2005
Ford Thunderbird

Starts at:
$38,355
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New 2005 Ford Thunderbird
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Consumer rating
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Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Convertible Deluxe
    Starts at
    $38,355
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible Premium
    Starts at
    $39,415
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible 50th Anniversary
    Starts at
    $44,355
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2005 Ford Thunderbird 2005 Ford Thunderbird

Notable features

Styling that blends the past and present
280-hp, 3.9-liter V-8
Five-speed automatic
Available removable hardtop

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Seat comfort
Stylish, distinctive appearance

The bad

Construction quality
Rear visibility
Ride comfort
Two-passenger capacity
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Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2005 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
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 42 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • By Too old for this s- from Emerald City, Oz
    Owns this car
    February 20, 2025

    Love driving this fun car.

    Love driving this fun car. Maintenance has been an issue and will probably only get worse... Item: Like most modern cars, there are no grease points in the suspension. So when the little rubber boots that cover the joints rot away, there's no way to lubricate the suspension, and the parts start to grind against each other. Out $4k to replace the front and rear suspension. Had them do the struts too since they had to take everything else out. Item: Many parts no longer available. The accelerator pedal switches failed. No Ford or aftermarket replacement to be found. Good news: found one at a salvage yard. Bad news: it's the same age as the one it replaced. Item: Crack in the windshield? Stay away from any chain that rhymes with "Chafe-Bite." Replacing the windshield means removing the frame. Very few of their techs are trained on how to do this.
    • 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 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By L. de Berry from Provo, UT
    Owns this car
    September 30, 2024

    Purchased our '05 retro bird from a seller on Long Island

    Purchased our '05 retro bird from a seller on Long Island 3 years ago and took a 4,000-mile epic road trip home to Utah. It had 9,000 miles on it when we left the seller's house on Long Island, 13,000 when we pulled in the driveway at home. It performed flawlessly on the road trip. It was remarkably comfortable and roomy. It really is a pleasure to drive and travel in on a road trip. My wife, who is "a delicate lady," never once complained about the ride or comfort in the cabin on the 2 week 4,000-mile drive home. As we approached with our bag of groceries, a man standing next to the Bird in the supermarket parking lot in Martha's Vineyard said it as well as anyone, "I'm not a Ford man but I really like this car." This TBird is the first car I have owned where complete strangers have approached me and commented on it's good looks. I lost track of how many people did that on our trip home from Long Island. Our '05 is black on black and Ford only made about 5,000 of those that year. I've never seen another one on the road. It's truly a gleaming black beauty. Not a lick of trouble, runs beautifully and the factory exhaust note is magic. It's still 100% original except for the tires, the original tires looked fine with only 13,000 miles on them, but the tire store wouldn't work on a slow leak on one of the tires because of their age, so new Michelins. My only disappointment is that Ford did not offer a manual transmission on these, but I guess I'm in a small minority of drivers who cares about that. In good weather I try to take it out once a month to run some errands or take a Sunday drive, to make sure everything is working and keep the battery charged. Though it is fun to drive, it is also just a joy to look at in the garage. Like looking at a piece of art, a painting or sculpture. I put about 300 or 400 miles per year on it and after 3 years of ownership, so far so good. It goes to the dealer once a year for an oil change and service check. I've seen retro Birds for sale where owners have updated the sound system with aftermarket stuff that probably has satellite radio, nav, etc. I get the motivation to do that, but to me it's a sacrilege, defacing a classic. I have a gizmo that plugs into the lighter outlet and converts the Bluetooth signal from an iPhone to an FM signal the radio picks up and plays; that works fine. But mostly I just plug CDs in with classic 50's music, that seems most appropriate and adds to the ambiance. It never leaves the garage unless the weather is suitable for top-down driving.
    • 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
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Brad Weir from Wadsworth, IL
    Owns this car
    October 10, 2022

    Forever Cool!

    I fell in love with this car the first time I saw the new retro styling. I procrastinated pulling the trigger on buying one and then heard Ford was discontinuing it after the 2005 50th Anniversary model. I thought I missed the boat, but luckily I spotted one still on the lot on a trip to Wisconsin. I immediately purchased it and I now have 22,000 miles on it. I keep it in a heated garage during the winter and only exercise it on clear days in the winter. During the summer it only leaves the garage when the top can be down. This is a terrific cruising machine. It's not high performance like some other models, but it has plenty of power to get around when called upon. I can't take it anywhere without people commenting on how cool it looks. I was six years old when it was first introduced in 1955 and I still remember how cool people thought it was back then. As the Beach Boys sang, this is the "T Bird that daddy took away!' Forever cool!
    • Purchased a New 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
    22 people out of 23 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Robert James from Florida
    Used to own this car
    April 13, 2022

    Super car but sadly, now has a parts issue.

