2003 Ford Thunderbird: Road Test
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2003 Ford Thunderbird ▼
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- MSRP: $36,815 -$40,355
- Invoice: $33,788 -$36,975
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Our road test for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird help you decide if a 2003 Ford Thunderbird is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.7 |
Additional horsepower felt mostly in near-full-throttle applications, and '03 T-Bird should beat 7.0 sec 0-60 mph of our test '02 model. However, transmission's sloppy, indecisive gear changes and tardy downshifts frustrate smooth delivery of power and passing response. Manual-shift feature not much help.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Averaged 20.5 mpg in test involving mostly highway driving. Ford recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.1 |
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. Too much annoying top-down cowl shake over bumps, but rigidity OK with hardtop in place.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 8.6 |
A relaxed cruiser. Too big and heavy to be sports-car agile, especially in tight maneuvers. But good steering response and cornering grip. Modest body lean in turns.
QUIETNESS
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
A cozy coupe with hardtop in place, and among the quieter convertibles with soft top up or down. Relatively minor wind buffeting top down. Road noise, exhaust note appropriately subdued. Convertible top nicely lined and insulated.
CONTROLS
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
Smaller-sized gauges improve new instrument cluster, but turquoise needles can be hard to pick out. Audio, climate controls close to driver, but look-alike climate buttons can confuse. Convenient central latch on windshield header manually releases 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, on several test cars, indifferent assembly. Optional body-colored interior trim looks jazzy, but has tacky, painted appearance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.4 |
Wider than most 2-seaters, but the long-of-leg may find footwells confining. Top up, tall folks will want more head room. Driver position nicely tailored via standard power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, but seats mostly flat. No power backrake control. Heated seats available only on Premium model. Outward vision compromised by thick windshield pillars and soft top's wide rear quarters. Hardtop's porthole corner windows help some, but driver's vision for lane changes still blocked by right headrest. Also, one test car had distorted windshield glass. Entry/exit better than most 2-seaters, aided by conventional passenger-car ride height, though long doors frustrate in tight spaces.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.2 |
Careful packing gets a twosome's small satchels in shallow trunk, but it won't accept tall objects or hard golf bags. Bin behind seats suitable for purse, briefcase, small gym bag, but nearly inaccessible with top up. Small glovebox, console bin, map pockets, and two console cupholders, but no ashtray.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.6 |
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 don't impress. 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 has cooled, so don't buy without a discount.
Total Score
| Premium | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 45 | 48.1 |
Total Score: 45
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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