4 of the Year shootout ever against Chevy K1500 and Tahoe, Nissan Pathfinder, Isuzu Rodeo, Range Rover, Toyota Tacoma and T100, and Suzuki X-90; Drivelines reports the passing of Bill Stroppe.
July 1996
First test of Jeep TJ: "In a nutshell, we dig it."
September 1996
Pw's flatfender rolled-on purpose-for "Whoops!" cover.
October 1996
First appearance of Elvis, the project TJ, in "Instant Hero" story about practical add-ons for '97 Wranglers: Mickey Thompson tires, sway-bar disconnect, Warn x8000i winch, Detroit SofLocker, 4.10s.
December 1996
Final appearance of company founder Robert E. Petersen on the corporate masthead as CEO of Petersen Publishing Company; his title changes to Chairman Emeritus in January as new corporate management team takes over.
February 1997
Jeep Wrangler wins 4x4 of the Year against Chevy Blazer ZR2; Dodge Dakota; Ford Expedition, Explorer and F-250; Mazda B4000; and Toyota 4Runner.
August 1997
Soni Honegger's Scorpion MK 1 appears on the cover as the "Most Capable 4x4 Ever"; Drivelines reports Elvis has "left the building": "Engineers were so impressed with how we'd tailor-made the Jeep for no-sweat extreme four-wheeling that they wanted it for their very own to study."
January 1998
Freiburger leaves for Car Craft; Quinnell takes the editor's chair in February.
February 1998
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited wins 4x4 of the Year against Dodge Durango, GMC Yukon, Isuzu Rodeo, Mazda B3000, Mercedes ML320, and Montero Sport.
March 1998
Magazine celebrates 20th anniversary issue; in his 4xForward column, Quinnell writes, "You've seen your last chromed shock in 4-Wheel & Off-Road."
November 1998
First photos of Toyota Tundra; Pw leaves to helm Jp magazine...
December 1998
...and immediately gets a feature story on his flatfender.
February 1999
Jeep Grand Cherokee wins 4x4 of the Year against a field that includes Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram Quad Cab, Ford F-150 and F-350 (V-10), Isuzu Amigo, Kia Sportage, Lexus LX470, Mercedes Benz ML430, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Land Cruiser; Lloyd Novak passes away.
May 1999
Corporate ownership changes are reflected in the masthead: Petersen Companies changes to emap Petersen Inc.
December 1999
Quinnell writes about the first Ultimate Adventure in 4xForward; current copy editor John Patton is hired.