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2004
Ford Thunderbird

Starts at:
$37,435
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New 2004 Ford Thunderbird
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Convertible Deluxe
    Starts at
    $37,435
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible Premium
    Starts at
    $38,480
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible Pacific Coast Rdstr
    Starts at
    $43,390
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Ford Thunderbird 2004 Ford Thunderbird

Notable features

Styling blends the past and present
280-hp V-8
Five-speed automatic
SelectShift transmission option
Available removable hardtop with porthole windows

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Seat comfort
Stylish, distinctive appearance

The bad

Construction quality
Rear visibility
Ride comfort
Two-passenger capacity

Expert 2004 Ford Thunderbird review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford created a flurry of excitement when the revived Thunderbird appeared as a 2002 model. Though it is fully modern underneath, the redesigned model was a throwback to the original two-passenger T-Bird of 1955 – 1957.

The wheels have been restyled and a universal garage-door opener is now standard for the 2004 model year. The front fenders hold new V-8 badges, and newly styled seats have leather seating surfaces.

Adapted from the Lincoln LS platform, the rear-wheel-drive Thunderbird has a 3.9-liter V-8 engine — which received a boost from 252 to 280 horsepower for 2003 — and a five-speed-automatic transmission. The convertible comes in Deluxe and Premium trim levels. A removable plastic hardtop is optional, and the car’s hood, fenders and rear deck are also made of plastic.

Even though Ford shuns the retro label, designers gazed backward to a dramatic era of the company’s heritage to revive the Thunderbird. Like its long-ago predecessor, the 2004 Thunderbird seats two occupants and is equipped with rear-wheel drive, but it incorporates all the benefits of modern technology.

Exterior
Styling kinship to the original Thunderbird is obvious in its eggcrate-style grille and round headlamps, while the hood scoop suggests a 1961 model. It’s also evident in the classic porthole-style quarter windows that are incorporated into the optional removable hardtop. The basic reverse-wedge profile and taillight shapes also hark back to the past.

The current Thunderbird measures 186.3 inches long overall and has a 107.2-inch wheelbase, versus a 175.3-inch overall length and a 102.0-inch wheelbase in the original. Six colors are available for 2004: Merlot, Vintage Mint Green, Platinum Silver, Torch Red, Light Ice Blue Metallic and Evening Black. A fabric convertible top is standard. Cast-aluminum 16-spoke wheels hold 17-inch all-season tires.

Interior
According to Ford, the two-seat cockpit “reflects the exterior design and the car’s romantic heritage with bold style combined with the comfort and convenience [features that] today’s customers demand.” The interior trim complements the body color. Standard features include automatic dual-zone air conditioning, leather bucket seats, a tachometer, a six-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped power tilt steering wheel and an in-dash six-CD changer. Trunk capacity is 8.5 cubic feet. Heated seats are optional.

Under the Hood
An aluminum, 3.9-liter, dual-overhead-cam V-8 engine produces 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and drives a close-ratio five-speed-automatic transmission. SelectShift operation for manually selected gear changes is optional.

Safety
The Thunderbird was Ford’s first convertible with head and chest side-impact airbags. Four-wheel all-disc antilock brakes are standard.

Driving Impressions
Even though the Thunderbird’s ride quality isn’t bad on smooth highways and handling is agile enough, its suspension is on the stiff side and can take some bumps rather hard. Featuring brisk passing and merging capabilities, acceleration from a standstill is outstanding.

Slipping inside the T-Bird may demand a significant twist of the neck in order to clear the soft top, but the seats are cushioned beautifully. The mirrors are ample in size, but serious blind spots make lane changing dicey.

Even though it’s more ordinary than the flamboyant shape suggests, this two-seater delivers a generally enjoyable experience — a flashback to the Fifties. Sadly, it doesn’t feel especially well assembled.

2004 Ford Thunderbird review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford created a flurry of excitement when the revived Thunderbird appeared as a 2002 model. Though it is fully modern underneath, the redesigned model was a throwback to the original two-passenger T-Bird of 1955 – 1957.

The wheels have been restyled and a universal garage-door opener is now standard for the 2004 model year. The front fenders hold new V-8 badges, and newly styled seats have leather seating surfaces.

