Ford Division Nameplates Win Honors
From "Car of the Year" to "Best Buy" to "10 Best," Ford Division products have garnered a number of awards. Below are highlights: Ford Thunderbird: For the fourth time, Ford Thunderbird captured Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" award. The 2002 Thunderbird also received Popular Science's "Best of What's New" award and the People's Choice "Car of the Year" award. AAA Auto Guide chose Ford Thunderbird as its "2002 Cool Car" winner. In addition, African Americans On Wheels and Latinos On Wheels selected Thunderbird as its "Urban Car of the Year." Ford Focus: Car and Driver named Ford Focus one of its "10 Best" for 2002. AutoWeek readers voted Focus "America's Best Economy Car" and "Best First New Car." Automobile Magazine named Ford Focus "Best Small Car" and SVT Focus "Best Coupe." Kiplinger's Personal Finance named Focus "Best in Class Under $16,000." AAA's ex-perts chose Ford Focus "Best in Class Under $15,000." Focus also was selected as "Best Compact Car" in MONEY Magazine's Car Guide 2002. Ford Mustang: The Ford Mustang is on the AutoWeek "Top 10" list. The 2002 Ford Mustang GT's MACH 460 audio system was selected best factory sound system, in vehicles with an MSRP under $30,000 by Edmunds.com. Ford Explorer: Popular Science bestowed its "Best of What's New" award on the 2002 Explorer. Explorer also won Field & Stream's "Best of the Best" award. Motor Week gave Explorer its Drivers' Choice Award for "Best Family Sport-Utility Vehicle." Ford Escape: Car and Driver presented the Ford Escape with its "Best Small SUV" award. The Ford Escape was named Edmunds.com "Editors' Most Wanted Small SUV." Ford F-Series: Ford F-Series is Edmunds.com "Editors' Most Wanted Large Pickup." AutoWeek readers named the Ford F-150 "America's Best Pickup Truck." Ford F-Series captured its sixth consecutive Polk Automotive Loyalty Award. Ford Taurus: AutoWeek readers named Taurus "America's Best Family Sedan." Ford Crown Victoria: Crown Victoria is Edmunds.com "Editors' Most Wanted Large Sedan." The 2001 Crown Victoria is a Consumer's Digest "Best Buy." Ford E-Series: Ford E-Series is Edmunds.com "Editors' Most Wanted Large Van." Ford Ranger: Ranger earned its second consecutive Polk Compact Pickup Truck Loyalty Award. In addition, Ford Division captured its sixth consecutive Polk Overall Make Loyalty Award this year.
More Operations
What's Best Handled by an FMC, and What's Better Done Directly?
Fleet managers continue to rely on FMCs for essential services but are taking a closer look at where working directly with suppliers can improve efficiency and responsiveness.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Erin Gilchrist
Meet Erin Gilchrist, the inaugural Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award winner, as she shares insights on leadership, mentorship, the power of industry connections, and why people remain at the heart of fleet's future.
Read More →
How 2026 Fleet Visionary Jamie McKay Manages 2,400 Vehicles Across 37 States
How do you keep 2,400 vehicles running across 37 states? Fleet Visionary Award winner Jamie McKay shares how collaboration, flexibility, and a few simple strategies help her tackle fleet management challenges at Aptive Pest Control.
Read More →
Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →