2002 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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In 2002, Thunderbird fans were rewarded with the return of the classic two-seater T-bird. With a 3.9-liter V8 rated at 2525 horsepower and a price tag in the mid-30's, the little car earned excellent press and several "car of the year" awards.
For those in colder weather, an optional hard top was available to replace the soft-top. Available only as a two-seater, the little car hearkened back to the days when the Thunderbird was considered a "personal luxury vehicle."
Some have panned the car, calling it over-priced and under-powered, which may explain its re-re-retirement in 2005.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2002 Ford Thunderbird
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by Tonya T
May 24, 2024
I loved the car. Test drove it, It was in great condition considering the age of the vehicle.May 24, 2024
by Christy H
May 18, 2024
I adore this car! I’m so excited the features of the car exactly as I expected. It’s a beautiful classic style with modern interior technology. OK it might not have all the USB ports or gadgets like back up cameras but it’s an absolute head, Turner! Great experience buying.May 18, 2024
by Mel D
Apr 25, 2024
Overall a very nice example. It needs a bit of TLC on trim and headlight fog . The car runs out great and it drives very well. Apr 25, 2024
User rating:
by Tonya T
May 24, 2024
I loved the car. Test drove it, It was in great condition considering the age of the vehicle.May 24, 2024
by Christy H
May 18, 2024
I adore this car! I’m so excited the features of the car exactly as I expected. It’s a beautiful classic style with modern interior technology. OK it might not have all the USB ports or gadgets like back up cameras but it’s an absolute head, Turner! Great experience buying.May 18, 2024
by Mel D
Apr 25, 2024
Overall a very nice example. It needs a bit of TLC on trim and headlight fog . The car runs out great and it drives very well. Apr 25, 2024
by Rocky V
Apr 20, 2024
Considering it had been wrecked, its one of the better cars Ive seen with damage. The price is typically good. If the damage is only on the surface, this could be an investment for someone. If damage is excessive, then the several flags will match the color of the car but an ideal color if in very good condition. Apr 20, 2024
by Eric D
Feb 13, 2024
I would compare it to a Mazda miata or Honda sol.Feb 13, 2024
by Michael H
Sep 27, 2023
Great value excellent condition is exactly the car I was looking forSep 27, 2023
by peggy p
Jul 24, 2023
Love the look, stance , horsepower
Drivability collectability changeability
And maneuverability gas mileage too!
Yes I love my little car we have 2!
Jul 24, 2023
by Ernie B
Jul 04, 2023
This is the car I have been looking for because it is different and beautifulJul 04, 2023
by ray s
Feb 14, 2023
Yes, everything is great. I love the Thunderbirds. Just trying to figure out whether I want the gray white possibly black. Looking for a gray with the reddish interior or saddle interior. I want a full hardtop to switch to convertible. In Florida. Youll have the top up most of the time.Feb 14, 2023
by Dave W
Oct 29, 2022
Extremely nice car and a good value for a collectable pie eOct 29, 2022
by Anonymous
Oct 27, 2022
This car is great! It combines the baby bird of the fifties with the modern tech of the early 2000s to make a comfortable boulevard cruiser. Being retired and in my 60s, its just what I was looking for, a car with the V8 rumble, beautiful leather seating and plenty of room for two adults. For a 20-year old car, the single owner kept it like new. All the mechanicals and cosmetics are perfect and I love it!Oct 27, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 07, 2022
Every moment is agony. If you even LOOK at this car the wrong way a fuse will blow and an exterior trim piece will literally just fly off.
If you say “retro bird” three times in front of a mirror piping hot coolant will spew from the AC vents and human blood will begin to pour out of the tailpipes
This car is an absolute nightmare.Sep 07, 2022
by Eva W
Jul 31, 2022
This car is showroom perfect. It had one owner who had preordered it and kept it from all rain and snow for the past 20 years. It handles well, and is easy on fuel, and I LOVE it!Jul 31, 2022
by Randy R
Jul 24, 2022
There are not many 2 seat convertibles with a V8 and dies not have a cramped interior. The downside is the fuel mileage isn’t the best. Jul 24, 2022
by John V
Mar 17, 2022
Has 26,470 miles , hardtop rack, top remover tool, Original window sticker , all owners manuals.
Independent inspector said car was the best he had since.
Fair price based on condition.Mar 17, 2022
by Ricky I
Mar 15, 2022
Great car, so far so good. I like the car a lot. Mar 15, 2022
by Debbie C
Dec 21, 2021
Extremely pleased . I think I got a good dealDec 21, 2021
by John C
Dec 10, 2021
This model is going to be a classic. I think a great investment, and will double in value in the next few years.The design is superb, with beautiful lines.
