2005 Chicago Auto Show: MotorWeek Names Ford Mustang 2005 Best of the Year

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2005 -- MotorWeek, television's first and last word on the automotive world, today announced the selection of the Ford Mustang as "Best of the Year" for the 2005 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards. Coveted by automotive manufacturers, the Drivers' Choice Awards enjoy the prestige, not only for the artistic design and sculptural distinctiveness of the trophy, but for the more than two decades of journalistic insight into the automotive industry accompanying it. The awards have served consumers as well, distinguishing solid vehicle triumphs from fleeting automotive trends. This year's Drivers' Choice Awards are presented by The Stanley Works, which sponsors the weekly series on PBS and Speed Channel.

"Unanimously selecting the 2005 Ford Mustang as the 'Best of the Year' was all about nostalgia for a time when American cars were the envy of the world," said John Davis, host of MotorWeek. "With the new Ford Mustang, they are again. The new Mustang embodies the looks, the total performance, and the quality for an amazingly affordable price that warrants the envy of the world. Ten years from now, when car enthusiasts are asked what significant new cars were introduced in 2005, we think the redesigned Ford Mustang will be first on their list."

This year a team of 15 judges, comprised of the writers, producers and crew of MotorWeek, evaluated more than 150 cars and trucks, looking for superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value. The resulting 13 categories reflect the current buying trends in a market flush with outstanding vehicles. Those chosen for a 2005 Drivers' Choice Award made it through the grueling gauntlet of tests, representing what MotorWeek considers the best of the best and the most pleasurable to drive. This year's winners are:

   1.  Best Small Car              - Mazda3*
   2.  Best Family Sedan           - Chrysler 300
   3.  Best Station Wagon          - Subaru Legacy/Subaru Outback
   4.  Best Minivan                - Honda Odyssey
   5.  Best Convertible            - Mini Cooper Convertible
   6.  Best Luxury Sedan           - Audi A6
   7.  Best Sport Sedan            - Cadillac CTS-V
   8.  Best Performance Car        - Ford Mustang
   9.  Best Sport-Utility Vehicle  - Jeep Wrangler/Jeep Liberty/Jeep
                                      Grand Cherokee
   10. Best Full-Size Pickup Truck - Ford F-150*
   11. Best Mid-Size Pickup Truck  - Nissan Frontier
   12. Best Eco-Friendly           - Ford Escape Hybrid
   13. Best Dream Machines         - Chevrolet Corvette
                                     Lotus Elise
                                     Porsche Carrera GT
                                         *Denotes repeat winner from 2004

"MotorWeek has the enviable position of putting their quality brand to work for consumers, and their Drivers' Choice Awards reflect such a mark of excellence," said Scott Bannell, director of corporate marketing for Stanley. "As a like-minded company involved at all levels of the automotive world, Stanley is honored to present the 2005 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards."

The Drivers' Choice Award trophy was created by noted automotive artist Dennis Simon, whose illustrations have been seen on the pages of "Road & Track," "Sports Car International," "Automobile" and "Vintage Motorsport" magazines. Simon's commissioned trophy design evokes the passion of driving, an underlying principle of the Drivers' Choice Awards.

Stanley's innovative consumer and industrial products help people utilize their skills, express their creativity and realize their visions on work sites around the globe. Brand names include Stanley(R), Husky(R), Goldblatt(R), Bostitch(R), Jensen(R), Mac(R), Proto(R), La Bounty(R), Vidmar(R), CST, David White and ZAG(R). Security Solutions brands include Stanley, Best, Blick and Frisco Bay. More information can be found at http://www.stanleyworks.com/.

MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television and sponsored by The Stanley Works. For more information, visit us online at http://www.pbs.org/motorweek.