2002 Ford Thunderbird

An American motoring icon is back following a hiatus of nearly 50 years. Most red-blooded Americans over the age of 16 are familiar with the 1955-57 Ford Thunderbirds, and even many automotive-illiterates have at least one memory of these classics.

Carryover styling components from the original T-bird include the hood scoop, round headlights and opera window on the optional hardtop.

It made perfect sense for Ford to attempt a modern redesign of the famous Thunderbird profile. The underlying challenge was to incorporate just the right amount of nostalgia yet make the car contemporary enough to attract present-day buyers. With all of those variables, Ford could easily have mucked up the new T-bird. We can enthusiastically say that they didn't.


Mixing modern components into a retro-mobile can be a tricky task, but Ford looked to J Mays (the man responsible for the VW New Beetle) to pen the new Thunderbird's body design. The end result is unmistakably T-bird: low hood complete with hood scoop and large, round headlights. The rear end treatment comes complete with "afterburner" taillights that invoke deep emotions. Even the interior is lifted right out of the fifties, yet with a modern flare.

Self-respecting American classics are front-engine (measured in cubic inches)/rear-wheel drive. The 2002 T-bird's 241-cid V-8 is coupled to a manually shiftable 5-speed automatic.

Under the hood, Ford installed a wonderfully responsive and smooth 252-hp/3.9-liter V-8. Producing 267 lb.-ft. of all-American torque, this engine matches the car's character. Be forewarned, though, that the new T-bird isn't a sports car—it isn't going to whip the tar out of Corvettes or Porsches at stoplights. However, the T-bird will probably be the first car away from the red light because everyone else will still be staring at it. The V-8 is coupled to a 5-speed automatic, which is quite appropriate for the car. The gated shifter can be slid manually through the gears, but most drivers will probably set it to Drive and cruise effortlessly down the road.


Furthermore, Ford engineers spent hours perfecting the T-bird's exhaust tone, primarily so that it would blend with wind noise when the car is in convertible mode. The exhaust sound also seems to accompany most Rat Pack recordings quite well.