Dec 10, 2021
by C Edward B
Nov 27, 2021
Shes sleek, powerful, and mighty good looking. People stop and stare!Nov 27, 2021
by Tom E
Nov 17, 2021
Convertible fairly good price for the model year... Lacking power...Nov 17, 2021
by Alan B
Oct 17, 2021
The reviews on life of vehicle based on miles is very good. There are inexpensive trim kits that can be used to change out the bland factory one. Same for the radio. Oct 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Sep 29, 2021
car overpriced recent sale of same model with less than 500 miles and new car sales stickers sold for $33000.Sep 29, 2021
by Michael B
Sep 11, 2021
it is the automotive art child of the XKE and the Karman Ghia. Staggeringly beautiful. Amazingly affordable, A Picasso for the price of a comic book. The price prooves the utter lack of taste of the American public .Sep 11, 2021
by Robert M
Aug 21, 2021
Good looking, solid car, made to stand the test of time.Aug 21, 2021
by Philip M
Jun 20, 2021
Absolutely beautiful car, it looked in showroom condition. Sadly for me being 64 I just didnt fit in it, with the top up the roof rested on my head, with the top up my eyeline was even with the windshield frame. So if you are 6 foot tall and less, go buy this car!!!Jun 20, 2021
by Gary J
Jun 12, 2021
Whats missing is 2002 has a smaller engine then later models,like 30 horse power less.Jun 12, 2021
by Mike C
Jun 04, 2021
The one thing missing on the 2002 is heated seats....they were available on 2003...nice cruiserJun 04, 2021
by jim p
Mar 10, 2021
These cars are totally undervalued and will go up in days to come in value. Mar 10, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 14, 2020
Sleek and sporty. A beautiful car! An absolute dream machine!Dec 14, 2020
by Charles D
Sep 14, 2020
I Love It. It is truly an awesome car.Sep 14, 2020
by Mary D
Sep 13, 2020
Love the look. It may seem old to most but to me its the car of my dreams!Sep 13, 2020
by Sebastian T
Feb 17, 2020
The car had been in an unreported accident as well as had rust along the seam of the hardtop. Not to mention a blown spare tire and no trunk cover for the battery.Feb 17, 2020
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2015
Performance surpassed my expectation.
Quality Leather and interior sound.
Better road view than anticipated with the top on.
Cons, Need a bit more space behind the seats.
Need the trunk a bit deeper.
Better information in the owners manual for traction control featureJan 10, 2015
by Gordon R
Jun 20, 2014
I love everything about this car. It is not a Corvette but then again wasn't supposed to be anything other than a boulevard cruiser. There are tons of specialty products made to customize this car to your liking to make it uniquely yours, just as I did with mine. This is strictly a summer car and has never seen a winter.Jun 20, 2014
by Ron R
Jan 28, 2014
This is a wonderful Cruiser, Top Down or with the Port Hole Top on, you're always in style and comfort. Drawing questions and looks about the T-Bird wherever you travel, while listening to the rumble of a 280 horsepower Ford V8 under the sculpted hood.Jan 28, 2014
by Harry M
Jul 18, 2013
Fun to drive with top down. Handles well but not as tight as competing roadster makes and models. Only 17MPG City with small but powerful V8 engine and rear wheel drive. Had ECM replaced by dealer at a cost of approximately $700 total (part alone was $350 on line and $500 from dealer), but otherwise reliable auto. Six disk CD changer jammed, but I was able to repair and replace changer myself without replacing entire radio.Jul 18, 2013
by Charles S
Jun 11, 2010
Neat little fun car. Nice looking with the hardtop and with the convertible top down. Eight years old and only 14,000 miles. the RedBird spends it's Maine winter in the garage under wraps. A TWO person car, perfect for my Wife and I.Jun 11, 2010
by Kerry M
Aug 16, 2009
i dislike the gas prices. its $40,000 its very fun to drive it takes turns like a sexy sports car should, the appearance they couldnt have done a better job. no repairs yet 7 years old only has 40,000 miles on it. Aug 16, 2009
by Scott B
Sep 08, 2008
I am just getting to know this car. I liked these sine they were introduced and think Ford really screwed up when they didn't achieve the sales they wanted. I bought the car because I missed having a convertible, and I like the aesthetics. Speaking of which, if I have complaint, it's that the center stack where the radio/hvac controls are is very boring and apparently directly from the Lincoln LS. But, it isn't hard to use! I have a full accent interior which matches the exterior. I believer this was only done in the 2002 model year. All in all, so far, so good.Sep 08, 2008
by Aaron H
Jan 08, 2008
I like it because of the acceleration. Jan 08, 2008
What users have asked
what is a great deal for a ford thunderbird 2002 with 99,716 miles
I found the exact car I fell in love with years ago and even though it is not what I am looking for right now I might just change my mind. I want to a great deal on it though. The dealership has had it on their lot for 4 1/2 months and are above market value and I want to make an offer on the car if I like the test drive,so I want to know what a fantastic price for the car would be so I know how to approach them - especially since I want to go with money in hand for a cash offer.
31 views
My 2002 Thunderbird did not pass the smog test.
I had a new battery installed. Do I need to reset the drive cycle? How?
39 views
Hello from Italy (near Venice). I am an American living here. I know the two locations for the VIN number you mention but I need to find where on the body of my 2002 Thunderbird the VIN (Chassis) numb
Hello from Italy (near Venice). I am an American living here. I know the two locations for the VIN number you mention but I need to find where on the body of my 2002 Thunderbird the VIN (Chassis) number is embossed. I need that because I am matriculating my Thunderbird in Italy and the authorities will not accept either the plate or the sticker as sufficient ID. Somewhere on the main part of the unit body that number is embossed. Can you help me find it? Please email me with the answer at citronrd@gmail.com
124 views
2002-2005 ford thunderbird
Is this a quality built car,motor and drive Tran Any major problems Why the poor fuel economy
38 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2002 Ford Thunderbird?Compare this car
2002 Ford Thunderbird Pricing
Original MSRP
$35,695 to $42,020Price range
$14,970 to $16,096Average price on CG
$15,170YoY price change
$16,038 to $15,170Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent