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Summary
Here is a two-seat convertible with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, a posture that would normally make it difficult to stand up, but not this car. Although it could be accused of being a parts-bin car, with lots of pieces borrowed from Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-Type, Ford Taurus, and other Fords, the Thunderbird is a beautifully detailed car in almost every respect.The new Thunderbird offers a combination of decent if not breathtaking acceleration, progressive and positive braking, and good, solid handling that will not make you nervous even at very high speeds. In its first year, only some 25,000 Thunderbirds will be produced, and almost every one of those already has a deposit against it. But if you can find one at the regular retail price, it will be a very good buy that could be a collector car of the future.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Deluxe without removable hard top ($34,965); Premium without removable hard top ($35,965); Deluxe with removable hard top ($37,465); Premium with removable hard top ($38,465) |
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Engines:
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3.9-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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ABS, front and side airbags |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Traction Control |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Wixom, Michigan |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Thunderbird Premium with removable hard top ($38,465) |
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Standard Equipment:
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leather seating surfaces, automatic air conditioning with dual controls, perimeter anti-theft system with Securilock, cruise control, power steering, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power decklid release, digital clock, electric rear-window defroster, remote keyless illuminated entry system, automatic on/off headlamps with variable delay, carpeted floor mats, dual covered visor vanity mirrors, AM/FM/6-disc CD, retained accessory power, reclining front bucket seats with 6-way power driver's seat and 2-way power passenger seat, power tilt/telescope steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, storage shelf behind seats; Premium adds chrome wheels, traction control; hard top |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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|
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Destination Charge:
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530 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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38995 |
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Layout:
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rear-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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252 @ 6100 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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267 @ 3100 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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17/23 |
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Wheelbase:
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107.2 |
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Length/width/height:
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186.3/72.0/52.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.5/60.2 |
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Turning circle:
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37.5 |
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Seating capacity:
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2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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37.2/53.7/43.7 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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|
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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|
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Cargo volume:
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6.7 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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1000 |
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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6.0 |
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Curb weight:
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3775 |
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Tires:
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P235/50R-17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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18.0 |
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