Driving a Ford Thunderbird on a summer night takes you back to a simpler time. The V8 engine burbles as you cruise comfortably back in time. Two seats, convertible top, rear-wheel drive, at times it feels like driving a vintage car, only it's brand new. Introduced as a 2002 model, the Thunderbird has enjoyed solid sales, but there are important changes to this big-image car for 2003. The Thunderbird has a great powertrain and this year there's more on tap: Horsepower from the 3.9-liter V8 has been increased to 280 and torque to 286 foot-pounds, 28 more horsepower and 25 more foot-pounds of torque than before. That means much stronger acceleration performance. Electronic throttle control and variable cam timing borrowed from the Jaguar engine improve engine performance, power and fuel economy all at once. Also new for 2003 is an optional Select Shift transmission, which allows gear changes similar to a conventional manual transmission without a clutch pedal. All-speed traction control is now standard on all models, where last year it was only on the Premium version. A heated driver and passenger seat option has been added for 2003 so you can drive with the top down and still be toasty warm on cold mornings, a pleasant pastime in the Thunderbird. Inside, there's a new analog instrument cluster design. Two-speed, variable-interval wipers with a heated wiper parking area are also standard for 2003. A new Saddle interior package includes full leather saddle seats, saddle leather steering wheel insert and a saddle leather shift knob. New exterior colors, Mountain Shadow Gray and Desert Sky Blue join two new interior colors: Black Ink and Whisper White.
Ford
Thunderbird
2003
2003 Ford Thunderbird
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Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
Select a Trim Price: - From $36,815
2003 Deluxe 2dr Convertible
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2003 Deluxe 2dr Convertible
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2003 Premium 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $37,855
2003 Removable Top Deluxe 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $39,310
2003 Removable Top Premium 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $40,355
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Select a Trim Price: - From $36,815
2003 Deluxe 2dr Convertible
Select a Trim
2003 Deluxe 2dr Convertible
most popular
2003 Premium 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $37,855
2003 Removable Top Deluxe 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $39,310
2003 Removable Top Premium 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $40,355
Overview
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.9L V-8 / 280 HP / 286 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
5-spd auto w/OD
Available:
5-spd Select Shift w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
18 / 24 / 21 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
2
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 3.9L V-8 / 280 HP / 286 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Rear-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 18 / 24 / 21 Mpg |
Brakes | 4-wheel Disc |
Front Suspension | Short And Long Arm |
Rear Suspension | Independent Short And Long Arm |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Compact Steel |
Fuel Tank | 18.0 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $69 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 6.9 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | 53 Cu.ft. |
Exterior Length | 186.3 " |
Exterior Width | 72.0 " |
Exterior Height | 52.1 " |
Front Headroom | 37.2 " |
Rear Headroom | |
Front Legroom | 42.7 " |
Rear Legroom | |
Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 3,775 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 107 " |
Turning Radius | 17.6 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 2 Doors |
Wheels | 17.0 " Painted Aluminum |
Paint | Clearcoat Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Power Remote |
Bumpers | Body-colored |
Grille Moldings | Chrome |
Rear Spoiler | |
Exhaust | Dual Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating | |
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger W/passenger Front-impact Cancellable |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | Seat Mounted |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | Seat Mounted |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | Front |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | Security System |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable | Securilock |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 60 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months |
Used 2003 Ford Thunderbird for Sale
2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Color: Gray
Price
$11,495
Mileage
68,595 mi
Concierge Auto Group (17 mi)
Phone: (818) 220-2200
Convertible 2D
Price
$12,990
Mileage
94,110 mi
Sterling Imports Ltd (31 mi)
Phone: (714) 554-5127Other Ford Thunderbird Listings
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Convertible 2D
Color: White
Price
$14,995
Mileage