AAA Selects 12 Vehicles as Auto Guide Award Winners; Thunderbird Named 'Cool Car'

    ORLANDO, Fla.--March 12, 2002--AAA has selected 12 vehicles as best in their class, including the redesigned Ford Thunderbird as its "Cool Car," naming them the 2002 AAA Auto Guide Award winners.
    "AAA Auto Guide Award winners stand out from the rest by offering the best balance of performance, quality and value," said Dave Van Sickle, director of AAA Automotive and Consumer Information and editor of "AAA Auto Guide: 2002 New Cars and Trucks." More than 200 vehicles were evaluated for the book and the top vehicle in each category took the award.
    Eleven AAA Auto Guide Award vehicle categories are based on vehicle cost and type, while one, the Cool Car category, is based on unique characteristics. Winning 2002 models are:

Ford Thunderbird (Cool Car)           
Buick LeSabre ($20,000-$25,000)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (over $50,000)  
Nissan Altima ($15,000-$20,000)
Cadillac DeVille ($40,000-$50,000)    
Ford Focus (under $15,000) 
BMW 5-series ($35,000-$40,000)        
Cadillac Escalade (SUV over $25,000) 
Lexus ES 300 ($30,000-$35,000) 
Toyota Highlander (SUV under $25,000) 
Acura 3.2TL ($25,000-$30,000) 
Honda Odyssey (Minivan)

    AAA's experts chose the Ford Thunderbird as the 2002 Cool Car winner because it's an instant head-turner that is sure to pull people into a showroom.
    "It's certain to appeal to those who grew up in the 1950s and though they may not buy one, they are sure to dream about it," said Van Sickle.
    Ratings for each vehicle are based on comprehensive reviews conducted for 2002 New Cars and Trucks, an annual book of new vehicle evaluations. The book features ratings on vehicles ranging from sports cars to minivans. Each vehicle receives up to 10 points in 20 different categories for a maximum of 200 points.
    The highest scoring vehicle in this year's book is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with 173 points. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Cadillac DeVille, Acura 3.2TL, Ford Focus and Buick LeSabre are the only repeat selections from last year's AAA Auto Guide Awards list.
    To evaluate vehicles for the 2002 New Cars and Trucks book, AAA experts test vehicles under everyday driving conditions. The book features a written review, a point rating, vehicle photos, specifications, options and pricing information. There are also tips on selecting the right vehicle, negotiating a lease and buying a new car.
    2002 New Cars and Trucks helps take the guesswork out of buying a new vehicle. Its evaluations of all the model-year 2002 cars, minivans, SUVs and trucks are based on such criteria as: ride and handling, acceleration and braking, fuel economy, comfort and convenience, storage space, and value.
    "2002 New Cars and Trucks is designed to be a helpful resource in the search for a new vehicle," said Van Sickle. "It provides valuable information and allows consumers to narrow the list of vehicles they want to test drive."
    AAA Auto Guide: 2002 New Cars and Trucks is available at AAA offices, by calling 1-877-AAA-BOOK or online at http://www.aaa.com. It also can be purchased at many retail outlets and bookstores for $14.95 US/$22.95 CDN.
    As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

    AAA news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news