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:

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  Surprisingly great - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jazzino - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car impulsively in 1997, but it turned out to be the best car Ive ever had. This has been a pleasant surprise, given the problems some Fords have had. The only problem in seven years has been the need to replace a radiator hose twice. Otherwise, the only expense consists of my usual trips to SuperLube. I get good gas mileage and performance from the V6.. Everytime I get the urge to consider getting a new car, I just go for a ride in the TBird, and realize that I already have what I want.

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  AWESOME!!!HAVING A BLAST - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Blondie326 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the T-bird in the Merlot color and Black Ink interior. What a beautiful car. Just took the hard top off today(4-24). It was a toss up between the T-bird and the Z34. Since my other car is a BMW530i, I didnt really want another BMW. Glad I got the T=bird. The seats could be a little more comfortable, but Im not really complaining. Maybe I just havent found the right angles yet.

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  2004 makes 3 - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Elijahbird - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased a 2004 Merlot with Sand package. I have 2 other Thunderbirds, a 56 and a 66 that are show cars. I wasnt that fond of the new style when it first came out, but I grew to like it. When I saw the car in the Merlot color, I jumped off the fence and bought one. The performane was a little surprising. It really flys....I really liked the 2002 Tbird Blue, but didnt want to buy a first-year model.

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  Love it! - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Rob Taran - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking car that is reliable, sporty and affordable. I would highly reccomend this car to others. Has alot of features for the money, and considering its age has alot of modern virtues (except the underpowerd and un- reliable 3.8 V6)

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  More Than A Car - An Experience - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By mckmbr - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I have been reading with great interest the postings of people who seem to be totally mesmerized by their Thunderbirds. This seemed a bit much. Then came a perfect day in North Georgia and a chance to go to the mountains. The car was clean and shiny, the engine purred with that familiar tune, and the cd player entertained as we headed north. The car and the day were a perfect match and I was hooked. So, now I understand - its more than the beauty of the car its the exhilarating feeling that comes from driving the Thunderbird. What a day, what a feeling, what a car!

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  CA Thunder - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hammer60 - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding automobile! I believe so many are brainwashed with the idea that only a car from Japan or Germany is worth anything, that they are blinded to what the US has to offer. Motor Trend tested some 26 different cars for their 2002 car of the year and only one was US, the T-bird. It won by the way! I dont really care if people are closed minded, but it is sad to see them waste all that money on cars that have become a dime a dozen and can not hold a candle to the style, performance and just plain fun that this American legend offers!

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  T Bird 5.0 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By David B - April 16 - 2:00 am

  had a while travelled from canada to Fl,rear wheel drive in snow in this car is sweaty palms stuff.At @75k had to replace almost everything but the steering wheel,but I still like the car,and lets be fair, most domestics fair the same.

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  Dream Car for Bill - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Meek - April 12 - 2:00 am

  What a dream to drive! My wife tells me I drive better now than ever before. But its the ease of handling of the T- Bird not my driving ability. There is plenty of power when you need it and the responce to your needs is so silky smooooth its unbelievable. The ride is excellent and the comfort decent. The controls are not fancy but practical and accessible. It is a looker! Heads turn all the time as Im driving to work--I drive it every chance I get. Try one! I guarentee you love driving it.

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By gwal4861 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Driving this car is one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had, and Ive been driving Vettes sinse 77.

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  Old Faithful looking a little worn - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By A-in-CT - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1991. Drove in in hard winters--repainted it once and got a new bumpter. The only thing that went wrong in 13yrs was an alternator, an oil leak and cosmetic stuff. The engine runs terrific--- still can go 100 up a big hill with no issue :) These are great and fun cars-- if you are ever thinking of buying one. Its just kind of sad this car is considered "old"..I remember when I first drove it up to work and it turned peoples heads...now people look at it and turn their head (hahah)