Adapted from the Lincoln LS platform, the rear-wheel-drive Thunderbird has a 3.9-liter V-8 engine — which received a boost from 252 to 280 horsepower for 2003 — and a five-speed-automatic transmission. The convertible comes in Deluxe and Premium trim levels. A removable plastic hardtop is optional, and the car’s hood, fenders and rear deck are also made of plastic.

Even though Ford shuns the retro label, designers gazed backward to a dramatic era of the company’s heritage to revive the Thunderbird. Like its long-ago predecessor, the 2004 Thunderbird seats two occupants and is equipped with rear-wheel drive, but it incorporates all the benefits of modern technology.

Exterior
Styling kinship to the original Thunderbird is obvious in its eggcrate-style grille and round headlamps, while the hood scoop suggests a 1961 model. It’s also evident in the classic porthole-style quarter windows that are incorporated into the optional removable hardtop. The basic reverse-wedge profile and taillight shapes also hark back to the past.

The current Thunderbird measures 186.3 inches long overall and has a 107.2-inch wheelbase, versus a 175.3-inch overall length and a 102.0-inch wheelbase in the original. Six colors are available for 2004: Merlot, Vintage Mint Green, Platinum Silver, Torch Red, Light Ice Blue Metallic and Evening Black. A fabric convertible top is standard. Cast-aluminum 16-spoke wheels hold 17-inch all-season tires.

Interior
According to Ford, the two-seat cockpit “reflects the exterior design and the car’s romantic heritage with bold style combined with the comfort and convenience [features that] today’s customers demand.” The interior trim complements the body color. Standard features include automatic dual-zone air conditioning, leather bucket seats, a tachometer, a six-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped power tilt steering wheel and an in-dash six-CD changer. Trunk capacity is 8.5 cubic feet. Heated seats are optional.

Under the Hood
An aluminum, 3.9-liter, dual-overhead-cam V-8 engine produces 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and drives a close-ratio five-speed-automatic transmission. SelectShift operation for manually selected gear changes is optional.

Safety
The Thunderbird was Ford’s first convertible with head and chest side-impact airbags. Four-wheel all-disc antilock brakes are standard.

Driving Impressions
Even though the Thunderbird’s ride quality isn’t bad on smooth highways and handling is agile enough, its suspension is on the stiff side and can take some bumps rather hard. Featuring brisk passing and merging capabilities, acceleration from a standstill is outstanding.

Slipping inside the T-Bird may demand a significant twist of the neck in order to clear the soft top, but the seats are cushioned beautifully. The mirrors are ample in size, but serious blind spots make lane changing dicey.

Even though it’s more ordinary than the flamboyant shape suggests, this two-seater delivers a generally enjoyable experience — a flashback to the Fifties. Sadly, it doesn’t feel especially well assembled.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Ford Thunderbird base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
5/5
Side driver
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.8
Value 4.5
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • My Thunderbird...Class beyond Measure

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my 2003 Canary Yellow Ford Thunderbird!!! Believe me when I tell you that when it came to performance, style and comfort - I couldn't have made a better choice in a Roadster! I was 50 years old when I purchased my 17k miles beauty and sold it 16 years later..after clocking a total of 256k miles. What else can I say? It was the sharpest ride on the road and I was the envy of all who knew me. Believe it!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love My T-Bird.

    This car is hot, but not a Hot Rod. It is a Luxury sports car built for cruising in style. Treated with the respect it deserves, it is strong, ready and responsive. I have read some disgruntled reviews about this car, and must admit, it is not perfection, but if You are looking for a future classic with the schmaltz of Sinatra and the heart of Buddy Holly. This is the car for You!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    41 people out of 45 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Bought it for pleasure. Should be a classic

    This car is exactly what I was looking for. Only 612 mint green made . Looking forward to using it in parades . Should be a classic.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    27 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Eye Catching Sporty Thunderbird

    The car has a classy appearance as well as providing a thrill to drive. Thunderbird's have been my dream car since I was a kid and this one exceeds my expectations. From the Red color that catches your eye to the smoothness of the drive and power to move when necessary, the car is a one of the nicest cars I have ever owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    18 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Opitmal choice for a fun convertible

