Is the 2002 Ford Thunderbird the MOST underrated convertible sports car?
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2020
- The Thunderbird made a HUGE return in 2002 and Ford was going retro with its design. Under the hood is a 3.9L V8 pumping out 252HP & mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. On the outside Ford took design cues from the past and put a 21st century spin on them. On the inside the layout is very simple and straight forward and offers 2-seat convertible fun. Is the 2002 Ford Thunderbird an UNDERRATED convertible sports car?
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I purchased this exact vehicle 2 years ago with 30k miles...drives great and get compliments all of the time...I just purchased another one in Thunderbird Blue for my wife..luv them
Thanks for sharing that great input from your experience!
Yea they are amazing love mine
Am I the only one, who think this is a future Collectors Car...???
Already almost is I want one lol 😂
Yes
😅@@TheTrollMastah
I have a very nice '02 in Thunderbird Blue with 91,000 miles. I am the second owner. Mine has also held up very, very well.
Not a performance car or a sports car just a fun car to drive.
Your review is spot on!
P.S. These cars were selling well above the sticker price in '02.
any chance you want to sell yours Brian?
@@CabralClements No. Sorry. I'm going to hold on to it for a while.
@@brianhassett1994 shout out to you for even responding!
Really unique styling on these! I always thought it looked like the car the older gentleman would drive up to the golf course for a nice fancy game of ⛳. Looking forward to watch this right now!
You are so very right!
Gotta do the hardtop though. The convertibles trunk is too shallow for golf clubs and that porthole window looks pretty slick.
To small. 😢. Thanks for reminding me of my wedding night!
That is so awesome!
@@RaitisRides not. auto reply got this one so wrong! lol
Had one, pouch. Not fast. Low head room
*too*
Love my 02 turquoise!😉 Have it stored driving it occasionally now.
The T-Bird Joe is still one of my favorite cars in America
I've got a 2004.The added hp (280) is plenty of muscle for a car this size and I think it handles just fine. The thing looks great, is a real head turner and flat out fun as hell to drive, love it.
Going to buy one soon, merlot w/ the sand package ..wish me luck
@@mrjuvy49 That’s the package I’ve got. My grandson calls it peanut butter and jelly.
Hope mine come up with a new name
I first found out that the ford thunderbird is a thing after watching chrisfix dream car video but it’s nice to see joe also review it
Thanks for letting me bring it to you!
I have one and love it.
And now it's a real sports car. Independent suspension up graded struts ramps at 90.
Holding very well. Little bit of work to motor
And exhaust. 0 to 60 in 5.7 second. Shift kit
In trans churp gears from first to second gear very tight shift. The handling very very
Nice.
What engine performance & suspensions mods? Parts numbers?
I have a 2003, and there are a number of differences, especially noticed is the exhaust, which has much more rumble. The engine also has some changes, with a slight bit more horsepower, and it does require 91 octane gas. The nice soft trim on the seats is really leather, and standard equipment. The funny little curved part in the center stack is where the heated seats controls would go. For cornering, I think your test car probably needs new shocks, as mine is very good for the time. It does have 4 wheel IRS as well as 4 wheel disks. I'm really happy with mine, and plan to keep it long term! Only take it out of the garage in nice weather.
Thanks for sharing that great input from your ownership.
They were pricey, brand new. And pricey now even used.
I have a friend who drove her dad's T bird when she was in high school in the '60s. I'm going to send this link to her .
Thanks for doing that Lynda!
Didn't the Beach Boys write a song about that?
This is a very underrated car . It ended the way it originated . The-pure American graffiti iconic car. My dad had a 1973 T Bird and it was the clone to the Lincoln Mark IV. Engine , suspension and Body. One of his Favorites in the 70s .
I totally agree with you Al!
I had a 1995 Thunderbird SuperCoupe with a 5 speed manual, when I was 20.. that car would BLOW the doors off any Camaro z/28 or Mustang GT at the time. Thing was fast as hell at the time.. ( of course I had some extra mods, that 3.8 supercharged V6 really moved )
I miss those T-Birds!
Its a cruiser .....and it gets five times the looks of any corvette ive been in
This is very true!
I got mine for 10 grand 73 k miles excellent condition its a great car
Nicely done James!
I have a 2002 I will never part with it.
Is the most dependable car I have ever Own
Very well built strong car. Like anything else
The only bad reviews are the people that don't own one. And soon you won't be able
To touch one since a low production car.
Ok you tell me if it's poorly built why is it
At a 20 year old car and still mint looking
Inside and out. Mine is show room and I drive it every day for the last 3 years.These
Are people that try to talk you out of your car.
