On Nov. 21, 2001, the Ford Thunderbird was named Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine for a record fourth time.
With past wins in 1958, 1987 and 1989, Thunderbird has twice as many Motor Trend Car of the Year awards as any other vehicle. In choosing the 2002 Thunderbird from 27 new vehicles, Motor Trend editors said the T-Bird “is handsome to look at, pleasing to drive and fun just to think about.”
With its V-8 power and rear-wheel drive, the all-new, sporty two-seater combines modern comfort, convenience and styling with classic Thunderbird design cues, including a hood scoop, round headlamps, egg crate grill and porthole windows. “Ford can be proud of its modern-day reprise of a powerful American tradition,” said Motor Trend’s Kevin Smith.
Thunderbird was the only domestic car in the field of 28 candidates, the largest ever considered by Motor Trend. Competitors included four cars from Mercedes-Benz, three from Lexus and Audi, and two each from Kia, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen.
The annual Motor Trend Car of the Year is the most coveted and best known award in the automotive industry. Selection by the magazine’s staff follows rigorous testing for acceleration, handling, braking, plus further evaluation of a vehicle’s design, engineering, quality, interior comfort and special features, safety, fun factor, livability and overall value.
With past wins in 1958, 1987 and 1989, Thunderbird has twice as many Motor Trend Car of the Year awards as any other vehicle. In choosing the 2002 Thunderbird from 27 new vehicles, Motor Trend editors said the T-Bird “is handsome to look at, pleasing to drive and fun just to think about.”
With its V-8 power and rear-wheel drive, the all-new, sporty two-seater combines modern comfort, convenience and styling with classic Thunderbird design cues, including a hood scoop, round headlamps, egg crate grill and porthole windows. “Ford can be proud of its modern-day reprise of a powerful American tradition,” said Motor Trend’s Kevin Smith.
Thunderbird was the only domestic car in the field of 28 candidates, the largest ever considered by Motor Trend. Competitors included four cars from Mercedes-Benz, three from Lexus and Audi, and two each from Kia, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen.
The annual Motor Trend Car of the Year is the most coveted and best known award in the automotive industry. Selection by the magazine’s staff follows rigorous testing for acceleration, handling, braking, plus further evaluation of a vehicle’s design, engineering, quality, interior comfort and special features, safety, fun factor, livability and overall value.