Used Ford Thunderbird for Sale nearChicago, IL
Shop with transparent pricing.
Only show listings that include dealer fees- Year:
- 2004
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Torch Red
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black Ink
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 37,991
- Stock #:
- BP3870
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A64Y100076
2004 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
37,991 mi
$16,288
- Year:
- 2003
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Evening Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 19 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black Ink
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 43,440
- Stock #:
- 110610K
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A83Y110610
-$1,500
2003 Ford Thunderbird
Premium RWD
43,440 mi
$14,912
$13,412
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Blue
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Midnight Black
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 34,309
- Stock #:
- AA128065
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A22Y128065
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
34,309 mi
$17,385
- Year:
- 2004
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- BURGUN
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Brown (TAN)
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 72,420
- Stock #:
- C412
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A54Y104412
2004 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
72,420 mi
$12,346
- Year:
- 2005
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 19 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 59,309
- Stock #:
- 21499AS
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A55Y106971
2005 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
59,309 mi
$13,933
- Year:
- 1961
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Coupe
- Exterior color:
- Red
- Interior color:
- Black Leather
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 11,401
- Stock #:
- URR2
- VIN:
- NULL
1961 Ford Thunderbird
11,401 mi
$25,679
- Year:
- 1976
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Coupe
- Exterior color:
- Red
- Interior color:
- Red
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 61,841
- Stock #:
- 1465
- VIN:
- 6Y87A116695
1976 Ford Thunderbird
61,841 mi
$10,320
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Red
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 36,862
- Stock #:
- 2784242
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A52Y105167
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
36,862 mi
$21,661
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Whisper White
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Torch Red
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 18,899
- Stock #:
- 8709
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A72Y115537
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
18,899 mi
$20,980
- Year:
- 2004
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Merlot
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black Ink
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 48,980
- Stock #:
- 1FAHP60A14Y102656
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A14Y102656
2004 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
48,980 mi
$16,629
- Year:
- 2003
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Mountain Shadow Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 19 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black Ink
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 51,058
- Stock #:
- 34637
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A93Y107084
2003 Ford Thunderbird
Premium RWD
51,058 mi
$18,708
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Thunderbird Blue
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Thunderbird Blue
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 61,978
- Stock #:
- 163744
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A32Y112778
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
61,978 mi
$16,297
- Year:
- 2003
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Combined gas mileage:
- 19 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Mileage:
- 106,670
- Stock #:
- 3Y107012
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A63Y107012
2003 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
106,670 mi
$15,128
Customer summary
The Ford Thunderbird has been a beloved car across its many model years, praised for its stylish designs, powerful engines, and comfortable interiors. Owners regularly enjoy the fun driving experience, particularly with the top down in convertible models. However, common criticisms include limited trunk space, occasional reliability issues, and varied fuel economy across models. Overall, the Thunderbird has retained its status as a classic and continues to attract admiration for its nostalgic appeal and performance.
- Year:
- 1996
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Coupe
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 4.6L V8
- Exterior color:
- Black
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Gray
- Transmission:
- 4-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 25,527
- Stock #:
- BW4483
- VIN:
- 1FALP62W7TH128261
1996 Ford Thunderbird
LX RWD
25,527 mi
$15,340
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Red
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 13,656
- Stock #:
- B00638
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A62Y101502
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
13,656 mi
$23,325
- Year:
- 2003
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- White
- Combined gas mileage:
- 19 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 81,684
- Stock #:
- 15959
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A83Y101857
2003 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
81,684 mi
$14,422
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Evening Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Midnight Black
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 57,329
- Stock #:
- R26601
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A02Y104024
-$1,002
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
57,329 mi
$14,708
$13,706
- Year:
- 1976
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Coupe
- Exterior color:
- Black
- Interior color:
- Red
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 66,661
- Stock #:
- 76856NSC
- VIN:
- 0000006Y87A121856
1976 Ford Thunderbird
66,661 mi
$15,800
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Midnight Black
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 6,452
- Stock #:
- P8045
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A72Y119099
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
6,452 mi
$24,372
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Blue
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 40,013
- Stock #:
- 124056
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A32Y124056
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
40,013 mi
$17,450
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Evening Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Midnight Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 36,662
- Stock #:
- N127804
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A92Y127804
-$778
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
36,662 mi
$18,978
$18,578
- Year:
- 2002
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 252 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Red
- Combined gas mileage:
- 18 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black Leather
- Transmission:
- 5-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 64,418
- Stock #:
- W5461
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60AX2Y127942
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
64,418 mi
$17,534
- Year:
- 2003
- Make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Thunderbird
- Body type:
- Convertible
- Doors:
- 2 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 280 hp 3.9L V8
- Exterior color:
- Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 19 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 77,888
- Stock #:
- 104276
- VIN:
- 1FAHP60A33Y104276
2003 Ford Thunderbird
Deluxe RWD
77,888 mi
$14,565
Is the Ford Thunderbird a good car?
