Overview & Reviews

Unlike today, vehicle choices were pretty limited 50 years ago when the Ford Thunderbird first took flight. There were sedans, coupes, station wagons and convertibles, but essentially a Ford was a Ford -- straightforward variations on a common design. With the 1955 T-bird, however, Ford introduced the notion of a sporty "personal luxury car" -- a close-coupled two-seater with V8 power, a cushy ride and elegant styling. It also had the simple construction and reasonable price of a Ford.

What that first cozy Thunderbird convertible didn't have was much extra room for more people and things -- but when this was addressed in 1958, Ford's Thunderbird really took off. That year it became a bigger, heavier car, a four-seater available as a coupe or convertible with a blocky body that gave rise to the nickname "Square Bird." A much cleaner fighter jet-inspired body design debuted in the early 1960s and the sleek, missile-like profile earned these cars the moniker "Bullet Bird." The mid-'60s saw sharper-edged lines for the body, though the basic platform remained mostly unchanged.

Things really started to get weird in the later '60s, '70s and early '80s. Within this span of time, the Thunderbird convertible was dropped, a four-door version with suicide doors and landau irons was offered briefly, the car grew to the size and shape of a Lincoln Mark IV and was then downsized twice, first in 1977 and again to a Fairmont-based platform in 1980. Yep, the Ford Thunderbird "celebrated" its 25th anniversary in fine style, riding atop an economy car's chassis and sporting less than 130 horsepower from its V8 engine. But it did have a heavily padded landau top complete with opera lights as well as a digital dashboard, so things weren't that bad, right?

Interesting things happened during the mid- and late 1980s, when style and performance returned in the form of the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and its successor, the Super Coupe. The former had a turbocharged inline-4 while the latter sported a supercharged V6. The Thunderbird stayed with this format (standard coupe with V6 or V8 power and the hyper Super Coupe) through the late 1990s, at which point the Thunderbird died a quiet death due to slow sales and general disinterest in the personal luxury coupe market.

For the new millennium, Ford resurrected the Thunderbird. As a full-circle, retro-inspired return of the original two-seat roadster, the new Thunderbird garnered plenty of attention and initial hype. Still more about motoring with a little extra flair and panache than driving fast and hard, the Thunderbird seemed poised for success. It never met with much critical acclaim, however. Sales were brisk at first but slowed considerably afterwards. Ford ended production after four years.

Those shopping for a used Ford Thunderbird built in the last 20 years have lots of choices in terms of configurations, powertrains and styling. The best T-birds from the 1990s are the ones with V8 power. Driving enthusiasts may want to look for the performance-oriented but much rarer Super Coupe from the same era. Finally, the more recent two-seat roadster will no doubt satisfy those with retro "cruising" fantasies and could quite possibly become a future classic.

Most Recent Ford Thunderbird

In 1999 Ford displayed a concept car that brought the Thunderbird back full-circle to its roots as an open two-seat roadster. The response was overwhelming, and three years later it had a production version ready for 2002. The designers did such a great job that this "modern" Thunderbird managed to preserve the sleek styling cues of the original without looking like a four-wheel caricature.

As a basis, Ford used the same platform as it did for the Lincoln LS sedan. As such, some criticism was leveled at the Thunderbird's interior, as it was perceived as being too similar to the LS's and lacking in design flair. At the time, we suspected that buyers would have accepted a higher sticker price in exchange for unique, Thunderbird-specific pieces for the dash and center console. The pleated leather seats and door panels, however, recalled the days when auto upholstery resembled the seating in a diner's booth.

On the road, the new 'Bird performed quite well with its independent suspension and 3.9-liter V8 with a five-speed automatic transmission. But it didn't make the claims of a sports car; its mission in life was that of a comfortable boulevard cruiser. The Thunderbird gained 28 hp in 2003 for a total of 280. Detail changes marked its final couple years, with trim and paint changes and a Light Sand Appearance Package in 2004, and 50th-anniversary badging and more trim changes inside and out for 2005. Though flawed, it was still fun to drive and fun to be seen driving, and it largely succeeded at straddling the fine line between luxury and performance.

Past Ford Thunderbird models

The previous-generation Ford Thunderbird coupe was produced from 1989-'97. At its debut, a new fully independent suspension helped ride and handling, but acceleration was disappointing due to the combination of a hefty curb weight and 140-hp base V6. A more inspiring alternative was the new Thunderbird Super Coupe, (SC) which used a supercharged version of the V6 to produce 210 hp. It transferred its power to the rear wheels through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. A special-edition 35th-anniversary model of the Thunderbird SC arrived in 1990, and a 200-hp 5.0-liter V8 returned to the Thunderbird lineup in 1991 -- the preferred choice for most Thunderbird buyers.

