The 2004 Ford Thundered was similar in many ways to the model first re-introduced in 2002, but with a couple of changes. Improved cam timing helped fuel economy as well as performance.
A new 3.9-liter V8 rated at 280 horsepower puts ample power in the engine, making for a thrilling ride with the soft-top down.
A two-seater, the Thunderbird is no longer the sports car/muscle car/family car of previous generations, but a sharp-looking toy for a new era with a retro look to impress fans of any time.
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Car is a smooth ride. Well equipped and appointed. Lots of power in the 3.9L V-8 engine. It surprised me on its performance, pick up, and road gripping. Lastly, it has a super sport shifting manual side that is s joy to run the gears. Aug 27, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 21, 2023
So much style and power in an original type car. Drove two newer used mustangs and this tbird, bought the tbird - classy, well developed, powerful - spoke to me! Aug 21, 2023
by Gordon T
May 09, 2023
After more than four months of serious searching for a 2004 or 2005 Ford Retro Bird, we finally bought an all black one with both tops, just 29,700 miles, for the reduced price of $#15,850! It was the lowest mileage of any we looked at, but also the least expensive!
We drove it to our auto mechanic, who did a thorough workup on it, and pronounced it in very good shape -- a few minor things, but nothing serious. Only negative is it has dozens of little rock chips on the hood and some on the front fenders, which will have too be sanded out and repainted. But at that price, we can afford to have this done.
The car has far quicker acceleration than our old 57 Bird and with tight steering, drives almost like a sports car. Plus, it is very easy to get in and out of, and has very comfotable, adjustable seats, with lots of leg room, and good sightlines. Lots of bells and whistles, many of which I am still discovering. Taking the hardtop off for the first time was a bit of a hassle, so I may just leave it off and use the very tight, good looking soft top, which goes up and down at the touch of a button -- very nice! And easy, unlike trying to fold the soft top in our old 57 Bird.
About my only complaint as of now, having just had it for just two weeks, is that the trunk is really, really small, compared with our old classic T-Bird, especially so with the tonneau cover in there. So well just have to pack lighter on our next longer road trip, to which we are looking forward, as this is a fun, fun car to drive!May 09, 2023
User rating:
by Joe M
Aug 27, 2023
Car is a smooth ride. Well equipped and appointed. Lots of power in the 3.9L V-8 engine. It surprised me on its performance, pick up, and road gripping. Lastly, it has a super sport shifting manual side that is s joy to run the gears. Aug 27, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 21, 2023
So much style and power in an original type car. Drove two newer used mustangs and this tbird, bought the tbird - classy, well developed, powerful - spoke to me! Aug 21, 2023
by Gordon T
May 09, 2023
After more than four months of serious searching for a 2004 or 2005 Ford Retro Bird, we finally bought an all black one with both tops, just 29,700 miles, for the reduced price of $#15,850! It was the lowest mileage of any we looked at, but also the least expensive!
We drove it to our auto mechanic, who did a thorough workup on it, and pronounced it in very good shape -- a few minor things, but nothing serious. Only negative is it has dozens of little rock chips on the hood and some on the front fenders, which will have too be sanded out and repainted. But at that price, we can afford to have this done.
The car has far quicker acceleration than our old 57 Bird and with tight steering, drives almost like a sports car. Plus, it is very easy to get in and out of, and has very comfotable, adjustable seats, with lots of leg room, and good sightlines. Lots of bells and whistles, many of which I am still discovering. Taking the hardtop off for the first time was a bit of a hassle, so I may just leave it off and use the very tight, good looking soft top, which goes up and down at the touch of a button -- very nice! And easy, unlike trying to fold the soft top in our old 57 Bird.
