2003 Ford Thunderbird

The V-8 is coupled to a 5-speed automatic, which is quite appropriate for this car. A Select Shift version that allows the driver to shift gears manually is a new option for the 2003 model. But we believe most drivers will probably set it to "D" and cruise effortlessly down the boulevard. When the going gets twisty or slick, all-speed traction control is now standard to keep the tires in firm contact with the asphalt.

The big interior news for '03 is a new Saddle package that includes full-leather, saddle-inspired seats and a saddle-leather steering-wheel insert with matching shifter knob.

The original interior design and styling—complete with two-tone seats and door panels—garner rave reviews. Expanding the selections, two new interior colors are offered: Black Ink and Whisper White. But the big interior news for '03 is a new Saddle package that includes full-leather, saddle-inspired seats along with a saddle-leather steering-wheel insert and matching shifter knob. This interior hearkens to Roy Rogers' car's custom interior, which shared styling cues with Trigger's saddle. This theme withstands the test of time and is very couture. On top of that, the Saddle interior looks very smart, too.


For 2003, the cockpit gets slight changes. Ford has redesigned the analog instrument cluster and added a two-speed, variable-interval wiper system, which also has a new heated wiper-park position. Other noticeable changes for 2003 include optional heated driver and passenger seats, perfect for top-down cruising when the weather turns a bit cool. Few things are more invigorating than putting the top down on a crisp autumn evening and cruising through the countryside. This is what convertibles were designed for.


The soft convertible top continues as standard equipment, with the removable hard top an option. The hard top has the trademark porthole windows that were popular in the 1950s. How could it not? The power-operated convertible top is exceedingly easy to operate and makes turning your open-top cruiser into a warm and snug cocoon effortless. You'll be tempted to put the top up and down repeatedly just to watch it work. Both tops limit headroom, so if you're taller than six feet, you might be more comfortable driving the Thunderbird with the top down when the sun is shining. "Rocket" exhaust tips and "afterburner" taillights also refer to the 1955-57 models.


We trust that the minor freshman tribulations that slowed delivery of the 2002 Thunderbirds are a distant memory. Sophomore-year improvements underscore that this is a car that helps us forget about our rapidly passing daily lives and remember a time when taking a drive was an adventure we anticipated for the entire week. The 2003 Ford Thunderbird does that to you. (www.fordvehicles.com)