This car was built for people that appreciate
Nice well built cars. Honestly you show me a
20 year old car all original paint and interior
That can hold up like a thunderbird. You won't!!. There all repaints if so or blister.
Thunderbird was painted in led paint no-one
Knew. No clear coat on this type of paint it's
Forever.The next thunderbird you see look
Inside and see how well it presents itself like
New. Not cheap in anyway.
I feel the same way about my Volvo XC90 V8. Mine is black sapphire pearl with 18" chrome wheels. Everything is still in great condition with perfect leather interior. I have never seen another like it on the road. I hope I can get one of these Thunderbirds to park next to it and fill the extra spot in my garage someday.
dude, you're really good at your job. I am HYPED just watching this!!
Have that exact vehicle....drives great....get looks and compliments all of the time
Thanks for sharing that awesome input!
I have the exact model and I love it. Cruises like a dream and the Vroom is exquisite...lol.
I recently bought a 2004 Tbird with an unbelievable 29K original miles silver/black
You had mentioned you will get some looks in these cars. I used to have a very unique 2005 Ford Focus Saleen that came stock with nitrous (just needed to complete the hookup)
That car was so tricked out by Saleen and looked like a Fast N Furious Tokyo Drift car. I actually was pulled over 4 different times just because the cops wanted to check the car out, like a roadside car show! LOL
I missed the attention as I had to sell it and then drove a work van or my Ford Fiesta :(
With my Tbird I am constantly getting compliments and thumbs up and when I go to any of my local casinos the valet always parks it in the entrance with the Porsches and other super expensive cars. They just love the look of this puppy, backed in, silver body, black roof, windows all tinted (I live in Az)
It feels great and it is just so much fun to drive!
I have a 2002 as well!
I bought mine in March its whisper white i had my hard top painted touch red to match the interior. Its an amazing car people in this thread have no clue what they are talking about until you actually experience one you just don't know how special these cars are. They are not perfect not fast but they are great. I did replace the stereo with a touch screen Bluetooth stereo makes it very livable inside had a louder exhaust put on sounds amazing.
Me too 👍🏿
james thomas which exhaust?
@@Drive615 lol im no expert took it to a co workers familys muffler shop told them I wanted something louder they hooked me up for $200 and it sounds amazing
Me too sorta, my grandpa has been saying he will give it to me ever since I was a kid, I was born in 2005, I hate all the hate going to it, because it makes me feels like they’re hating on my pa
My grandpa ended up getting the 2004 version when it first came out. This car certainly has a smoother driving experience to it compared to the sports cars that I'm used to (not that that's a bad thing!).
Great review, Raiti! A lot of your gripes are the same ones my Grandpa has whenever we start talking about his T-Bird.
Thanks for sharing that greatinput!
Great job doing the review , as usual- we have a 2005 Tbird and I believe Mr Raiti captured the essence of the car- I watch a lot of car review individual- Keep up the great work-phil mammano
I have that 2002 red t bird with about a 120,000 miles that i've had since 03. It has been so much fun!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have a 03 with 72K miles on it pristine condition! It’s Torch red with a white hardtop and man I’m telling ya, I get more looks and stares in this car than I do in my 2018 Porsche Macan Turbo 🤷🏽♂️
I like these cars. Especially with the soft top. Looks great.
I don't know what was better. The honest, unpretentious review or the comedy! Thanks bud
Still the sexiest Thunderbird
I am going 1955
@@RaitisRides I kind of like the 1987 Turbo coupe. 0-60 mph in 8 secs with a top speed of 137 mph. Not bad. Rare to see one of these today.
Fun car for someone for just 13k. Cant go wrong.
I totally agree with you Robert!
AWESOME review...there was something always about those cars that I liked!!! 👊🏾
Hey Joe great review. Really cool to see one of these again. Also, just FYI, @12:00 that Ford key was the exact same one used in other Fords of the time including, more importantly, the ‘05-‘06 Ford GTs. It was also the same key fob used in the Qvale Mangusta sports car that used the Mustang Cobra powertrain married with Italian design, except they took out the Ford logo on the key fob and left it blank, ah the Italians. They only made 284 of them for the U.S. so it’s rare to see one on the streets but they are out there.
Thanks for that great info man!
NEVER HAD ONE!! but luv em!!! yes iam 65 but when new i wasnt here for a year!!anyway,,, all good in my book of fun cars screw performance its a posh cruiser its earned its place in History.
I wish there would be a new generation of the Thunderbird.
Me too!
