Jeep Grand Cherokee Named 1999 Truck of the Year

The all–new Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the 1999 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

The North American Truck of the Year jury, consisting of 48 of the most influential automotive journalists in the United States and Canada, selected the Jeep Grand Cherokee over some significant competitors, including the Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Discovery and Lexus LX470.

North American Truck of the Year juror Christopher Jensen said, “The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the new standard among sport utilities for the magical mixture of pavement prowess with an undiluted ability to handle hardcore, off-road challenges.”

Adds juror Ken Gross, “Whether you want it for family fun or luxurious cruising, the Grand Cherokee, with a lusty 4.7 liter V-8, will tow your boat, haul your horses, impress your neighbors, please your accountant and not scare your banker.”

“We couldn't be more pleased,” said Martin R. Levine, DaimlerChrysler Vice President and General Manager of the Chrysler–Plymouth and Jeep Divisions, “but we're not totally surprised. We set out to build the most capable sport-utility ever, in terms of on-road refinement, while improving the legendary Jeep off–road performance. Receiving North American Truck of the Year honors is wonderful confirmation.”

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is produced at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan and at Steyr–Daimler–Puch in Graz, Austria for markets outside of North America.