2005 Ford Thunderbird
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Ford revived the legendary Thunderbird as a 2002 model; 2005 was the last year it was produced. Though fully modern underneath, the redesigned model was a throwback to the original two-passenger T-Bird of 1955 - 1957. Even though Ford shuns the "retro" label, designers obviously gazed into the past to a dramatic era of the company's history with the design of the Thunderbird. Like it’s long-ago predecessor, the 2005 Thunderbird seats two occupants and is equipped with rear-wheel drive. The Thunderbird rides on a chopped-wheelbase version of the Jaguar S-Type and Lincoln LS - cars that compete in such company as BMW 5-series and Lexus GS. The V8 engine burbles as you cruise comfortably back in time. With two seats, a convertible top, and rear-wheel drive, it sometime feels like driving a vintage car, only it's brand new. Although the latest generation Thunderbird may have its flaws, it is still a fun to drive car and fun to be seen driving, and it largely succeeded at straddling the fine line between luxury and performance.
Thunderbird Power
The Thunderbird's aluminum, 3.9-liter V-8 produces 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and drives a five-speed-automatic transmission. A manual-shift provision for manually selected gear changes is optional. 3,800 pounds is down from the original's two-and-a-half tons, that 3-speed Ford-o-matic is now a 5-speed SelectShift, and that V8 purr comes from a feline named Jaguar. The sole engine of the Thunderbird was a Jaguar-designed AJ-30 3.9 L DOHC V8, a de-bored variant of the Jaguar AJ-26 4.0 L V8, making 252 horsepower (188 kW) and 267 lb•ft (362 N•m) of torque. The engine was mated to Ford's 5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission. The AJ-30 V8 was replaced by the AJ-35 in 2003 and later Thunderbirds, bringing with it variable valve timing (VVT) and electronic throttle control (ETC) as well as 280 horsepower (210 kW) and 286 lb•ft of torque. Complementing the extra power and torque provided by the AJ-35 V8, a manual shift feature for the 5-speed automatic called SelectShift was available as an option in 2003 and later Thunderbirds.
2005 Ford Thuderbird Design
The 2005 Thunderbird gets eggcrate-style grille and round headlamps, while the hood scoop suggests the 1961 model. Heritage is evident in the classic porthole-style quarter windows that are incorporated into the optional 83-pound removable hardtop. The current Thunderbird measures 186.3 inches long overall and has a 107.2-inch wheelbase. A fabric convertible top is standard. The Deluxe model has 16-spoke cast-aluminum wheels that hold 17-inch all-season tires, but the Premium model has standard seven-spoke chrome-plated wheels. The 2005 Thunderbird has a sporty coupe body style, V8 power and reasonable price. It has a decent sized backseat too. Detail changes marked its final couple years, with trim and paint changes and a Light Sand Appearance Package in 2004, and 50th-anniversary badging and more trim changes inside and out for 2005.
Driving a Thunderbird
The Thunderbird's ride quality isn't bad on smooth highways, but its suspension is on the stiff side and can take some bumps rather hard. Acceleration from a standstill is energetic, and the car delivers brisk passing and merging capabilities. This two-seater delivers a generally enjoyable experience — a flashback to the 1950s. The transmission shifts smoothly in most routine driving, but the call for a downshift can arrive with a rude shove and it can sometimes get confused around town. The tires shout to your ears but only whisper to your hands, and the variable-assist steering's a little slow to respond in the parking lot as well as reluctant to self-center. The suspension is a little floaty; certain series of dips and rises can make it feel like it's hitting its bump stops. Lastly, this is a heavy car. On the road, the 'Bird performs quite well with its independent suspension and 3.9-liter V8 with a five-speed automatic transmission. But it didn't make the claims of a sports car; its mission in life was that of a comfortable boulevard cruiser. The Thunderbird gained 28 hp in 2003 for a total of 280.
Cabin Features
Interior trim complements the body color. Standard features include automatic dual-zone air conditioning, leather-trimmed bucket seats, a six-way power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and an in-dash six-CD changer. Trunk capacity is 6.9 cubic feet. Heated front seats are included in the Premium model. Heated seats were added to keep driver and passenger toasty-warm, even with the top down in chilly weather. Though the Thunderbird's exterior styling was very much unique relative to its platform mates, the interior, particularly the appearance of the dash area, instrument panel, and steering wheel, was very similar to that of the Lincoln LS.
Conclusions
Returning to the original formula for the Thunderbird, the latest version had a two-seat coupe/convertible layout like the first-generation Thunderbird and retrofuturistic styling to match. The Thunderbird was Ford's first convertible with head and chest side-impact airbags. All-disc antilock brakes are standard. Ford introduced Thunderbird as a 2002 model, but has revised it each year since. Electronic throttle control and variable cam timing improved performance, power, and fuel economy for 2003.Thunderbird's 3.9-liter V8 now produces 280 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, giving it stronger acceleration than the 2002 model. Traction control is standard on all models, and the instrument pod was redesigned. A Select-Shift automatic transmission was added that allows semi-manual shifting. The eleventh generation Thunderbird was built at Ford's Wixom Assembly Plant and was based on the company's DEW98 platform, which was shared with the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type.
