2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford revived a famous old name with the 2002 Thunderbird, a two-passenger convertible with unabashedly retro styling cues. It was built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive platform that had been developed for the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type sedans. A removable hardtop with the T-Bird's "trademark" porthole windows was available to supplement the standard power-folding soft top, which had a heated glass rear window. The only engine was a 3.9-liter V8 shared with the LS. The sole transmission was a Lincoln/Jaguar five-speed automatic. Thunderbirds came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes, side airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a CD changer. A Premium model added chrome wheels and traction control, Interior upgrade packages matched various trim pieces to the car's exterior color. Many Thunderbirds were painted in pastel hues, as had been the case with the original 1955-57 models.