Ten familiar models received major enhancements or upgrades for the 2009 model year. They include the Honda Pilot, Nissan Maxima, Ford F-150, Acura TSX and Audi A4.
Why? Well, many car makers base their enhancements on what consumers tell them. For example, Honda Pilot owners said that the current model didn’t have style or personality; Ford F-150 owners complained that the cargo bed was too high off the ground which made access more difficult; and drivers of the Nissan Maxima sports sedan griped that the Maxima was not “sporty.”
So the manufacturers listened and this is what they did about it. Nissan made the 2009 Maxima more sporty looking by widening its stance, lowering the roof line and adding curves. Honda has enhanced the Pilot into a more aggressive and bolder SUV with a wider stance and a six-sided grille framed by large headlights. Audi improved the 2009 A4 with larger intakes and short overhangs, which gives it a more aggressive look. Moreover, additional knee room is supplied in the rear seat area.
A full listing can be found at Forbes. Our take? Our favorite to earn the "Most Improved" prize goes to the Mercedes-Benz SL. It is said that consumers wanted to extend the top down driving season. So Mercedes is introducing the “Air Scarf” on the SL. This is a vent in the headrest that blows warm air onto the backs of the driver’s and passenger’s necks. Talk about your creature comforts!