2003 Ford Thunderbird Review

Name: 2003 Ford Thunderbird Review
Brand: Ford
Rating: 4.9 (70 reviews)

Price: $9,999

2002 Ford Thunderbird 2 dr Convertible Deluxe

2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2dr Convertible

2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top Shown

+15

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Silky-smooth V8, cool retro styling, relaxed yet capable handling, available bolt-on hardtop.

Cons

Lacks trunk space, lackluster interior design, no manual or automanual transmission offered.

What’s new

Now in its second year, the Thunderbird gains 28 more horsepower and 25 more pound-feet of torque, bringing the totals to 280 and 286, respectively. The bump in power is due to new electronic throttle control and variable cam timing. All-speed traction control comes standard, and heated seats are now available as options. The instrument cluster has been revised, and new exterior and colors brighten up the palette. Finally, a new saddle interior package makes its debut with full saddle-style leather for the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Edmunds says

Fun to drive and fun to be seen driving, the Thunderbird successfully straddles a fine line between luxury and performance.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$252/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Thunderbird.

5 (89%)

4 (11%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.9

70 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Rare Bird in a world of look alikes

csp.la.ca., 02/07/2007

2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A)

The Thunderbird is unique. After almost 3 years of ownership, I still get looks, questions and comments. They call the style retro, but actually it is a modern take of the early T-birds. The interior, I think is not unique but pretty good. For some reason I prefer the T-Bird to my BMW 540I. I like the car, I like the experience of owning the car. I was going to buy something else, but I …

Attracts attention

lhaskins, 08/08/2014

2003 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top (3.9L 8cyl 5A)

I purchased this 2003 T-Bird (torch red with white roof) new and have had it ever since. It is not our primary car although we originally bought it for my wife to take to work. It was not long before we placed it in the garage (where it is now) with a dust cover on it. With 21,000+ it is more of a "toy" to enjoy riding in around town when the weather is cooperative. It is not …

Luv My Bird

David R. Adinolfi, 05/19/2007

2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.9L 8cyl 5A)

I bought this 2003 T'Bird primarily for my wife. We started our special car life with an MGA 40 odd years ago. It was fun, but now in our older years we appreciate the amenities in our Bird. It has good power, special looks and it's fun to drive. It is really comfortable for a car this size and we appreciate that since neither of us is small. And it will accommodate 2 full sets of golf …

2 New Thunderbirds bad paint finish

W. P. Stephenson, 07/17/2003

2003 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe 2dr Convertible w/Removable Hard Top (3.9L 8cyl 5A)

We have purchased 2 new T=Birds both 2002's They are the Blue and yellow colors that were both discountinued after the 2002 build year. The yellow car has the worst paint job I have ever seen on a new car. I'm talking about in the small places like where the gas tank nozzel is, mostly over spray with very little paint, paint on the rubber parts under the hood where …

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2003 Thunderbird Highlights

Trim:

Deluxe

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,815
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$252/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the Thunderbird include:

Alarm

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

2003 Ford Thunderbird Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Rare Bird in a world of look alikes

Attracts attention

Luv My Bird

2 New Thunderbirds bad paint finish

2003 Thunderbird Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}