Great showing older " classic " cars. Keep em coming Joe 🏁
The back looks like the front 😄
I am so glad that you enjoyed this one.
I was an early adopter in 2002. Still mace mine and still love it.
I have a 2004, second owner and it still looks new . I love it… It definitely is a head turner
That is so fantastic to hear Terry!
I've watched many reviews of the retro style new Thunderbirds. Having had the pleasure of actually getting to drive a 57 Tbird. The original ride was very cool but also kinda awkward to drive. I really believe that they nailed it. They just updated it enough for modern driving.
Love my ‘02 Turquoise T Bird, she’s called Margaret.. (Ann Margaret drove one in a ‘50’s movie) fun car and lots of compliments when I drive her.
Great review! I have a 2002 in my garage that was my dad's! It only has 500 miles on it and has been kept in my garage since new.
That is really fantastic!
@@RaitisRides in looking to sell it if you know anyone. Thanks
@@blue13sarge how much are you asking? i’m a 15 year old girl from TX looking for one of these as my first car! fell in love with it when my dad found one nearby, but it was unfortunately too expensive 💔😕
Hi Samantha, I sold it last week. Good luck in your search.
the '03 on had another 28hp, which did give it a little more pop. They were underrated for sure, good looking car, however, even with the 280hp, it could've used another 50hp and a manual to give you a true sports car performance back in the early to mid 00's.
The best reviews are from people who own this 11th generation Bird..it's a great car with plenty of pep and fun to drive. I've owned Corvettes and this 02 Bird,
much prefer the Bird. Vetts are everywhere but this Bird is rare and much more comfortable to drive.
I love these t-birds I want to get one in teal keep these videos coming 👍👍👍
Great review Joe nice car, The door Panel interior looks like a Thunder bird Wing.
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
I have a 2004 tbird I bought with 30k miles on it and put a Borala exhaust and K&N cold air intake on her and she is a beast and love to drive it! The 2003-5 have a 280hp stock motor so get that one homie!
I have driven mine up the Coast Highway in NorCal and she handles unite well on the twists and tight turns for our 80 miles of twists and turns.
Awesome video Joe.
Awesome revue! Thanks
I’m a huge Thunderbird fan since my first car was a 96 Thunderbird I bought right out of High School 4 years ago. I almost bought one of these a couple years ago cause I love the way it looks and drives but passed because it was the 252hp engine (later years got VVT and 280hp) and it didn’t have the select shift that came in later years. It’s a good looking car IMO but it hurts in the performance department. It would have been sweet with 300hp or at least a lower gear ratio like 3.73 or so (I’m not sure what they came with though) really wish it had a 4.6 V8 so it would at least have some aftermarket support. Unfortunately the 3.9 has virtually no aftermarket support. So you buy this car and just drive it unless you want to make it a major project with an engine swap or something. But I still plan on getting an 03 in Desert Sky Blue one day to just be a nice little cruiser.
I just bought my black 2002 T-Bird. I adore it. And yes, I am one of those old farts. Ever since Suzanne Summers said I love you from her white T-Bird, I was hooked. I love everything about the car. Only FYI is that very cool port hole hard top, looks amazing but is a two-man job removing it. Hopefully you get the Ford cart to store it. Also, the dealer I bought it from never removed it and therefore the canvass top remained folded and unused in the moist Seattle rainy climate. Hence the coating of mold on the black canvass top, which is so quick and easy to raise and lower. It drives and rides like a dream and gets so many looks from every generation. I'm having Fun, Fun, Fun.
I’m going to show my grandma this video this is her dream car
Dealers know they can raise the prices on these, because they also know people with good money are gonna want one.
I have no regrets purchasing my 2003 torch red Tbird. My only regret was trading my 1996 SVT cobra in on the T bird! I have had 4 Mark VIII cars and also a 2002 Lincoln LS. The 4.6 32V motor seems way more powerful than the 3.9 motor but they are both rated at 280 HP. In any event I enjoy my T bird for what it isn't. It isn't a rough riding solid axle mustang. If I need speed then I take my 2010 GT500 out of the garage and when I get home I take two Tylenol extra strength.
Just showed up in my feed. Great T-Bird, if it was turquoise I would have sold before you got to it. I had a 2008 Mustang with no infotainment screen & I felt lucky. Got a 2013 Camaro with infotainment screen and it was the only thing that wasn't covered under bumper to bumper warranty. Now I have 2019 Impala and have already have had to upgrade Nav system. Give me a paper map, that is a true feeling, basic radio & climate controls.
Meaties! New word for Merriam-Webster! Great review!
