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Summary
The Ford Thunderbird is eye candy, a beautifully detailed car in almost every respect. Cruising along in this car can be a joyous experience.Now that the newness has worn off and there is more competition on the market, Thunderbirds can be had for much more reasonable prices than in the crazy, gotta-have-it-now first year of higher-than-sticker sale prices. Yet, compared to even the 2002 model, the latest Thunderbird offers much-improved acceleration and passing power, progressive and positive braking, and good, solid handling. It's well short of a real sports car, but it will cruise with anything out there.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Ford Thunderbird Deluxe convertible ($36,925); Premium convertible ($38,575); Pacific Coast Roadster ($43,995) |
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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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standard: ABS, front and side airbags, LATCH system child-seat anchors, all-speed traction control |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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none |
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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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Ford Thunderbird Premium ($37,970) |
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Standard Equipment:
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traction control, 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; chromed aluminum wheels |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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none |
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Destination Charge:
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605 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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38575 |
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Layout:
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rear-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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280 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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286 @ 4000 |
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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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35.9 |
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Seating capacity:
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2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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37.2/53.7/42.7 |
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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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Cargo volume:
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6.9 |
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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, upper and lower control arms, coil-over shock absorbers, anti-roll bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, upper and lower control arms, coil-over shock absorbers, anti-roll bar |
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Ground clearance:
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6 |
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Curb weight:
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3780 |
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Tires:
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P235/50R17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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11.8-in vented disc/11.3-in vented disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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18 |
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