Used 2005 Ford Thunderbird Consumer Reviews
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This is the car of my dreams,
I am in love with this car!It drives like a dream, yet has the power of a jet planeI have never gone out without at least 2 or 3 people telling me that I have a great car. They yell over to me at traffic lights ,stop signs and parking lots. I feel like a rock star! I think so highly of this car, that I have included it in my will. I never want it to leave the family.
Love the T Bird
Only has 2 seats and limited space in the interior for additional items. Trunk is more than adequate to accommodate luggage or golf clubs. A really neat cruising car! Takes you back to the good old days of T-Bird but with modern updates (air conditioning, cruise control, dual climate control, power disc brakes, 12 volt system, cd player, power steering & brakes, and other nice updates). Will cruise down the roadway with the best ! My T-Bird is a 2005 50th anniversary model convertible, color is red with black leather interior, black convertible top w/ electric defrost, and a Ford T-Bird white hardtop with round portal and electric defrost.Whenever we travel the vehicle commands interest, attention, and questions from both the curious and admirers! No regrets or concerns regarding my purchase of this great road car. Uses premium fuel but delivers 22-25 mpg even traveling the interstates at 65-70 miles per hour. Get one while the price is still reasonable, and target the 2005 50th Anniversary model T-Bird for the best holding value.
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- Deluxe ConvertibleMSRP: $16,50060 mi away
- 2005 Ford ThunderbirdMSRP: $19,700149 mi away
- Deluxe ConvertibleMSRP: $13,990236 mi away
'05 T-bird
Love this car. Loved it when it came out but was hoping for a standard transmission. Of course that is impossible now days. Car is not really a sports car, more of a sporty couple. It handles great but is no racer. I'd like it to be a little more stiff in the turns but for most people, they'd rather have the comfort ride. Haven't had to put a nickel into it since I've owned it. great car.
Drive It Like You Stole It!
I have always loved the Classic Birds. I used to help my brother Jeff restore them when we were growing up. So when the Retro Birds came out, I had to get one. I waited until the last year & got my 2005 50th Anniversary Thunderbird "Cashmere" Edition #884/1500. This is a very solid car!I trust this car impicitly, having driven it cross-country twice and drive it daily. Still have had NO problems -except a little COP issue (not police officers!), & that's why I gave "Build Quality" a 9. But beyond that, eveything works very well. I got a solid 22mpg city/hwy mix but since I put on a K&N cold air intake I'm up around 24+ even with my driving. I hope you enjoy driving one as much as I do! Peace!
I love this car
Leased this car in Florida in February and have had fun with it since. Great top down car. Drove up to NH in May and got more clothing into trunk than I thought that we could. Also used the top well for soft clothing on the long trip. Have had the car in for service only for the 5000 mile oil change. The car has great fit and smooth ride. On long trips I have been averaging 24 miles to the gallon. City about 18mpg which I think is good for a large 8 cylinder. Excellent quality all the way.
Excellent Roadster
I purchased my '05 T-Bird in April of 2005. This is the first convertible I have owned. I love driving this car. It is extremely quiet with the top up. With the top down there is almost no wind buffeting. There are several roadsters on the road but by far the T-Bird turns more heads and draws more stares. You have to drive it to really understand what a nice car this is.
I love my T-Bird
When I was a young man in my 20's I owned a 1955 T-Bird and sold it thinking I would buy a '57 T-Bird but I married and started my family, so needless to say the T-Bird sport car went out of my price range. I always missed my small T-Bird and was thriled when Ford brought it back in 2002 and I was able to buy the 2005, 50th anniversary edition. I love its looks and the way it handles. It feels so good sitting behind the wheel as I drive down the road and notice those second glances. When another T-Birder and I meet on the road most of us flash our headlights and wave to the other wearing a big smile. Do I love my T-Bird? You bet I do!
Modern Retro
It looks good. It handles well. It has the latest engine technology, yet its styling harkens back to the '50s. As a kid I thought the 55-57 T-birds were the best looking cars on the road. Now I have the best looking car on the road. Ford claims that the top can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. They are wrong - It only takes 6.5 seconds to raise or lower the top. And, the single central handle latching mechanism is fantastic.
Happy Days are back!
I have test driven many, many convertibles, but when I test drove the T-Bird I was sold. The fit was perfect, the interior retro; the overall styling is a wonderful combination between yesteryear and now. The performance -- unbeatable! A V8 with so much power, you barely need to step on the accelerator. The most fun I've ever had driving. It appeals to young and old alike. I did have one minor issue with the check engine light. I took the car into the dealership but the problem disappeared; they plugged in a mini computer under the dash so when the problem reoccurred, I pressed a button, it recorded the error and they were then able to correct the problem. No problems ever since.
