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Dodge Intrepid is Named Family Circle 'Family Car of the Year'

15 October 1999

Dodge Intrepid is Named Family Circle 'Family Car of the Year'

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 14 -- Nationwide, women ranked the
spacious, comfortable and powerful Dodge Intrepid as the Family Circle "Family
Car of the Year."  Results announced today placed the Dodge Intrepid above
seven other finalists based on its space, comfort and overall design in the
sedan category.
    "Winning the Family Circle Car of the Year award is proof that we designed
the Dodge Intrepid to meet everyday needs of today's modern families, while
still providing performance and handling for those who enjoy driving," said
Jim Julow, Vice President, Dodge Division - DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
"Befitting of the Dodge brand, the Family Car of the Year research shows that
Intrepid owners place importance on performance, handling and stunning design
when selecting a new vehicle."
    Family Circle created the Car of the Year award to help set standards for
families purchasing a new vehicle.  The top automotive awards are given to the
sedan and sport activity vehicle that were consistently found to meet the
needs of women and their families.
    "Our Family Car of the Year award is unique in that we alone recognize
consumer satisfaction among women who, increasingly, have become the family's
automotive decision-maker," said James McEwen, Publisher - Family Circle
Magazine.  "The Dodge Intrepid also stood out among its competitors in
categories such as value, roominess and design."
    Dodge Intrepid placed first among seven finalists in a nationwide owner
survey that rated vehicles based on advanced engineering, overall space and
comfort, satisfaction with the dealer, value, manufacturer's warranty, safety
and suitability for family uses.
    In the Family Sedan category, the Dodge Intrepid won high marks based on
overall space and comfort, ease of access and trunk and cargo capacity.  More
than 87 percent of Intrepid owners said they would buy the Intrepid again.
The finalists included:  Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Lumina, Ford Taurus,
Honda Accord, Mercury Grand Marquis, Pontiac Grand Am and Toyota Camry.
    Of the more than 15,000 questionnaires, respondents must be female, be the
principal driver of the new vehicle, be at least 18, have one child in the
household under 18, and have owned the car for 6 months.
    "As a company we know that women are a driving force in the car market,
influencing more than 60 percent of all major purchases," said Julow.  "We
continue to invest heavily in developing cars and trucks with cutting-edge
design and state-of-the-art engineering to meet the needs of consumers."