The Score Card
Previous 4x4 of the Year Winners
1983: Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
1984: Jeep Cherokee (2.8L engine)
1985: Isuzu Trooper II
1986: Ford Ranger
1987: Nissan Pathfinder (two-door)
1988: Jeep Cherokee (4.0L engine)
1989: Toyota pickup
1990: Nissan Pathfinder (four-door)
1991: Dodge Dakota
1992: Chevrolet Blazer (fullsize)
1993: Jeep Grand Cherokee
1994: Dodge Ram (1500 V-8 shortbed regular cab)
1995: Dodge Ram (2500 V-10 longbed Club Cab)
1996: Jeep Grand Cherokee (with center diff lock)
1997: Jeep Wrangler Sport
1998: Jeep Grand Cherokee (5.9 Limited)
Test Structure
Category: Ranked Highest
RIDE & DRIVE--30% of total points
*Urban: Jeep
*Highway: Mercedes-Benz
*Dirt or gravel fire roads: Toyota
*Sand: Jeep
*Rockcrawling: Jeep
*Hillclimbing: Ford F-350
*Braking quality: Toyota
Overall: Jeep
EMPIRICAL--25% of total points
*Torque/weight ratio: Ford F-150
*1/4-mile acceleration: Jeep
*60-0 braking: Suzuki
*Load-carrying capacity: Ford F-350
*Miles per gallon: Suzuki
*Price as tested: Kia
Overall: Suzuki
MECHANICAL--15% of total points
*Engine's available power: Jeep
*Transmission: Lexus
*4WD/low-range engagement: Lexus
*Steering: Mercedes-Benz
*Fit and finish: Lexus
*Drivetrain performance: Jeep
Overall: Jeep
INTERIOR--15% of total points
*Ergonomics: Toyota
*Appearance, fit and finish: Lexus
*Appointments: Lexus
*Perceived noise level: Lexus
Overall: Lexus
EXTERIOR--15% of total points
*Body styling: Toyota
*Cargo: Dodge
*Four-wheeling attributes: Jeep
*Fit and finish: Lexus
Overall: Dodge