Yes — the Ford Thunderbird is a good car if you want a classic with broad owner appeal and a strong enthusiast following. The all-generations owner rating is 4.47/5 across every model year in the data.
Owners consistently praise its stylish designs, powerful engines, and comfortable interiors. Many also enjoy the fun driving experience, especially in convertible models with the top down. The Thunderbird’s nostalgic appeal is another recurring theme that helps it stand out.
0.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
Are Ford Thunderbird models reliable?
Owners consistently praise the Thunderbird for its comfortable interiors, strong engines, and enjoyable driving character. The car’s classic appeal and long-running popularity also come through clearly in owner feedback.
For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best approached with careful history checks and a close look at maintenance records, since owner feedback also points to occasional reliability issues across some model years.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Thunderbird?
Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 81.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.
4.5 Overall rating
Customers say
The Ford Thunderbird has been a beloved car across its many model years, praised for its stylish designs, powerful engines, and comfortable interiors. Owners regularly enjoy the fun driving experience, particularly with the top down in convertible models. However, common criticisms include limited trunk space, occasional reliability issues, and varied fuel economy across models. Overall, the Thunderbird has retained its status as a classic and continues to attract admiration for its nostalgic appeal and performance.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews.
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What people say
Lukas G
Reviewed a 1993 Ford LX RWD on Dec 26, 2024
Car refuses to die. 5.0L model, bought as a first car originally now just a fun toy to beat on, practical, fun, cheap to drive, cheap to fix.
Bob T
Reviewed a 2004 Ford Thunderbird on Apr 13, 2025
Viewed the car and their were a number of imperfections, however minor, that made me reconsider the purchase of this car. Aside from the cosmetic problems, I didn't pursue the drive worthy considerations.
Josh H
Reviewed a 1996 Ford LX RWD on May 13, 2009
Ford's aging personal coupe is nearing the end of the proverbial line. Seven years is a long time for automotive sheetmetal to be around, and the Thunderbird is looking a little long in tooth. For 1996, the Thunderbird has received a freshened front and rear end that has improved its looks. In spite of these updates, the Thunderbird is due for a full-body makeover (i.e., Taurus, Escort, F-Series and Contour) by the gang at the Blue Oval. Nonetheless, we will be saddened by this rendition's departure because we feel a rare balance between sport and luxury is represented in this affordable car. We received our Laser Red Thunderbird one fine Arizona morning and were delighted to find it equipped with the Sport Package and Ford’s exciting modular V-8 engine. We immediately hunted down the nearest stretch of open road to enjoy the melodious song of this powerful engine. We weren’t disappointed. Acceleration was brisk and Ford thoughtfully included a defeat switch for the optional traction control that allows the kid in all of us the thrill of squealing the sixteen-inch tires, not that WE would ever do that. Flat spots in the powerband were non-existent as we ran the car up to the Grand Canyon State’s much appreciated new 75 mph speed limit. The T-Bird's motive force had us merging with traffic without a second thought. It also let us mow down freeways like some speed-crazed farmer in a supercharged John Deere. Anti-lock brakes on the T-Bird are optional and we were happy that Ford included them on our