SAFETY
Safe? We can't be sure yet, since no crash tests have been
done yet on the T-Bird. Its low center of gravity, of course,
makes it stable and unlikely to roll over. Standard side
airbags mounted on the seats help protect against side-impact
crashes. And the passenger-side front airbag has a cutoff
switch, so you can safely give your favorite small child a
ride despite the lack of a back seat. An optional traction
control system will make it more surefooted in wet weather.
BOTTOM LINE
It's luxurious. It's flashy. It's sexy in an aging-movie-queen
kind of way. I loved driving it with the top down. Ford surely
knew its potential customers when it decided to in soften the
ride and sacrifice the handling. As with all these
retro-design show-stoppers, it would be more fun to own a T-Bird
this year than in two years when there are lots of them on the
road. If I wanted killer power, serious cachet, and enough
room to haul some people and luggage, I would spend my nearly
$40,000 on a Mercedes C320. But if I had other cars for my
practical needs, and I could afford to blow the money, it
might be worth it just to look this cool driving down the
road.
To get into that retro spirit on my test drive, I hunted down
an oldies station. In no time at all, the Beatles where
singing "Money Can't Buy Me Love." I thought, "Maybe not, but
it sure can buy a great-looking ride."
NEXT: Best cars 2001 »»
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