The base Ford Thunderbird was dropped from the 1993 lineup, and the car was now available either as an LX (with either the V6 or V8), or as a Super Coupe with the supercharged V6. Dual airbags were made standard in 1994, and this car also featured revised front-end styling and Ford's new, more refined SOHC 4.6-liter V8. The Super Coupe flew the coop after '95, leaving just the LX model to soldier on. There was a new instrument cluster in 1997 plus some new colors and a new rear spoiler, but the car itself was doomed as Ford shifted its focus to increasingly popular -- and profitable -- SUVs and trucks.

In reviews of this Thunderbird, our editors wrote that they liked the car's sporty coupe body style, V8 power and reasonable price. With its decent-size backseat, we claimed that it was "a car for closet enthusiasts who need a car that is more mature than the Mustang."

User Reviews:

• 

  Rare Bird in a world of look alikes - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By csp.la.ca. - February 7 - 5:15 pm

  The Thunderbird is unique. After almost 3 years of ownership, I still get looks, questions and comments. They call the style retro, but actually it is a modern take of the early T-birds. The interior, I think is not unique but pretty good. For some reason I prefer the T-Bird to my BMW 540I. I like the car, I like the experience of owning the car. I was going to buy something else, but I cant find another $45K car I would rather have. For now it is a keeper. If I buy another car, Im keeping the T-Bird. I think soon the value will increase, not as an investment but people will appreciate the car for what it is, a unique, RWD, V8, 4 wheel independent suspension, 2 seater, convertible.

• 

  Great car for fun driver - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By George Schwab - February 1 - 8:25 am

  Bought this for my wife and we both enjoy driving it, and owning it. Its not a hot rod, but has plenty of power. Smooth ride and very fun to drop the top and cruise. If you want a Corvette, buy one (I probably will) but dont sell the Thunderbird short. Its a keeper, in my opinion.

• 

  1992 LX 5.0 HO - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By SCOTTY - January 3 - 6:44 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this car,and I am very happy with it. It had 306,000 miles on it when I bought it now has 348,000 miles, and can still roast the tires. I have had no major problems with this car. Still rides smooth. I put in a blue oval chip [computer] and a larger MAF, and the car accelerates even better. I plan on keeping this car for as long as I can. And I get 18-22 in city, 25-30 hwy, depending how much pedal I put into it. I plan on a few more upgrades for this car. I cant believe the mileage on this car and the way it runs. I almost believe I can double the mileage [if I live that long]. The original owner had all the maintenance done on time. I am keeping up the tradition.

• 

  Just the Ticket - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By David - October 17 - 2:33 pm

  I fell in love with this car when it first came out in 2002, but couldnt afford it. Things changed and once I was able to, I bought a 50th anniversary edition. I told the dealer I didnt even need to test drive it, I knew I wanted it. I find all sorts of excuses to take it out for a drive, and love the second looks and "Thumbs Ups" I get from other motorists.

• 

  So Much For So Little - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Wayne Brooks - September 22 - 7:34 am

  When I saw the Thunderbird in a car magazine I ran to my Ford Dealership and said I want one. He told me it would be $10,000 over sticker. I said I would wait until they had 10 of them and balloons hanging off of them in a few years. That was in 2000 I waited four years. And saw two of them on the Ford lot. Went in and bought it for $3000 off. It is the only car I have ever owned more than a year that I still cant get enough of it. I love the complements. Very reliable. No leaks, no problems.

• 

  03 Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By slosoules66 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have waited 25 years for Ford to return with a two-seater Thunderbird. Ive wanted one since I was in high school. This incarnation is a close as anyone could come to the original spirit and design, and still make it a modern car which I believe is fast becoming a collectors item. I enjoy this car immensely and would not trade it for the world. I hope that Ford reconsiders their plans to end production in 05.

• 

  Something Special! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dave - September 7 - 8:44 pm

  I was going to buy a Z4 but saw a Bird at the Auto show. Once I drove one it was no comparison. The ride is exceptional and the styling is top of the line. Many, many comments from people who see the car. Outstanding cruiser!

• 

  Best of Class - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Leigh - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned and driven sporty convertibles for over 45 years. This is absolutely the finest of any I have driven.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeff - August 18 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this used with 10,000 miles on it. It now has 205,000 and still rides and performs like it did the day I bought it. Other than replacing the manifold, radiator, and torque converter, all Ive done to it is change the oil and replace the plugs and wires. Great car!

• 

  2003 T Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By TP - August 11 - 11:06 pm

  All around great car. Ford got it right for those of use who wanted a boulevard cruiser.