I like the generation prior to this one. I almost one with the super charged engine and manual transmission to replace my 96 with the regular v6 that was totaled in a bit and run.
Those ribbed lines on the door are there to simulate wings when open pretty cool
That is cool!
You kinda missed a small detail Joe. The plastic panel in front of the gear lever that you zonked was actually meant to have the heated seat buttons. Seems that it wasn't available in the one you reviewed, but it was there in another youtuber's (won't mention names) Thunderbird review.
Thanks for that great info. I can only zonk what I see not what I don't see.
In '55+, the hood scoop was functional and raised to allow the air cleaner to clear the hood.
In 2002+, the scoop is there to remind us of the Baby 'Birds, but no need to have it functional--
the air filter is front and left.
I just purchased a 2004. thunderbird deluxe with 19150 miles super clean and good looking beautiful interior black and red leather for 26900$
We actually got 27 mpg on one of our road trips… of course I was not driving. Lol
Ford billed the car as a Personal cruiser, I have a 2003 now for 14 years little over 100k miles.
I remember my buddies dad bought one brand new in 2002 and he picked me up in it to give me a ride. We took it down some back roads and he got on it and even at that time - I was prob 14-15, I was not impressed lol. My grandfather’s 97 Z28 scared me, but this car did not at all. I was expecting it to pin me to my seat haha. Still a cool car.
Yooooooooooow Joe this Tbird is something else man!!! Thanks for bringing this one to us!!! And the laughs!!! #RaitisRides #OnThrottle #ToTheDoorPanel #TwinkiesGoWhere #CrownVic #OnThrottleAgain #Zonkmeister
@18:30 Looking at the 2002 T-Bird, it resembles both the 1957 T-Bird and the 1957 Corvette. The retro T-Bird is one of my favorite cars.
Good eyes Charlie!
Have always loved these, despite the fact that there's zero performance. The timeless style is enough to put a smile on my face.
I would not say 0 performance its good for what it is, this was not intended to be a sports car its a cruiser.
The hp on the 03-05 is nearly the same as the original 55. 280 hp vs 292 hp
Very pretty car, and known to be pretty bullet proof.
Great V8 motor
I really wish Ford made a new Ford Thunderbird to fight the likes of the new C8 corvette with a 5.0 in the middle of the car with low kerb weight, Manual and AT options. Price it n 100-125k USD it wud ve got much more love from customers than Ford could ever imagine
I totally agree with you!
Never was a fan of these. The engine is from Jaguar and in 2003 power was increased to 280 HP. Thanks for sharing it Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
Thanks Larry for letting me share it with you!
tHE ENGINE IS not FROM jAGUAR ALTHOUGH AS SOMEONE THAT HAS AND STILL OWNS jAGUARS, AS WELL AS MANAGED MAJOR METROPOLITAN fORD DEALERSHIPS JAGUARS, ARE INDEED very reliable!
@@Clarkecars Google and Wikipedia are your friends. 3.9L Jaguar AJ35V8 in 2002-2005 models.
@@LS1007 Common misunderstanding. The platforms of the S and Licoln LS were shared. There is absolutely no compatibility with heads, electronics, fuel delivery controls. Jaguar supplied architecture and basic blocks with Aston Martin that doesn't make their engines the same. Jaguar engineers designed the AJ8 engines, Ford modified the engine blocks for their own use. By 2005 the AJ8 had increased to 4.2 liters. I didn't just read about them on Google etc. I actually own two 6.0 V12s, an XJ40, an XJ8 L (4.2) that I personally changed the coils and plugs in myself and I own an XK-R coupe.
@@Clarkecars The fact remains that the engines in the 2002-2005 were Jaguar AJ35V8’s. The mention of AJ8 and all the cars you own, what maintenance you performed on them, what Jaguar supplied to Aston Martin is irrelevant. Ford may have done modifications but the engines came from Jaguar. Have a nice day.
This car is a guilty pleasure.
I can agree with that Omar!
The 03 to 05 are the ones to get since they have more HP.
like your demonstration
This was Mustang SVT money back in the day. From the same manufacturer... you would have had to REALLY love this styling to pick it up over the Cobra.
We need this back.
A test drove one of these years ago and at 6 ft 4 in the seats were so uncomfortable for me and it is very tight but the styling is cool
My first sports car was a 1990 35th Anniversary Ford Thunderbird SC. Loved that car! Not really a fan of the retro model run, though.
I was only 13 when these came out and couldn't hope to afford one even when I could drive. I never knew why they weren't popular. I have a Mustang now but I wouldn't mind driving one of these at all.