    I was seeking an convertible for summer fun, and I wanted to find something unique, not a dime-a-dozen Mustang, Camaro, or foreign convertible. This car DEFINITELY fits the bill...rarely see one of these on the road, and even more rarely one of these limited-edition Pacific Coast Roadsters. Also, being that I am 6' tall, I wanted a car that I could be comfortable in and not feel like Dino in the "Flintstone-mobile at the drive-in"...this is one of the few cars of it's 2-seater size that allows for a full-size American to be comfortable in. Being only a 2-seater, it's definitely limited to fun driving, as it's small trunk and 2-passenger capacity make it impractical for anything else. An added-plus is that this Thunderbird has a detachable hardtop for the off-weather seasons to allow for fun driving in the late Fall through early Spring. Having owned a convertible with a black interior decades ago, I knew better than to own another black interior convertible, and learned that 95% of the 'retrobirds' had a standard black interior, albeit for the limited-editions (2003 007, 2004 Pacific Coast Roadster, or 2005 Cashmere). The light gray interior of this car will reflect more sunshine heat than the black interiors, and give a longer life to the leather seats and vinyl interior trim. The car overall rides smooth. The car was not designed to be a sports car, but a roadster - something with driver comfort in mind. That said, it hits the mark. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The 3.9L V-8 provides ample power and acceleration. The handling is decent and traction is on the mark with wide footprint 17" tires...I opted to put new Pirelli Cinturato A/S Plus (grand-touring) tires on to replace the aging Continentals. These tires completely smoothed-out the ride and the whisper-quiet tires enhances the top-down experience. I made a point to have the coil-on-plugs and spark plugs inspected and found the inherent oil ingress issue (a known issue with the 3.9L in the Thunderbird, Lincoln LS and Jaguary S-type ) in the spark plug wells, and had the valve cover grommets replaced along with new spark plugs and coils. Good preventative maintenance. I did note that this car's stereo does suffer from the typical Ford CD-changer failure prone to ALL Ford's of the mid-2000's. Fortunately, this car has the satellite radio option so I am not so bummed about this problem. All-in-all, a hella-fun car to spend a weekend drive in. I find I'm liking this car more and more every trip.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    17 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • My all-time favorite sports car

    I've owned several sports/specialty cars over the years, including Corvette, MGA, MGB, Austin Healey, Sunbeam Tiger, Jaguar, and have found this the best overall car. It has great performance, superb reliability, great features, etc. I like that it is a relatively rare car, so you don't see dozens of others around. It is the only convertible I've owned that absolutely doesn't leak in a car wash, and has a top that works excellently, and is tight and very quiet at highway speeds.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Ellegant & Fast

    Love it. Great for a couple (or individual) who want to feel the late afternoon sun and the warm wind as they are touring a lazy country road. If you are looking for a grocery getter, this "ain't it." The car is meant for a lifestyle of fun. It moves quicker than you might imagine and looks as elegant as it rides.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This car is fun to drive.

    I own several collector cars and this is my favorite. The convertible top is extremely easy to put up and down.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • OWNER/CUSTOMER

    I LOVE MY CAR AND THE SERVICE AT AUTONATION FORD IS TRULY THE MOST COURTEOUS AND BEST IN SOUTH FLORIDA. MY SERVICE ADVISOR, IVAN HAS BEEN TAKING CARE OF ME FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • glad I spent the money

    Saw this black bird (2004) in a parking lot with a for sale sign looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Had 6500 miles and 2 years later we are up to 13000. Its in the garage in bad weather with the top down and boot on. When the sun shines out she comes for a ride, summer or winter. The best car ever!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most interesting car I've owned

    Great ride and styling. The unique styling makes it a special car. You don,t see that many on the road so you know that you have something special to drive. Very tight and solid ride. Handles well has enough pep to "get out of it's own way."
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2004 TBird

    I have wanted one of the new retro Birds ever since they were introduced in 2001. Love the looks, the drive - everything about the car. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a 2-seater sports car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Ford dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Ford Thunderbird?

The 2004 Ford Thunderbird is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Deluxe (1 style)
  • Pacific Coast Roadster (1 style)
  • Premium (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Ford Thunderbird?

The 2004 Ford Thunderbird offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Ford Thunderbird?

The 2004 Ford Thunderbird compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

The 2004 Ford Thunderbird has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Ford Thunderbird owners.

Is the 2004 Ford Thunderbird a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Ford Thunderbird. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.7
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