test vehicle. Early one morning, a smoke-belching Pontiac Le Mans decided to help us test them by pulling into traffic a scant fifteen feet in front of us. The ability to steer while standing on the brakes is the only reason we didn’t trade paint. Cornering is not the Thunderbird’s greatest ability but the car handled reasonably well, with just a touch of predictable understeer. A stiff suspension reminded us that we were in a fast car, but the ride was smooth enough to leave our fillings intact when motoring over Phoenix’s washboard Interstate-17. The Thunderbird has an organic, sweeping dashboard that is dramatically oriented towards the driver. No-nonsense white-on-black analog gauges include: a tachometer, speedometer, voltmeter, fuel and temperature indicator. They are small but easy to read. The equipment buttons and dials are ergonomically correct with the obvious exception of the Ford stereo, we aren’t sure but we think older Ford stereos were designed by malevolent elves that held a grudge against myopic people with big fingers. The hard-to-see lettering on the hard-to-push buttons makes the radio dangerous to fiddle with while driving. Fortunately, the sound quality of the stereo makes up for its disastrous design. Cabin noises were minimal except for a strange rattle in the dashboard that occasionally assaulted our aural senses. Our car had a tan leather package that looked great with the Laser Red exterior, but contrasted oddly with the fighter-pilot charcoal dash. The driving position of the Thunderbird was excellent, but one staffer noted that the rearview mirror was in exactly the wrong place. Every time he looked towards the right fender he caught a glimpse of the trunk. We overcame small blind spots created by the C-pillar with the sideview mirrors, and our drivers enjoyed expansive forward views out of the large windows. Passenger room is commodious and comfortable for a sporty coupe. The driver enjoys a power seat while the passenger has to do things the old fashioned way. Ford deleted the power passenger seat from the option list for 1996, and one of our writers complained that the seat was too low and flat. Several of us noted the uncomfortably low placement of the glove box. Backseat space is big enough to accommodate a six-footer, and those riding back there are kept from stifling by the inclusion of rear air vents. Trunk space is wide and deep but not very tall; liftover is easy but the trunk-lid is so short that items that roll to the front of the trunk are hard to get at. The Thunderbird is a lot of car. Measuring over 200-inches in length, and weighing more than 3500 pounds, no one will confuse this car with a lightweight sports coupe. It offers satisfactory speed and agility and has the added benefit of not being mistaken for a boy-racer hot-rod. In our opinion, this is the ideal vehicle for a mature driver who isn’t quite ready to plant themselves in a garden variety sedan. The Thunderbird is also a great value for the smart shopper. Fully optioned with the V-8 engine, sports package, leather package, premium audio, ABS, and traction control; our Thunderbird had an MSRP of only $21,800. We think the understated Thunderbird is much more attractive than its gaudy corporate-twin, the Mercury Cougar. We also believe that it offers an amazing value when compared to its distant cousin, the Lincoln Mark VIII. The Mark VIII costs a whopping a $26,000 more, but doesn’t deliver that much more luxury. Unless you think a 10-disk CD changer and built-in dash compass are worth $13,000 a pop. We were happy with our Thunderbird and sad to see it go. We wish there were more cars in the market that offered two-door sportiness, a touch of luxury and V-8 power at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, there aren’t. Maybe that’s why Ford is hesitating with the Thunderbird’s makeover; as it stands, nothing can touch it.
