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2003 Ford Thunderbird
2dr Convertible
8-cyl. 238cid/280hp EFI DOHC
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$9,600*
-17.2%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
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Apr 2025
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2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird stats
Highest sale
$209,000
Lowest sale
$3,360
Most recent sale
$86,400
Sales
252
Photos
3 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$17,062
2002 Ford Thunderbird Base
17000 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 14, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$17,325
2004 Ford Thunderbird Base
33000 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 13, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$19,398
2002 Ford Thunderbird Base
26000 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 8, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$23,100
2002 Ford Thunderbird Base
4399 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 5, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$29,700
2002 Ford Thunderbird Base
464 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 5, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$17,600
2003 Ford Thunderbird Base
10177 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 3, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
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Model overview
Model description
Ford’s 2002 Thunderbird exemplifies the neo-retro design trend that took hold of the automotive landscape in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Along with the Volkswagen New Beetle of 1997, and the 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and others, the new Thunderbird modernized earlier styling concepts to create futuristic interpretation of a popular past design.
The 2002 Ford Thunderbird revisited the first generation 1955 to 1957 Thunderbird, right down to bright 1950s colors and two-seat configuration. The chassis and engine were shared with the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type. The AJ-30, 3.9-liter V-8 engine cranked out 250 horsepower and 0-60 came up in seven seconds through a 5-speed automatic transmission. Like the earlier model, the Thunderbird was promoted as a “personal luxury car,” not a sports car. Prices ranged from $35,495 for the base car to $39,795 with a porthole hard top. A limited run of 200 Neiman Marcus models were sold through the retailer’s famous Christmas catalog in two hours.
The design was penned by Ford designer J Mays, who incorporated many of the first Thunderbird’s traits. Cowled headlights, an eggcrate grille, a hood scoop, and afterburner taillights are all signature elements of the car’s design.
The eleventh generation T-Birds are finally starting to be driven, after mostly being purchased as future collectibles that did not appreciate immediately after production ceased. The first ones were black or white, or bright primary colors, but there was a striking turquoise called Thunderbird Blue. Second-year colors included 1950s classics such as Salmon pink and black, but sales dropped off fairly quickly and the car was discontinued in the 2005 model year after fewer than 70,000 were built. Later cars had the AJ-35 V8, with variable valve timing and 280 hp, and a manual shift feature on the automatic transmission.
Reliability for the 2002 to 2005 Ford Thunderbird has been acceptable after some early overheating issues and an unhealthy appetite for coils, which was covered by the factory. For many, the retro image is quite attractive without being slavishly accurate and overly inconvenient. The car has adequate performance, so even though trunk space is limited, the relaunched Ford Thunderbird is a fun weekend cruiser, and still captures attention today.
Vehicle specifications
- Wheel Base Shortest - Inches107.2
- Wheel Base Longest - Inches107.2
- Shipping Weight3775
- Drive TypeRWD
- Manufacturer NameFord
- Front Tire Size17R235
- Manufacturer MSRPIndeterminate
- Market SegmentationMid Size Sport
- Vehicle Height52.1
- Manufacturer CodeC134
- Front Tire Size Code46
Equipment
- StandardOptional
- Transmission5 Speed Automatic5 Speed Both Automated Manual
- Power BrakesYes—
- Power SteeringYes—
- EntertainmentAM/FM CD—
- Voice Control NavigationYes—
Equipment
Standard
- Transmission5 Speed Automatic
- Power BrakesYes
- Power SteeringYes
- EntertainmentAM/FM CD
- Voice Control NavigationYes
Optional
- Transmission5 Speed Both Automated Manual
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Common Questions
The value of a 2003 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $28,750 for a 2003 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 2003 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $209,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 2003 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $3,360. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 181 2003 Ford Thunderbirds sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 2003 Ford Thunderbird was $86,400 on February 22, 2025 by GAA Classic Cars.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.