Description

Ford created a flurry of excitement when the revived Thunderbird appeared as a 2002 model. Though it is fully modern underneath, it?s a throwback to the original two-passenger T-Bird of 1955 ? 1957. The new model has styling touches reminiscent of that fabled model, which include an eggcrate grille and round headlights. Adapted from the Lincoln LS platform, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Thunderbird has a 3.9-liter V-8 engine ? which gets a boost from 252 to 280 horsepower for 2003 ? and a five-speed-automatic transmission. The convertible comes in Deluxe and Premium trim levels. A removable plastic hardtop is optional, and the car?s hood, fenders and rear deck are also made of plastic. An electronically controlled throttle has been installed on 2003 models, which also have all-speed traction control. The analog gauge cluster has been restyled, and heated seats are newly optional.