2002 Ford Thunderbird Review
2002 Ford Thunderbird Review
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Used Thunderbird for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Silky-smooth DOHC V8, unmatched modern styling, based on Lincoln LS platform, available bolt-on hardtop
Cons
- Lincoln's questionable LS five-speed automatic, no available manual transmission, expect to pay far more than sticker
What’s new
Following a four-year absence, the Thunderbird nameplate returns on an all-new two-seat roadster platform designed to recall the first-generation '55-'57 T-Birds.
Edmunds says
Though it's got just two seats, the revived T-Bird ain't no sports car. Rather, this retro-dressed Lincoln derivative is a boulevardier sure to turn every head in town.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for Thunderbird Deluxe
Thunderbird Deluxe
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
After more than 40 years, a proper two-seat Thunderbird roadster has returned. Looking back on the various types of cars the Thunderbird name has been used on, it's amazing to think that this is the model that helped almost kill off the Corvette. That's right, the introduction of the '55 T-Bird combined with the sale of only 700 '55 Vettes nearly put the kibosh on Chevy's two-seater.
Now a Ford two-seater is back, and it will be a sight to see on the road. Riding on the same platform as the Lincoln LS, the 'Bird uses the same 3.9-liter DOHC V8, as well. In feathered trim, the engine also produces the same 252 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 267 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. The LS' five-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox available at this point.
Ford's new two-seater rides on a full independent suspension that uses a short-long arm (SLA) design at the front and rear. The control arms are made of aircraft-grade forged or cast aluminum to reduce weight. Cast aluminum 17-inch wheels are also standard in a 21-spoke design, which, frankly, we like better than the optional seven-spoke chrome wheel. All 'Birds come with ABS and four-wheel disc brakes. Looking for maximum traction in all kinds of weather? Spring for the optional traction-control system.
Moving to the car's intimate two-seat cabin, you'll find many of the buttons and switches, as well as the instrument cluster, are lifted directly from the Lincoln LS -- though instrumentation does utilize attractive white-faced gauges. The leather seat trim has what Ford calls a "Thunderbird tuck and roll," and the driver seat has six-way power adjustment and adjustable lumbar support. While the standard interior color is black, there's an interesting option package in which the seats, lower instrument panel, steering-wheel top and shift knob match or contrast the five available exterior colors. If you order this package, cars that are Inspiration Yellow, Torch Red or Thunderbird Blue will get the above-noted interior pieces in the same color. The same package is available in red for Evening Black or Whisper White T-Birds. Additionally, 200 special-edition '02 Thunderbirds were sold through the Neiman Marcus catalog. In about two hours, every car had been spoken for.
Finally, while the Thunderbird is the epitome of what a truly fun car is all about, it's still chock-full of safety bits. There's standard side airbags, which make the car the first Ford convertible to come equipped with combination head and chest side airbags. And when you want to include small children in the fun, there's a deactivation switch for the passenger side front and side airbags and a LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) child-seat anchor system that provides rigid child-seat anchors.
The anticipation of this car's coming to market easily matches that created by others such as the PT Cruiser, VW New Beetle and '97 C5 Corvette. Naturally, demand will far exceed supply for years to come, primarily because Ford has done an exceptional job in the design, style and engineering of this new 'Bird. If you haven't already placed your order, be prepared for a long wait and/or serious dealer profiteering.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Thunderbird.
5 star(81%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(1%)
99 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Still loving it
fred154, 08/27/2011
2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
I've owned this car for nearly nine years now, and I (and everyone else who sees it) still consider it a new car.
It looks great and drives just as smoothly after 32,500 miles as it did when new.
No problems with car whatsoever.
I replaced the battery simply because I had a Firestone rebate that had to be used.
This isn't a family car for daily use, but it is a great toy that still makes … an old man feel like a kid again!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best Value Car I Have Ever Owned
rsellson, 09/27/2012
2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
Bought this car because it is my wifes favorite color (yellow).
She wanted a convertible and the color was right...that was 5 years ago.
The car brings smiles to her, and when she is down-in-the-dumps, we put the top down and go for a ride.
Best inverstment I've ever made.
Happy wife...happy life!
Now for me.
Yellow is not my color but I would drive this car even if it were purple, … orange and pink.
What a nice driving car.
A very good balance of power, handling, efficiency, driver fit, and looks.
I have never been in any other car that evokes such a pleasant response from the general public.
"Nice car!"
I am now considering a second T-Bird for my commute to work. Maybe silver...
4.63 out of 5 stars
Don't buy a 2002
dondi, 03/24/2009
2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
Purchased this Thunderbird for my wife as a "fun car" and gave it to her for Christmas. Within the first week we experienced COP (Coil on Plug) failures. Dealership repaired it under the used car warranty. The following May, with less than 1200 miles added, we once again had a coil on plug failure. (4 bad coils so far). The dealership once again repaired it. It is now 15 months … later and we have two more coils failing. That averages out to 1 per thousand miles. Ford initially placed a 10 year/100k mile warranty on the 2003 only model. They have since added the 2004 and 2005 models. The 2002 model owners are left to pay for their own repairs. The COP units are the same for all years
5 out of 5 stars
Best car ever!
Bob Harris, 11/04/2016
2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
My 2002 Thunderbird is now 15 years old; it is the best car I have ever owned. Great looks, great fun to drive, great power & handling...I love it. Only thing negative is that I used to get about 25+ mpg and now, with 50k miles, I only get about 20. Don't know what to do to improve it.
2002 Thunderbird Highlights
Deluxe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,140 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $297/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Thunderbird include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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