|
2003 Ford Thunderbird Review
More power, more features, more accessibility add to the appeal.
2003 Thunderbird Review Summary & Specifications
The Ford Thunderbird is eye candy, a two-seat convertible with one foot in the past and one foot in the future. The Thunderbird is a beautifully detailed car in almost every respect. Cruising along in this car can be a joyous experience.The 2003 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. 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. Ford is relying on the Thunderbird to help recreate the company for its second hundred years.
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Jim McCraw |
| Model Lineup | Deluxe convertible ($35,390); Premium convertible ($36,390); Deluxe with removable hard top ($37,890); Premium with removable hard top ($38,890) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.9-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 280-hp 3.9-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | standard: ABS, front and side airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | traction control |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Wixom, Michigan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-392-FORD |
| Manufacturer URL | www.fordvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 35390 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Thunderbird Premium without removable hard top ($36,390) |
| Standard Equipment | 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; Premium adds chrome wheels |
| Destination Charge | 555 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | none |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 36945 |
| Horse Power | 280 @ 6100 |
| Torque | 286 @ 3100 |
| Fuel Economy | 17/23 |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 |
| Length/Width/Height | 186.3/72.0/52.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | 60.5/60.2 |
| Turning Radius | 37.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.2/53.7/43.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 6.7 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1000 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 |
| Curb Weight | 3775 |
| Stock Tires | P235/50R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 |
|
|