| Every
year, a compelling array of state-of-the-art automobiles hits the road, ready
to please consumers with any variety of transportative needs, from the most utilitarian
of purposes to the most passion-imbibed pursuits of thrills. Since
ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine's International Car of the Year Awards were created,
some 8 years ago, dozens of cars have received accolades from a distinguished
panel of journalists pulled from all types of automotive and lifestyle publications.
But what makes RTM's awards so special is how they recognize the merits of each
vehicle within the context of the reasons for which they were created. In other
words, we ask the question, "So they do that they are supposed to do?" Therefore,
minivans and pickup trucks do not duke it out with sports cars and luxury cars
for just one award-rather, there are nine distinct categories wherein they each
get a chance to prove their might among their peers. That said, the vehicles that
manage to somehow do everything well are nominated for our top award, Car of the
Year. RTM's
International Car of the Year Award winners were announced at a black-tie gala
that coincided with the opening of the media days for the world's largest and
most significant annual auto event, the North American International Auto Show
in Detroit, Michigan. The 2004 Awards show, often referred to as the Academy Awards
of Detroit, featured appearances from some of the biggest names in the auto industry,
as well as state and national political figures and other prominent A-List personalities
from within as well as without the automotive business. This
year's VIP
list included Detroit Police Chief Ella M. Bully-Cummings; Tom Purves,
Chairman & CEO, BMW North America; Mike Jackson, Chairman & CEO, AutoNation;
Kathleen Ligocki, President & CEO, Tower Automotive; Barry Meguiar, President
& CEO of Meguiar's; John Middlebrook, VP Vehicle Brand Mkg. & Corp Advertising,
General Motors; Thomas J. Shaver, Sr. Partner, J.D. Power and Associates; Michael
E. Martini, President Consumer OE of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire;
Mark LaNeve, Cadillac General Manger; and Brent Dewar, Chevrolet General Manager. RTM
knew it had to pull out all the stops for the 2004 ceremony, which was held in
a luxurious Renaissance Ballroom at the Detroit
Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel. Award
winners were decided by a panel of Jury
that includes RTM’s distinguished auto editors as well as several other auto
experts. The judges were charged with the task of evaluating and ranking the vast
pool of vehicles that are all-new or significantly enhanced for the 2003 model
year. In all, nine winners took home trophies in the 10 categories (one overachiever
won two categories, including the top prize of Car of the Year). Results were
tallied and verified by J.D. Power and Associates. This
8th annual awards show just keeps on getting bigger in thanks to sponsor
support from
Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel, Bridgestone/Firestone Tires, General
Motors, Dolby Laboratories, Ford Motor Company, American Honda Motor Company,
ArvinMeritor Inc., BMW NA, GMAC Financial Services, Hyundai Motor America, Kia
Motors America, Mercedes-Benz USA, NAWBO - Greater Detroit Chapter, Nissan North
America, Inc., Subaru of America, Tower Automotive, AutoNation, Bose Corporation
and Meguiar’s Inc. 2004
is an especially big year, given the slew of groundbreaking new products that
have redefined what is possible in nearly every automotive genre. Naturally, that
made it tough for the judges to decide who is the best of the best for 2004. So
read on to find out who rose to the top to earn this year's Car of the Year Awards
from ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine. A
fork in the road....either navigate through our Class of 2004 winners by clicking
on 'Start' or by selecting one of the 10 categories listed below! 
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