Amazing car
This is a surprisingly capable vehicle. I'm 6'4" so wish it had a little more leg room but very comfortable. It will really corner well yet has a smooth ride. Performance from 3.9L V-8 is exhilarating to say the least. All in all a real sports car with none of the bad habits.
Ford's step child
Most enjoyable car I have ever owned. I bought an '02 Thunderbird, but when I found out that '05 would be the last year it will be offered I traded my '02 for the newer. I think this car would have been a really big seller if Ford had just promoted it half as much as the Mustang!
I LOVE THIS CAR
I've owned my T-Bird for 2 years and it just turned 3000 miles on the odometer (yes, I only drive it on Sundays). I selected the Granite Gray color right off the show room floor and it is indeed a very seductive car. No matter where I go with the top up or down it turns heads and people stop to ask about it. With the hardtop installed and opera windows gleaming it looks ready for a night driving down Broadway Avenue. The smooth V-8 engine coupled with the 5 speed auto transmission runs like a sewing machine. Reliability has been very good with only a minor glitch associated with rear wheel rpm sensor that affected traction control. I intend on owning this vehicle for a very long time.
Good, but not Great.
It is Great looking, and it is fun to drive. Still, Ford could have made it a more solid car - lots of rattles after only two weeks.
Best ownership experience of a lifetime
I've been a car lover my entire life. I've owned Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, Ford, Dodge and GM Products. The absolute worst experience was my 2001 Mercedes SLK320. Terrible car, arrogant company, worst ownership experience. I liked the style of the new Thunderbird when it was a concept car but thought Ford would surely blow it. Not only did they not blow it ... they NAILED it! It's fun to own and fun to drive. I've read articles about lack-luster interior style. I love the polished aluminum accents. I selected the black-on-black interior because I thought the two-tone made it look too cartoonish. It never fails to attract attention with or without the top down. I love my Thunderbird
Second car?
No frills, even with the Premium version - little interior room for storage (change, maps, sunglasses) and cheap "carpeting" for the price. No lights on visor mirrors. But fun to drive.
2005 T-BIRD CONVERTIBLE WITH HARD TOP
I enjoy returning to my car and finding it surrounded by people admiring it or getting a thumbs up while on the highway. The car is a pleasure to drive; a lot of power and control. The interior is quiet and luxurious.
nice car
Eye catching, smooth and truly a style show. Trunk is a obligation, not a storage compartment, as the tonneau cover fills it up. Consider where you're gonna store the top in the summer
Thunderbird ... great concept, but that's it
The style is flawless, a definite head turner, excellent performance -- but it ends there. Ford stopped there, the inside needs help. Why cheapen an expensive car like this. With all the technology out there, they decided to give it just the basics. And Ford wonders why it can't sell cars.
Bondo
Great looking car, real head turner. Too bad the dealers got greedy when this car came out charging as much as $10,000 over sticker because of availability. Now they have marketing problem because people think they are more expensive than they actually are.
Love this bird
A collectible in its own right. Were "new classic" meets sporting fun. Hanging on to my car till I meet the lord.
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A fun car
I bought my T-bird last month, after thinking about it for several years now. It's a fun car to drive, gets a lot of attention on the road. Handling is great, as is acceleration.
LOVE MY '05 T-BIRD
This is truly my dream car! It rides beautifully, looks spectacular, and is just simply a pleasure to drive. While driving it, all the tensions of the day quickly evaporate. ...This has V-8 power and scoots with the best of them. The comfortable seats ar a pleaure to sit in and the telescopic sterring wheel is helpful in seting a position to drive in control and comfort. ...Road noise is very faint, even with the well insulated rag top.I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture
2002 Thunderbird
I have enjoyed driving this vehicle. The take off from a standstill isn't quite as good as I think it should be. The passenger side isn't quite as comfortable as the driver's side is. The only real complaint I have is the top leaked and it took several trips to the shop to remedy the problem. If you aren't a real big person and you like people to notice your car, this is the car for you. It's a fun car to drive. I plan on keeping mine a long time.
Fun fun fun
Bought it for my wife to drive around Palm Springs, though it was cute, bought it on a whim when saw it on display, considered it a girl’s car. Did not expec the performance, the thing is really quite a hottie. The reviews say ho hum, but I drive performance cars, and this Bird is no slouch. Hey, I paid $22,000 for a pristine gem, sure beats the price of a Porsche. O.K, it is not an exotic racing machine, but more comfortable than my old Porshe, with a very cushy ride. It is ideal for cruising down the blvd., top down on a warm evening. I also get far more comments on it virtually everywhere we go, people really like it. I has that great Americana persona.Oh yeah, I let my wife driv it occasionally. I just can’t keep my hands off of it.