About my only complaint as of now, having just had it for just two weeks, is that the trunk is really, really small, compared with our old classic T-Bird, especially so with the tonneau cover in there. So well just have to pack lighter on our next longer road trip, to which we are looking forward, as this is a fun, fun car to drive!May 09, 2023
by Roy H
Nov 25, 2022
This is not a sports car but a grand touring car with acceleration. handling and ride comfort to match. The 2004 and 2005 models are the years you want because the interiors were greatly upgraded as were the factory rims.Not in my lifetime but they produced so few in 4 years of production that well taken care cars are destined to be collector cars. ( for your grandkids?) Im 70Nov 25, 2022
by Wanda B
Oct 04, 2022
I think this is a very nice car . I love it especially the red and black ones.Oct 04, 2022
by Terry O
Feb 10, 2022
An absolute beauty. Nothing else looks like it. I love the styling. I want one for my very own.Feb 10, 2022
by Anonymous
Feb 04, 2022
I think it has more pick up and better ride than my Cadillac CTS.Feb 04, 2022
by Joe N
Dec 30, 2021
great car future classic . They still are affordable and fun to drive Dec 30, 2021
by Bob D
Aug 26, 2021
This car is a classic in every respect. It drives like a dream, has lots of pep with the V8 eng. The only small complaint I have is that the hardtop makes noise, but not so much that the radio doesnt drown it out. Takes Premium gas.Aug 26, 2021
by Kevin B
Feb 16, 2021
Great ride, love the room in the cabin . Feb 16, 2021
by Colin G
Feb 10, 2021
Well built reliable safe vehicle. Very fast car it is. Feb 10, 2021
by Louis F
Dec 02, 2020
Nice. Car. M are sure get hard top that what make car look so goodDec 02, 2020
by Anonymous
Jun 27, 2020
I wanted the late model Thunderbird for the engine features, overall the car was a very good value. It is not a drag racer, it is very fun to drive, top up or top down. It will merge and pass thru traffic very easily at freeway speeds. It is a gentlemens sports car, Im not impressing anyone, Im just having fun.Jun 27, 2020
by JEFFREY W
Jun 20, 2020
Way over priced if over $10,000 dollars United States currency
Jun 20, 2020
by George H
Mar 08, 2020
It’s hard to find a quality sport car with these driver comfort features at a reasonable price, the 2002 through 2004 thunderbird has it allMar 08, 2020
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2013
Rather cramped for tall people. Little storage and the trunk is very shallow. A car to cruise in, not for trips.Had to get custom seat covers since a black interior will cause damage in 115 degree heat! Nothing else to say.Jun 25, 2013
by Anonymous
May 24, 2013
The retro-Birds are nice looking and average performers, but they miss being either a luxury car or a sports car. The trunk is so shallow that there is little storage. Ford got the retro part right, but failed on most of the other aspects.May 24, 2013
by Ron F
Feb 21, 2012
Looks great, handles great. Modern day version of the classic T-Bird of the 1950's.V-8 gives excellent acceleration, braking and handling. Front seats very comfortable. Heated. Vehicle has been very reliable with limited mechanical issues. Monterey Mist Green metal flake paint with Ash top is unique.Feb 21, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 08, 2012
I had this car in seafoam green with a silver gray interior with the nice thunderbird rims. I had so many compliments when I had this car. It was so much fun to drive and it had lots of power. For an 8 cylinder it was great on gasoline. There were not too many of these cars made, so I hardly ever saw one like mine. Great convertible for a shorter person, a taller person's head would go over the windsheild when the convertible top is down. Hope to have another one of these again. Highly recommend this car, it's such a unique and fun car. It had a great sound system as well.Jan 08, 2012
by Chris B
Feb 19, 2010
Love this car! It is so much fun to drive with the top down, and they are holding the value pretty well! It is nice looking with the Hard Top on, but much better as a convertible. Love this carFeb 19, 2010
by Annette G
Jul 30, 2008
they love it its the bestest car and great car even my parents love it it is such a solid and beautiful, amazing and everyone loves it all the thunderbird models are great except the one which is not a convertible its so fun to ride in it and to feel the wind in your face its the bestJul 30, 2008
by Will M
Mar 23, 2008
Fun to drive!!!!!!!!Mar 23, 2008
by Skip B
Feb 29, 2008
Fun car to drive bring backs my childhood. Away loved the look. Ford should keep in the line up. Handles good I have no problems with this car. Nice interior layout is good hard getting but after in it a great confort Feb 29, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 05, 2008
My wife and I are proud owners of a 2004 Vintage Mint Green Thunderbird. We are empty nesters and have derived great joy from cruising around Michigan in this car! It is a real head turner...Feb 05, 2008
It has automatic trans with Park at the top, then R, N, D5 and D4 at the bottom. When I'm driving around town (that includes frwy), should I be in 4th or 5th? Guy at dealership says 4th, but it sounds like its laboring and the RPM's are at about 3.5 when I go faster than 45 mph. Thanks Susan