2003 Ford Thunderbird Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Looks cool, drives well and is comfortable to travel in. I love to drive it in good weather when I can put the top down. It gets lots of looks from people.

Purchased in 2018, my 2003 Thunderbird Deluxe a strong engine, but received new coils, plugs & distributor [$2,000], a Ford re-built transmission [$4,000] (new transmissions are not available), new platinum emissions & muffler system [$3,000], new Kenwood radio including additional amplifier and tiny tweeter [$1,000], 4-wheel shocks & struts [$3,000], and recently had its FULL SET of L.E.D. Lamps on EVERY light socket changed out [1,200]. Headlight L.E.D. Replacements (type # 9007) are easy to find on-line from Sylvania or Amazon. After trying to install the first, tiny, L.E.D. Side marker light, I gave up the job as being too hard and then I turned that work over to my automotive electrician(!). When choosing headlight lamps, be sure to get lamps of 12,500 lumins’ brightness (most likely at 6,000-degree color temperature. Don’t be alarmed if many of the L.E.D. Lamps continue to glow faintly for awhile after the power is dis-applied (turned off), as no reserve power is being used and it will not drain the car’s battery. Contrarily, L.E.D. Lamps take a TINY of power as compared to standard automotive lamps, yet they are MANY TIMES BRIGHTER!

I have a 2003 triple black 25,000 miles bought in 11/19. Burns premium gas, mpg's are decent for a V8. Runs, shifts and rides smooth, everything works as it should. The Jaguar engine has 280 hp for 2003 - 2005 up from 2002 250 hp. The IRS enhances ride and handling. My car didn't have the hard top but I'm fine with that.The hard top weighs 85 pounds and takes two people to install /remove. Forget about lowering the top on a whim if the hard top is in place.. Then you have to store it. I prefer the look of the soft top anyway. I did my research and stayed away from 2002 models because of coil pack issues that were solved in 2003 and later. I'm 6'4 / 190 and it's a little tight for me.The roof (top) and side window openings could be an inch or so higher but should be fine for most people 6'2 and under. Paint is remarkable shines nicely after waxing, high quality for most parts and features. It was a forty thousand dollar plus car when new and it shows. Trunk is on the small side but should be fine for trips to the grocery store. I've seen many with over 100,000 miles so they seem to be reliable. It's a fun car and it's unlikely you'll see another as your driving. It's a Ford so servicing should be reasonable. Enjoy, I don't think you can go wrong.

Drives and handles very well. Be sure the initial recommended "recalls" were done on the coil packs. Drive the car - it is NOT made to sit. Only use 91+ ethanol-free gas. Keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, transmission service, cooling system service, etc., and she will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment. Wonderful car. I LOVE mine - Whisper White exterior with black leather interior - Premium Model.

I love this car. It is beautiful, a convertible and sky blue. There were only a certain amount made and other people love it too. My biggest problem is a lot of things are going wrong and they are very expensive.

Like that it's paid off not too huge and gets up and goes but still reasonable on gas and trunk is a good size.

The plastic interior is starting to pop off. The right window leaks and spiders like living in my car. Additionally, I have issues with my car's acceleration and today I almost hydroplaned because the tires have poor traction. Still, there are some good features with my car, it feels sporty and is compact which makes parking simple and it is nice to drive. However, it gets very bad gas mileage.