Motor Trend Magazine Names Ford Thunderbird 2002 Car of the Year

The award-winning Ford Thunderbird was unveiled at the 2002 Motor Trend International Auto Show in Las Vegas.

Motor Trend's editorial staff selected this year's winner after conducting ten rigorous tests on the largest group of contenders ever to compete - 27 cars. In identifying the winner, factors including design, engineering, quality, interior, special features, fun, everyday livability, safety, performance and value were evaluated. Including both domestic and import manufacturers, contenders included: Acura RSX, Audi A4, Audi S8, Audi S6 Avant, BMW M3, Ford Thunderbird, Hyundai XG350, Infiniti Q45, Jaguar X-Type. Kia Sedona, Kia Optima, Lexus SC 430, Lexus ES 300, Lexus IS 300 SportCross, Mazda MP3, Mazda Protege5, Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C32, Mercedes-Benz SLK32, Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Altima, Nissan SE-R/Spec V, Subaru Impreza WRX sedan/wagon, Toyota Camry, VW Jetta Wagon and the VW EuroVan.

``Ford can be proud of its modern-day reprise of a powerful American tradition,'' said Motor Trend's Manager of Editorial Development Kevin Smith. ``Not only is the Thunderbird handsome to look at, pleasing to drive, and fun to just think about, it's also a milestone development on the automotive landscape. We think it is the most significant new car for 2002 and earns its place as Motor Trend's Car of the Year.''

To compete for Car of the Year, an automobile must be all-new or a substantial update/redesign of an existing model and must be on sale in North America by January 1, 2002. Now well into its sixth decade, the annual Motor Trend Car of the Year has become the most coveted and most recognized award in the automotive industry.

``We're especially honored that the Ford Thunderbird was chosen Motor Trend's Car of the Year for the fourth time,'' said Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president. ``The all-new Thunderbird celebrates Ford's heritage of innovation, and reaffirms our goal to build the best cars on the planet - cars that invoke passion and touch people's hearts and souls.''