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What's Not to Like?
Great looking car. Fun to drive. I installed a cold air intake. Now she purrs when idling, growls when given the gas, roars when provoked. No issues with the car. Well built. Put the top down and hit the road. Can't wait for warmer temps.
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My Beautiful T-Bird
Hello! I purchased my dream car last June. It is beautiful! My T-Bird is Torch Red with the black soft top and a matching Torch Red hard top. The interior is black with leather seats accented with the red. This car is awesome to drive and gets tons of attention no matter where I drive it. Best of all it offers the performance of a sports car and tons of fun. This is the best driving experience of my life. I love to drive it, day or night. And for the brisk spring and fall nights, those heated seats deliver the warmth to keep driving topless. I LOVE my Thunderbird! I highly recommend it!
nice choice
Having come out of an Audi TT I was at first disappointed in the workmanship, especially interior quality. It has stood up very well however and it seems to have lost its chintz factor as I got used to it; strange.
Wife...."When we get a convertible again...."
Bought because a friend gave my wife a ride in hers....."I want a Thunderbird like J. only I want a red one." Searched for the perfect one and found one a day's drive away. It had all the options, Select shift auto-stick trans., Premium model inc. heated seats and chrome wheels...opt. Removeable hard top with port holes, full color interior. All have leather interior and Sony Audiophile Sound with 8 spkrs. We bought in 2009 with 34k on it. Eight years later it has 60k on it. We paid $20800 and dealer retail now with 60k on it is $21500. When you buy, check if cops have been replaced. (Coil on plug) Maintenance costs are normal. This car was never meant to be a Corvette killer, but has PLENTY of power! 0-60 in 6.1 sec. The '02s have 252 hp, '03-'05 have 280. It is electronically limited to 132. (I have read) Fast enough for anyone. Rides very nice. Get used to stares and questions....and you'll have "fun, fun, fun 'till her daddy takes the T-Bird away."
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Cure for mid life crisis
Call it middle age crisis, but I love to drive it and be seen in it. As soon as I get behind the wheel I feel 10 years younger.
Love My Bird!
I'm no expert by any means, but all I know is each time I look at our car, I love it even more! It drives pretty well, feels great at high speeds, has been reliable too. Looks great and that's the most important reason we bought it. We have the merlot, with merlot soft top, black interior. Car gets a lot of comments - many people think it's vintage at first glance.
Fun Car that has and gets looks.
I love my 2004 Vintage mint green Thunderbird in all ways but one.It has a 1 second hesitation upon acceleration,which I hate!From a dead stop off the line this 8 cylinder acts like a 4 cylinder!Once it gets going its a monster,but Ford needs to find a way to remedy this.I'm tired of old ladies beating me off the line in their Saturns.If it was as responsive as my V8 jeep Cherokee upon acceleration I would be happy.It gets looks from all,old and young....
T-BIRD
Fun to drive, they did this right. This car is tight. Well appointed, I love this car. I've had over 50 automobiles. Had 66 Corvette, 56 T-bird; they were great. This car is simply fun, and a good buy. Used they're relatively cheap, will only go up in value over the years. How many cars can you say that about?
Shelley's thoughts
Ii used to own a Mercedes and said I would never own a Ford after bad experiences with a Mustang in the 1970s. I absolutely love this car. It handles better than my Mercedes, is solid, comfortable and the car actually makes me feel good. The only negative I have found is that it is hard to park because it is wide and it is hard to visualize the sides and the depth when parking. But besides that it was a great choice.
05 `Bird ready for flight
Bought the 05 T`bird in 1/20. after looking at several. It was the Anniversary edition and quite different that its preceding year versions. Better badging, good performance and styling. Trunk/storage is limited. Fun to drive.
What goes bumpity-bump in the dark?
My Thunderbird is small for comfort in long trips (over two hours!). No space behind front seats, no trunk room. Bad design for rain. Drips inside if window is slightly open. Blind spot both sides. Cheaply done interior. Car has zip, is reliable, but would not purchase another one.
excellent retro
i have had ferrari,vettes,xke,rx7 and mark as well as caddy and lexus and infinity.This is one great car overall'not sexiest,not fastest,not most luxurious.But overall it is excellent,price is reasonable and reliability as all Ford i have had beit a mark or ford explorer sport spoil you.
Nice Care with some design flaws
Beautiful Car! I love to drive it. Chose it over a Z-4. Large doors for easy access but become problems when parked in garage or parking lot. Interior plastic could be much better quality. Bottle holders on arm rest really get in the way. Performance is exceptional and will leave everything on the road behind. Golf clubs fit in trunk. Sound system is outstanding. Dealership was excellent, especially pricing. Options needed include day/night automatic mirrors and heated outside mirrors. If I had to do it over, would probably buy the BMW 3 Series convertible.