    I purchased a 2005 with bells and whistles just as Ford were step-selling for $30,000 dollars them to clear them. The silver beauty was mine until a year ago and I put a mere 25,000 miles on it in that time. It was a comfortable touring coupe with adequate performance and a penchant for eating plug ignition assemblies. It needed an new A/C assembly at 20,000 miles but the real issues began with poor performance due to fuel issues. Ford tried several times to make the engine trouble light go off until they discovered cracked fuel tank where it is hidden by the bodywork. It took them six weeks to find a replacement from a written off Lincoln LS as there were no longer fuel tanks available for the car. They cleaned it, modified the fuel delivery hose and all was well again. In spite of an excellent after market company providing some parts, this car falls into the obsolete zone. Certain parts are unavailable. Despite this, I sold it reluctantly and often get the urge to buy another one. But the parts situation does not sit well with me and was the reason I sold it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    56 people out of 58 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Talley Ho from East Tennessee, Loud and Proud.
    Owns this car
    February 27, 2022

    My 2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary car

    My Thunderbird is just AWESOME, I have wanted one since they first came out but I couldn't buy one because of my responsibilities to my family. But now I can , and so I did. Although it is 17 years old , this baby was taken well care of, it has 101 K on the speedo, but you couldn't tell it by looking at it. And I love it so much, . It exudes Beauty and I have never owned a vehicle that looks like this. I wanted something that not so many people had, and this is it. Yes I'll say it again I love it so much. I haven't had it long enough to have any problems with, but if I do have any, I will just fix it. My Thunderbird is the most, and the best, and the stunningest vehicle that I have ever laid eyes on. I call her Baby.
    • 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
    33 people out of 34 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mac357 from Las Vegas
    Owns this car
    December 23, 2020

    Great Car

    Like the car a lot. Although, Ford made a few mistakes. The Interior Design is lacking in the quality a lot of plastic. Engine is short Horsepower. Air conditioning problem with the Heater shout off value. But overall it's been a great car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    36 people out of 41 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Have fun U All from Arizona
    Owns this car
    December 1, 2020

    Love this car, so fun, sweet ride

    This is a great car, convertible fun, plenty of room and even has a big trunk for travel or around town. Favorite car of all time for us, the hard top makes it able to use all year round.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    18 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Topless from chicago
    Owns this car
    August 1, 2020

    Best Value for a Very fast reliable Sports car

    As performance sports cars go, this American collectable anniversary issue gives you speed, handling and most of all reliability and the hard top option just makes it an unbelievable value. Where else can you get a 6 sec 0-60 sports car with all his luxury?
    • 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
    25 people out of 25 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By heli190 from CASA GRANDE
    Owns this car
    April 26, 2020

    Have only owned the car a short time

    Have not owned it long enough to give an opinion. So far it appears to be a solid car with lots of style. Engine is quite and xmsn. shifts smoothly
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Incagold 05 from Boca Raton F.
    Owns this car
    December 16, 2019

    The most fun you can have driving

    I bought my T Bird 11 years ago. It is a Sunday driver. It attracts attention everywhere I take it. I love it with the hardtop on and also when I have the convertible top down. It has a nice throaty sound when you open up the throttle. Except for the coils being replaced I have had no repairs. Driving it is a joy with the power. Only thing that is mediocre is interior design .it has a plain dash and seats and interior from a Lincoln S.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ray from Bigfork, Montana
    Owns this car
    December 1, 2019

    Fun, fun, fun

    I'd been looking for a tbird for some time 31k miles looks and drives like a new car, fun is back in driving. I wish I'd have bought one years ago.
    • 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 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Fanz from Sun lakes Arizona
    Owns this car
    December 1, 2019

    2005 TORCH RED Premium ANNIVERSARY

    Love my Torch Red Anniversary Bird..I bought it a month ago and drove it home to AZ from San Diego..great ride...One owner well maintained...new bridge stones on it. I added Crome hood scoop,rear chrome band for hard top and new custom mats...I owned a 50th Anniversary Vette and this is right up there with it. It’s a head turner and has giddy up...took me 6 months to find one after 7 in line but got the one i wanted! 2 coats of mothers wax and it like a narrow finish...
    • 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
    14 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

The 2005 Ford Thunderbird is available in 3 trim levels:

  • 50th Anniversary (1 style)
  • Deluxe (1 style)
  • Premium (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

The 2005 Ford Thunderbird offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

The 2005 Ford Thunderbird compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

The 2005 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird owners.

Is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 42 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.7
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