Thank you! That was fun! What about replacement parts? Are they hard to find in 2023?
imagine that with the current coyote engine....💪🏻
Plus a Tremec 6-speed !😉👍🏻
I don’t have to imagine it.
I did the swap.
Even modified the floor for a manual transmission swap.
@@lordsilvis1048 holy shit, are you that guy from the Thunderbird forums? Did you finish the build?
Yes Sir. The one and only. ☺️
I did. Took me a little longer than I’d like to admit (thanks to the electronics), but I finally finished it.
I have a video on there, somewhere, of it running and driving along with a little tour of everything I did.
There’s also a video on ITC through Facebook.
@@lordsilvis1048 that's incredible! I **need** to see this haha. How much of the stock computers are left?
Never was meant to be performance, I'm cool with that! It's a 2 seater just you and a him and her classic ride! Love to have one in a Silver or Black!
Thanks for letting me share it with you Darryl!
I love your review
To be fair, it was never meant to be a sports car, it was supoused to be a nostalgic come back of the affordable personal luxury coupe, which was the segment that the thunderbird invented and what made it a hit through four decades. The problem was that it wasn't luxurious enough for the price, it also lacked back seats with a trunk that was a bit too small for overall size of the vehicle (it wasted too much space). But what really killed all of its chances was that the market for personal luxury coupes was already dead by the turn of the 21st century.
No Thunderbird was designed to be a sports car. Never will be, either.
Such a variety
Thanks for letting me bring it to you!
Good video red T-bird. Worth twice the price.
My dad wanted one of these when it first came out
That is so very cool!
I made a similar decision in 1970. Buy a 57 bird, or a new 69 Shelby gtT350 to get through college trouble free. Now I am looking for a 2004 bird (merlot) right now.
you should have taken the top off and shown the vehicle top down - where to me it really shines, it has a convertible soft top underneath. It's the best of both worlds - hardtop in the winter, soft top convertible in the warmer months.
JOE ~ T-Birds were super fly. they were so beautiful back in the 50's then they grew, then they just kinda gave up on 'em. too bad - I think Ford missed a great opportunity, like their version of the Vette. when they did the retroish remake it just never took off = bummer. now Ford will be nothing but Trucks, SUVs, & crossovers. good report - tony
It would be interesting to see a new modern take on this.
@@RaitisRides I concur Coach, it would be nice to live anew the things of our past that were splendid. - tony
if it was mid 20's to 35k back then with a turbo 4 or natural 6 and a stick or auto and losing 400lbs, it would have been a nice retro cruiser and more of a success.
My mom had one! I want one!
well done
this one is under powered. i had a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. loved it!!
I totally remember that car!
Makes me feel better about that year Thunderbird. It was good to bring it back. However, they tried to bring back the "55 styles when they should think Thunderbird. Quick, streamlined bird.
Very true Bradley!
Ford plays retro styling to death.I’m waiting for them to bring out a modern retro model T. Enough already Ford , get with the future.
Theres one just like that, same year, its white, but ive seen one at a dealership near me
That is so very cool Bob!
nice hat crown Vic!!
Good eyes!
Great Review like always , Could you do a Chevy ssr one day?
Thanks Gabriel! I will try to track one down for you!
IDGAF what anyone else says,the Neo-Thunderbird was another revitalized classic design done right. I had a diecast toy of the classic Thunderbird when I was a kid and I grew up with the eighties design and after years with the solid, if ho-hum design,it was gratifying to see Ford take a chance on reviving the T-Bird for new generation. The new design was so special, classic Thunderbird gone modern,so sleek and elegant, it would not look out of place whether it's parked in front of the 50's themed diners in my neighborhood or in front of the American Visionary Art Museum, where you can see all kinds of quirky, kooky modern art. It's right up there with the Dodge Challenger,Chevy's quirky SSR pickup experiment and Ford's very own Neo-Classical Mustang, in terms of how to pay proper tribute to classic American muscle.
There are not many convertibles I would consider buying. This is one of the few.
Put simply,this car ROCKS! Thanks, as always, for sharing Joe!
Thanks for letting me share this one with you!
I agree. This car is just meant to be driven, enjoyed and to turn heads. It not a performer or sports car. Just a boulevard cruiser.
I have the 2002 in Thunderbird Blue (Teal). I'm the second owner with 91,000 miles.
I also have two very nice diecast models in to different scales in my office.
Third
I like the opera widows.
Shaun of NYC
Thanks Shaun for letting me share this one with you!
Nice!! The little known Bird.... :-)
I am old Sokol and I love it
I am so glad that I can bring it to you!