Manly
Very few things about this car that I do not find exciting. Will turn many heads, and I'm sure will be a sought after vehicle as time goes by.
Owner's impressions of Thunderbird
Overall I like the car. The Thunderbird however could use a bit more horsepower and most certainly the blind spots (rearward) could stand some improvement. Also, the (future) poor re-sale value of the car will be an issue when I elect to sell the Thunderbird.
TBird's eye view
Sweet car that accelerates smoothly and quickly. It is very stable in turns and brakes well. Trunk is small but it does hold a set of clubs and an overnight bag and that is all it needs to. Visibility is good in all directions but the mileage is not as good as some others in the price range.
Red T-Bird
I absolutely love my T-Bird. I put 5,000 miles on it in the first 3 months. The ride can be a little soft at times, but it corners like a dream. Plenty of horsepower. I traded in my '02 Mustang GT for the T-Bird and there is no comparison. The T-bird has a better ride, is more fun to drive, and gets 10 times more looks and comments. Also, the waves from other T-Bird owners is nice.
This Car Will Get You Noticed
This is my wife's car and she just loves it. It turns more heads than a Corvette. If you want attention and comfort and a quality built car then this is it. If you want to carry groceries or kids then this car isn't for you. The car style is not overly aggressive or cheap and I believe it will stand the test of time in style. All the ladies in her group love it. My wife has finally got the "Car Craze" bug because of this T-Bird. It's cheaper than the Corvette as well and I believe more fun in the long haul.
TBird - Best Performance Value
Have had great fun with the TBird. Everywhere I go people comment how nice it looks - from parking garage attendants to people walking on the street. Distinctive, rare look. Fast convertible top raising or lowering. High performance V-8, 390 HP, for low $30's. Can't beat the performance & price
I bought a Ford?
I have loved this car before it ever hit the dealership. I knew I would have one myself someday and now that day has come. I love the way heads turn and people ask 'What is that car?'. As i always have had a sport luxury coupe, I do miss that luxury ride though. A lot of that has to do with the many manhole covers and poor roads in Idaho. I plan on keeping this car to pass down to my niece (10 yrs old now), for she thinks it will be hers to drive once receiving her driver's license. That all remains to be seen. But I must say I love this car. I love many others as well, but knowing of Thunderbird's demise, I just had to have one of the last, so I bought an 04' with everything.
Sweet Ride - Poor Marketing
This car is my dream car. It has wonderful handling and great style.The acceleration is excellent; it's not neck snapping, but it is very strong. This was not designed as a dragster, but as a cruiser and it serves that purpose to perfection. Ford dealers did themselves a disservice by adding the "dealers premium" charge to the sticker price and Ford didn't help by delaying the availability as long as they did when they were introduced. The T-bird did not meet sales expectations due to those reasons plus a virtually non-existent ad campaign. I bought mine in July,'04; it's an '03 that languished on the lot for a year. I bought it new for $9500 UNDER sticker. I could not be happier with the auto.
helpful hints
really great performance vehicle. loved it at the first sight. the design is sleek and perfectly built. great car i think everyone should get it. very reliable.
The best car I've ever owned
If you like the ride of a larger car and the fun of a convertible, this is the car for you. Every detail of fit and finish has exceeded my expectations. I have driven this car approximately 3,000 miles and with every mile I like it more. I cannot think of anything else that I have purchased recently that I can say that about. The engine performance is more than adequate. The handling is unbelieveable; the car is so flat in the curves, no diving. The braking is superb. The acceleration is surprising. To put this car in perspective, I drove several other cars in the weeks leading up to this decision. The difference was so night and day against any other car that I drove, including an S-2000, MX-5, Z-4,
barrys bird
I enjoy my tbird,but I have a few problems I didn't have looked into.When i go over a bump the car pulls to the right.The other problems are rattles behind the driver,I don't know if its the hardtop rattling,or if its the convertible top.
Just the Ticket
I fell in love with this car when it first came out in 2002, but couldn't afford it. Things changed and once I was able to, I bought a 50th anniversary edition. I told the dealer I didn't even need to test drive it, I knew I wanted it. I find all sorts of excuses to take it out for a drive, and love the second looks and "Thumbs Ups" I get from other motorists.
Something Special!
I was going to buy a Z4 but saw a Bird at the Auto show. Once I drove one it was no comparison. The ride is exceptional and the styling is top of the line. Many, many comments from people who see the car. Outstanding cruiser!