2002 Ford Thunderbird: Road Test
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2002 Ford Thunderbird ▼
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- MSRP: $35,390 -$38,890
- Invoice: $32,556 -$35,706
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Our road test for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird help you decide if a 2002 Ford Thunderbird is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.8 |
Full-throttle standard-start power is good--7.0 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Acceleration sufficiently strong once underway, and highway passing behavior more than satisfactory. But T-Bird is sometimes slow to respond in the 35-50-mph range because its transmission doesn't always downshift promptly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.6 |
Test examples averaged 17.4-18.6 mpg in about 60-percent highway driving overall. Ford recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4 |
Not as smooth or solid as we would expect, but more compliant than most 2-seat convertibles, especially with top down, when bumps can be absorbed by body flex. More-than-moderate top-down cowl shake over bumps, but rigidity OK with hardtop in place.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 8.3 |
A relaxed cruiser. Too big and heavy to be sports-car agile, especially in tight maneuvers. But Thunderbird exhibits acceptable steering response, modest body lean, and good cornering grip.
QUIETNESS
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.6 |
A cozy coupe with hardtop in place, and among the quieter convertibles with soft top up or down. Relatively minor wind disturbance top down, and normal conversation possible with windows up. Road noise, exhaust note are appropriately subdued, but engine emits a satisfying whine in full acceleration. Convertible top nicely lined and insulated.
CONTROLS
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.3 |
Basic dashboard design shared with LS, though T-Bird has unique black-on-white gauges with turquoise needles, which aren't the easiest to read in daylight. Audio and climate controls close to driver, but look-alike climate buttons can be confusing. Convenient central latch on the windshield header manually releases the soft top, which powers down in about 8 sec. Overall, cabin falls short of truly upscale in appearance and feel, with run-of-the-mill materials and indifferent assembly. Optional body-colored trim looks jazzy, but some of it has a tacky, painted appearance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.1 |
Wider than most 2-seaters, but the long-of-leg may find footwells confining. And with top up, tall folks will want more head room. Driver position nicely tailored via standard power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. But seats are fairly hard, and mostly flat. There's no power backrest control, and heated seats are unavailable. Outward vision compromised by thick windshield pillars, and, top-up, by short side windows and top's wide rear quarters. Hardtop's porthole corner windows help some, but vision for lane changes still blocked by right headrest. Entry/exit better than in most 2-seaters, aided by conventional ride height and doors that are not inordinately long.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | .6 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.1 |
Careful packing gets a couple's small bags in shallow trunk, but it won't accept tall objects. Bin behind seats suitable for purse, briefcase, or small gym bag, but nearly inaccessible with top up. There's a small glovebox, console bin, map pockets, and two console cupholders, but no ashtray.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.2 |
Ford aims Thunderbird at "relaxed sportiness," and pretty much hits the mark. It is not as mechanically refined as it should be, and interior materials feel relatively cheap. But Thunderbird is more practical than a genuine sports car, and as a near-luxury 2-passenger V8 convertible, it's in a class by itself. Demand exceeds supply, so don't expect discounts.
Total Score
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 43 | 45.6 |
Total Score: 43
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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