HAGERTY 2004 Ford Thunderbird Owner’s Manual

: June 1, 2024
: HAGERTY

Vehicle Valuation Report

2004 Ford Thunderbird

2dr Convertible 8-cyl. 240cid/280hp EFI DOHC

1 Concours condition| #2 Excellent condition| #3 Good condition| #4 Fair

condition
---|---|---|---
$30,500| $18,500| **$12,400*| $6,800**
+23% | -11.5%| -26.2%| -54.4%

HAGERTY 2004 Ford Thunderbird 1

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.

*Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. For all Hagerty clients: The values shown do not imply coverage in this amount. In the event of a claim, the Guaranteed Value(s)® on your policy declarations page is the amount your vehicle(s) is covered for, even if the value displayed here is different. If you would like to discuss your policy, please call us at 877-922-3391.

Body styles
2dr Convertible

Engine types
8-cyl. 240cid/280hp EFI DOHC

2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird stats

Highest sale	Lowest sale	Most recent sale	Sales
$176,000	$4,675	$14,963	1109

Equipment

Standard Equipment

5 Speed Automatic
AM/FM CD
Air Conditioning
All Wheel
Audible Alarm
Dual Air Bags Front and Sides/Active Belts
Independent
Pass Key
Power Brakes
Power Steering
Power Windows
Retractable Roof Panel
Tilt Steering Wheel

Optional Equipment

5 Speed Both Automated Manual

Additional Info

Drive Type: RWD
Front Tire Size Code: 46
Front Tire Size: 17R235
Manufacturer Code: C134
Manufacturer MSRP: 37435
Market Segmentation: Mid Size Sport
Shipping Weight: 3775
Vehicle Height: 52.1
Wheel Base Longest – Inches: 107.2
Wheel Base Shortest – Inches: 107.2

Vehicle’s condition classification

#1. Concours

1 vehicles are the best in the world. Imagine the best vehicle, in the right

colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted.

#2. Excellent

2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They might even be former #1

vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws but will be able to find some. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. The vehicle drives as a new vehicle of its era would.

#3. Good

3 vehicles drive and run well but are not used for daily transportation. The

casual passerby will not find any visual flaws, but these vehicles might have some incorrect parts. #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all, of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as fresh paint or a new, correct interior.

#4. Fair

4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome

might have pitting, the windshield might be chipped and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Imperfect paintwork, split seams or a cracked dash might be present. No major parts are missing, but there might be non-stock additions. A