2002 Ford Thunderbird

The new Ford Thunderbird, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model, with retro styling like roof portholes, front-fender grilles and afterburner taillights to recall the Thunderbirds of the 1950s and 1960s. Based on the same chassis as the Lincoln LS and the Jaguar S-Type, the new Thunderbird was powered by a 3.9-liter, 32-valve aluminum dual overhead cam V8 engine that produced 252 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 261 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. With a 5-speed automotive transmission with overdrive, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 6.8 seconds. The Thunderbird was offered with five exterior colors: Whisper White, Midnight Black, Thunderbird Blue, Torch Red and Inspiration Yellow. Standard features include a power retractable convertible top, power 4-wheel ventilated 4-channel anti-lock disc brakes, dual exhaust, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, dual power mirrors, power windows, and door locks, Securilock™ passive anti-theft system, perimeter alarm, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed control and power tilt/telescoping steering column, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlights with on/off delay, illuminated entry with theater dimming feature, NUDO® leather-trimmed seats with recliners, power 6-way driver’s seat & 2-way passenger seat, front and side-impact airbags for driver and passenger, air conditioning with dual automatic temperature control, AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, clock and Audiophile sound system, and brushed aluminum interior highlights. Available options include supplemental parking lamps, 17-inch chrome wheels, all-speed traction control, interior color accent packages, and a removable hardtop with a heated glass rear window, storage cart, and cover.