Jason M
Reviewed a 1992 Ford RWD on Nov 14, 2010
Performance is a bit sub-par for this car, but it's to be expected with a underpowered base model. From experience, acceleration is slow at slower speeds but it does pick up faster in the higher gears. It can hit 180 kph, and I've seen it last for a few hours on extended runs between 140-160 kph. Braking feels good for its size, and the handling is fairly responsive. One thing to note (as I live in a cold climate) is that this car seems to start no matter how cold it is. I've never had it not plugged in when colder than -30C, but at this temperature it turns over without a problem. Build quality is great. No problems so far, but the lower mileage may be the reason for this. The interior is nice, with the only drawback being no cupholders. The car feels solid no matter the speed you drive at, and nothing in the car feels flimsy. The appearance is drop-dead sexy. I've looked at earlier and later T-birds (80's up) and this one seems to have the right amount of flair. The front end styling on the 90-92s seems more proper for this car compared to the 93s and later. This car is just class, all around. Cost of Ownership is good. My maintenance on the car is lower than it should be due to a busy life, but there have been no problems. It's a domestic so parts aren't a concern. Gas mileage isn't bad for a V-6 of its age either. Fun Factor: For what this car was built to be, it's great. Handling is fantastic, interior noise is low, the ride is great even on gravel roads. As someone else put it, it's hard not to keep from speeding in it. I've talked with a few other T-bird owners after they see my car, and I have yet to hear anything bad about their overall experiences with these birds.
Ford Thunderbird Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Deluxe RWD | $38,985 |
| 50th Anniversary Edition RWD | $44,355 |
| RWD | -- |
Ford Thunderbird Price Trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of Ford Thunderbird prices has changed over time.
See more price trendsFord Thunderbird Pricing Analysis
Pricing Analysis by Model Year
Key Insights
- Significant Depreciation: The 2005 Ford Thunderbird shows a steep decline, with a current average price of $16,518, representing a 57.5% drop from its original MSRP of $38,985.
- Best Value Year: The 1997 model offers the lowest average price at $6,988, indicating a strong depreciation trend for older models.
- Older Models Hold Value Better: The 1996 Thunderbird has a current average price of $14,900, which is relatively high compared to its MSRP, reflecting a 17.5% depreciation.
Model Year Pricing
| Model Year | Original MSRP | Avg Price | Price vs MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | $38,985 | $16,518 | -57.5% |
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | $38,040 | $14,310 | -62.4% |
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | $37,420 | $15,370 | -58.9% |
| 2002 Ford Thunderbird | $35,695 | $16,068 | -55.0% |
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | $18,395 | $6,988 | -62.0% |
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | $17,995 | $14,900 | -17.5% |
| 1994 Ford Thunderbird | $17,325 | $8,995 | -48.0% |
| 1993 Ford Thunderbird | $16,292 | $9,693 | -40.5% |
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | $15,531 | $14,117 | -9.1% |
Pricing by Popular US Cities
Market Area: Nationwide
Key Insights
- Highest Prices in New York: The New York, NY market has the highest average price at $22,331, likely due to higher demand and lower inventory.
- Lowest Prices in Los Angeles: The Los Angeles, CA market offers the lowest average price at $11,901, suggesting a more competitive market with higher inventory.
- Price Variation Across Cities: Cities like Chicago, IL and Dallas, TX show average prices around $19,999 and $19,972, indicating a stable mid-range market.
City-Level Pricing
| City | Total Listings | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 81 | $22,331 |
| Chicago, IL | 100 | $19,999 |
| Dallas, TX | 77 | $19,972 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 79 | $16,161 |
| Washington, DC | 82 | $18,243 |
| Atlanta, GA | 84 | $21,988 |
| Boston, MA | 73 | $18,986 |
| Houston, TX | 73 | $19,896 |
| Miami, FL | 64 | $12,157 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 70 | $11,901 |
These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.
Overview
The Ford Thunderbird was first introduced as a "personal luxury vehicle" back in 1955. Originally a 2-seater, the Thunderbird gained a back seat in 1958, and kept it until the Thunderbird was re-released in 2002 as a two-seater.
At times it would seem as though the T-bird was searching for an identity, somewhere between the personal luxury car it claimed to be or a two-seat sports car or muscle car or a retro-look classic vehicle.
Regardless of its exact identity, the Thunderbird has earned millions of fans, with over 4 million of the vehicle sold since it was released in 1955.
