Historical past has in all probability been unkind to the 11th-generation Ford Thunderbird. Ask your common fanatic concerning the relative market success of Ford’s retro-themed 2-seat convertible, and also you’re more likely to be instructed that the revived T-Chook was a flop.
The numbers actually don’t bear that evaluation out, nevertheless. Launched for the 2002 mannequin yr, the primary Thunderbird in 5 years—and the primary T-bird convertible since 1966—bought surprisingly nicely out of the chute, claiming a stable 31,368 paying prospects.
For comparability, the same-year Chevrolet Corvette racked up 35,767 gross sales.
A extra telling comparability may be Chevy’s equally retro-themed SSR convertible pickup. Related in value to the Thunderbird, the SSR mustered solely 9648 gross sales for 2004, its first full yr in the marketplace.
Since Ford by no means shared gross sales projections for the Thunderbird, it’s exhausting to know whether or not or not the automotive really met company expectations. However given its shared mechanical underpinnings, it was probably inexpensive to develop than it in any other case might need been—the T-Chook shared its fundamental rear-drive chassis with the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Sort. (Do not forget that Jaguar was a division of Ford on the time.)
Designed for relaxed cruising, the T-Chook was not supplied with a sport suspension or an improve engine choice. The usual powerplant was a 3.9-liter V8, which was a short-stroke model of the AJ-26 4.0-liter V8 out there within the Jaguar. The T-Chook’s 3.9 was rated at 252 horsepower for 2002, and the addition of variable-valve timing for 2003 raised energy output to a stable 280 hp.
Regardless of robust first-year gross sales, and loads of publicity—together with a special-edition T-bird being the featured automotive within the 2002 Neiman-Marcus Christmas catalog—the momentum proved unsustainable.
Appears the universe of people that can afford a $40,000 third automotive with solely two seats is proscribed, and apparently everybody who wished a ‘Chook bought one early on. Gross sales for 2003 have been down by greater than 50 %, and 2014 gross sales fell an extra 15 %.
All instructed, nevertheless, nearly 70,000 11th-generation Thunderbirds have been produced over the automotive’s four-year lifespan—almost 3 times extra gross sales than Chevrolet noticed from the SSR (which additionally had a lifespan of 4 mannequin years).
The 2002-2005 T-Birds are holding their very own as used vehicles, with clear examples of the extra highly effective post-2002 fashions going for greater than $20,000. Cut price seekers take coronary heart—there are many high-mileage, rough-condition ‘Birds on the market going for underneath $10,000.
What follows is Shopper Information’s unique overview of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, full with specs, costs, and choices.
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Overview
Ford restores a well-known identify to its lineup with the 2002 Thunderbird, a 2-seat convertible with retro styling cues. It’s constructed on a shortened model of the rear-wheel-drive platform developed for the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Sort sedans. A detachable hardtop with T-Chook’s trademark porthole home windows is obtainable to complement the usual power-folding gentle high with heated glass rear window. The one engine is the LS’s 252-hp 3.9-liter V8. Additionally shared is the Lincoln/Jaguar 5-speed automated transmission. Normal options embrace antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, facet airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, and CD changer. A premium mannequin provides chrome wheels and traction management. Inside improve packages match numerous trim items to the outside coloration.
Acceleration
Full-throttle standard-start energy is sweet–7.0 sec 0-60 mph in our checks. Acceleration sufficiently robust as soon as underway, and freeway passing habits greater than passable. However T-Chook is typically gradual to reply within the 35-50-mph vary as a result of its transmission doesn’t at all times downshift promptly.
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Gas Economic system
Check examples averaged 17.4-18.6 mpg in about 60-percent freeway driving general. Ford recommends premium gasoline.
Journey High quality
Not as easy or stable as we might count on, however extra compliant than most 2-seat convertibles, particularly with high down, when bumps might be absorbed by physique flex. Extra-than-moderate top-down cowl shake over bumps, however rigidity OK with hardtop in place.
Dealing with
A relaxed cruiser. Too massive and heavy to be sports-car agile, particularly in tight maneuvers. However Thunderbird reveals acceptable steering response, modest physique lean, and good cornering grip.
Quietness
A comfortable coupe with hardtop in place, and among the many quieter convertibles with gentle high up or down. Comparatively minor wind disturbance high down, and regular dialog doable with home windows up. Highway noise, exhaust observe are appropriately subdued, however engine emits a satisfying whine in full acceleration. Convertible high properly lined and insulated.
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Controls
Primary dashboard design shared with LS, although T-Chook has distinctive black-on-white gauges with turquoise needles, which aren’t the simplest to learn in daylight. Audio and local weather controls near driver, however look-alike local weather buttons might be complicated. Handy central latch on the windshield header manually releases the gentle high, which powers down in about 8 sec. Total, cabin falls wanting actually upscale in look and really feel, with run-of-the-mill supplies and detached meeting. Elective body-colored trim appears jazzy, however a few of it has a cheesy, painted look.
Consolation
Wider than most 2-seaters, however the long-of-leg could discover footwells confining. And with high up, tall of us will need extra head room. Driver place properly tailor-made through customary energy tilt/telescopic steering wheel. However seats are pretty exhausting, and largely flat. There’s no energy backrest management, and heated seats are unavailable. Outward imaginative and prescient compromised by thick windshield pillars, and, top-up, by quick facet home windows and high’s vast rear quarters. Hardtop’s porthole nook home windows assist some, however imaginative and prescient for lane adjustments nonetheless blocked by proper headrest. Entry/exit higher than in most 2-seaters, aided by typical trip peak and doorways that aren’t inordinately lengthy.
Cargo Room
Cautious packing will get a pair’s small baggage in shallow trunk, however it gained’t settle for tall objects. Bin behind seats appropriate for purse, briefcase, or small health club bag, however almost inaccessible with high up. There’s a small glovebox, console bin, map pockets, and two console cupholders, however no ashtray.
Worth
Ford goals Thunderbird at “relaxed sportiness,” and just about hits the mark. It isn’t as mechanically refined appropriately, and inside supplies really feel comparatively low cost. However Thunderbird is extra sensible than a real sports activities automotive, and as a near-luxury 2-passenger V8 convertible, it’s in a category by itself. Demand exceeds provide, so don’t count on reductions.
