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2002 Ford Thunderbird 2-Door Premium Coupe/Convertible
The Rebirth of an Old Favorite

Susan Frissell

There has been so much hype over the last few years surrounding the "new" re-designed, re-introduced Ford Thunderbird we've all been waiting with baited breath. First unveiled at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, the Thunderbird was well received by the media and the public.

Retailer Neiman Marcus offered His/Hers T-birds in its 2002 Christmas catalog, a special Neiman Marcus Edition, selling each and every one (200). Offered by the retailer first in 1971, the Thunderbird was advertised as the "gift for the person who has everything." The twin 1971 Thunderbirds were equipped with telephones, tape recorders and other special equipment and sold for $25,000 for the pair.

The 2003 Thunderbird has made all kinds of appearances before becoming available to the public to buy, including showing up at the 50th annual Concurs d'Elegance at Pebble Beach. In Summer 2000 Ford sent three vintage 1950s Thunderbirds on a 144-city "America Dream Car Tour" attracting some 100,000 visitors to the Web site. Priced somewhere between $35,945 and $39,445, celebrities such as Katie Couric of NBC's Today Show and John Ferber, co-founder of Advertising.com are driving one.

As expected, dealers are asking well above sticker for the new Bird, and some are paying it. We've seen ads in our area, though, suggesting there are still a few to be had; some at a premium price ($43,000) but some at sticker.

Our test Thunderbird was a pre-production model, bright Yellow, 5-speed automatic and yellow/black interior (dubbed Accent). One of the best colors in the T, we think. The new T-bird is also available in Red, White, Black, and Blue (Turquoise). Our test car was well equipped, with 17-inch Chrome wheels a black canvas top (hardtop left with the transport service) and 17-inch tires. Base price was $38,995, destination $530, for a total vehicle price of $39,820.

The 2003 Thunderbird is powered by a 3.9L 32V DOHC V8 engine with 252 horsepower. It moves out just fine, thank you, and drivers will have no fear getting on the highway. In fact, riding on the open road is what the T-bird does best. We found it to ride very comfortably and quietly when cruising at speeds above 60 miles per hour. Handling, although not as nimble as other sport coupes, was satisfactory. Ponderous rather than nimble, would probably be a more accurate description. Easy to maneuver, back up and park, the 2003 Thunderbird is just the right size. Looking out over the back lid makes it a very simple vehicle to back or park.

One complaint we had was in putting the convertible top boot on/off. It didn't fit as well as we would expect. Come on, Ford, you're out there competing with the big boys. How about a retractable gizmo? While driving at highway speed, I kept checking the rearview mirror to make sure it was still in place. I had this fear it would fly off. The snaps seemed to hold tight, but the boot itself buckled in the middle; perhaps from having been folded when stored in the trunk. Having two people to put the boot in place was also helpful, and in fact, a must.

Another annoyance was the loud clanging of the seat belt chimes. We've experienced this in other Ford products. Although probably a good safety feature it's still irritating. The T-bird's visors are cheap, small and ineffective. This could be upgraded with a little more attention to detail. After all, we're talking about a $40,000 dollar car here.

The Thunderbird is available in four models: Deluxe without removable top ($34,965), Deluxe with removable top ($37,450), Premium without removable top ($35,965) and Premium with removable top ($38,465). ItÕs only a two-seater with very little hope of fitting much into the back well, maybe a few small items. Competition includes such favorites as the BMW Z3, Audi TT Roadster, Mazda Miata. Although not comparable in size, these other vehicles are convertible and are two-seaters. The Thunderbird could also conceivably be in competition with one of its family members, the Mustang, as well as Chrysler's Sebring Convertible.

Fuel economy in the Thunderbird is 17/23 mpg; although not the greatest, it's not the worst either. Power is taken from a rear axle through the 5-speed automatic transmission used in the Lincoln LS. It shifts effortlessly. Automatic is the only choice in the 2002. Safety equipment includes dual airbags, with a shutoff for the passenger side, and Antilock Brakes. A child safety seat anchor is also standard equipment.

We loved the Accent seating in the Thunderbird. It looks great and seating is very comfortable and roomy. There is plenty of room for those blessed with long legs and/or long torsos. In between passenger and driver is a console, complete with room for goodies. Located behind the seats are storage boxes, and a small package shelf for an umbrella. Believe me, these came in handy. Although a roadster, the Thunderbird is a car you could easily–and willingly sign up for that long drive. You aren't in a hurry to get out of it, as is the case with other, smaller competitors. The doors are heavy, but then that's expected in any coupe.

Controls are easily read and reached within the T-bird cockpit. The traction on/off switch isn't as visible as we'd like. The cloth top operates smoothly and quietly. A removable hardtop ($2,500) is convenient for winter driving. Not having tested the new T-bird in winter, we canÕt comment on its agility during the icy season. However, traction control should offer some reassurance.

The entertainment system is top-notch; 360-watt audio with 6 speakers and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer. Sound was surprisingly good, whether the top was up or down. The way it should be in a "cruiser."

Reports indicate that the Thunderbird sells best in Des Moines, Iowa and Greensboro, N.C., and least in Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles and Chicago. This surprised us. Go figure. Average driver profile is male, 52 years of age, married with a household income of $84,800, whose hobbies include real-estate investment, charitable causes and power boating.

It's easy to criticize, especially when the wait has been a long one. It's hard to please everyone, and each potential owner and car buff had tremendously high hopes for the Thunderbird. Hopefully, Ford will take all the nit-piks into consideration and create an even better Thunderbird for 2003.

Based on comments about the new T, most seem pleased and very glad the Thunderbird has returned. It truly is an icon; always has been, always will be.