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00:23Hey everybody, how's it going? Today it's my pleasure to bring you an in-depth look
00:29at the beautiful 2002 Ford Thunderbird. And this is going to be a detailed, in-depth review
00:35of the Thunderbird. We'll start it up, show the engine, get an exhaust clipping over the
00:39performance data, take it on a brief test drive, and show you a bunch of the unique aspects of
00:44the interior as well as exterior. And so, without further ado, let's go ahead and start her up,
00:53let her run. The exterior color is a light metallic turquoise, known as Thunderbird Blue,
01:03with an all-black leather interior and matching Thunderbird Blue leather accents,
01:07a part of an optional color accent package.
01:37Automatic tilt telescoping steering wheel,
01:54beautiful sound.
01:55Come on.
02:41Now, this instrumentation cluster was only seen for the 2002 model year Thunderbird,
02:46whereas in 2003 they came out with a separate pod style fashion.
02:49Turquoise needles with a little bit of brushed aluminum accenting and a retro fawn, all accented
02:54by white face.
02:55Very traditional.
02:57And as far as the steering, power rack and pinion with a delightfully tight feel to it and definitely
03:01gives it a little bit more of a sporty feel, with a color accent band up top here with the
03:06matching Thunderbird blue.
03:07Unique badging coming across the airbag center and your multi-function controls, we'll go
03:11over that later in the video.
03:14As far as the gearbox, standard and only transmission available is a five-speed automatic with low
03:20gear selection.
03:22In 2003 to 2005 they also added a manual shiftability function, whereas if you clicked it over and
03:28just tipped it up and down, you can manually select through the gears.
03:33And before we begin, I'll show you how to remove the hardtop.
03:36Located at the top of the A-pillars, you'll see a little hole.
03:40That hole houses a little nut that's then unscrewed by this little mechanism here.
03:45It just fits up in, so all you have to do basically is just loosen the nuts up in there.
03:51They won't fall out or anything.
03:52They'll just stay stationary until you put the top back on.
03:55Once you're done loosening the nuts up front, go back behind the parcel shelf here and there's
03:59two little levers.
04:00Push them back towards the rear of the vehicle to unlock the rear portion.
04:05Now, I highly recommend this be a two-person job because the top itself weighs about 80 pounds
04:10or so.
04:11It's almost impossible to lift it up yourself and try to drag it across the car without
04:15messing it up.
04:16It actually has to be lifted up and carried off, and I'll have my fiancee help in just
04:20a second.
04:21Ford also recommends this in their brochure.
04:23Down below, Thunderbirds that come with a hardtop also come with this little aluminum
04:28dolly so you can prop the top up, strap it in, and wheel it around for ease of maneuverability
04:34and storage.
04:45Then after it's on the dolly, you just strap it in place as such.
04:50Now, this is the convertible top cover that you put over the rear to give a nice clean
04:54look to the back.
04:55This is actually the first time taking it out of the plastic wrap since the car was brand
04:59new.
04:59We bought the car with 39,000 miles on it a couple months ago.
05:06Snap in all the clips in up front and tuck in the little lip in the back to keep it
05:10planted
05:10down.
05:10And there you go.
05:23And so we're going to flip on the automatic headlamps, fog lamps, as well as the hazards.
05:36And we're going to check out the exterior, shall we?
05:40Few automotive icons have done so much over the years to impact the very foundation, ideals,
05:45and images that people associate with owning a car.
05:481950s America was an exciting time of prosperity, optimism, and bold automotive design.
05:53That confidence and passion led to some of the most iconic automobiles over the next 20
05:57years.
05:58One of the most famous, the Ford Thunderbird was one of the earliest examples of the
06:02personal luxury car concept.
06:04Built in response to the Chevrolet Corvette and influx of in-port roadsters and touring cars,
06:09the Thunderbird represented everything 1950s America was all about.
06:12Style, power, and innovation.
06:15First making its appearance at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954, the 1955 Thunderbird would
06:20become that automotive icon and nameplate that would carry itself through 1997.
06:24While the first generation Thunderbirds were the most iconic, they, just as the rest of
06:28the Ford lineup over the upcoming decades, would mold with the current taste of America,
06:32whether it be for practicality, size, or power.
06:35Somewhere along the path, the Thunderbird lost its zing, that special something that gave
06:39it the twinkle of excitement as the original did.
06:41The cars grew and grew to their massive land-yacht proportions in the 1970s before downsizing
06:47began in the early 80s.
06:49While styling did improve relative to 1980s and 90s styling, the Thunderbird was nothing
06:53more than a large four-person two-door car.
06:56While cool in its own right, its signature flavor had disappeared along with the nameplate
07:00in 1997 as the majority of America's taste for large coupes fizzed away.
07:05It wasn't until the forthcoming years that Ford announced an all-new two-seat Thunderbird,
07:09their first two-seat roadster since 1957.
07:12Like the original, this Thunderbird would not be classified as a sports car, but a car
07:16that balanced reasonable performance and touring comfort, often described as relaxed sportiness.
07:22Debuting at the 1999 Detroit Auto Show, 45 years after the original, the 11th gen car emulated
07:28everything that made the first-gen T-Bird an icon.
07:31While the new car was never described as retro redo in advertising, it represented a modern
07:36reinterpretation and celebration of an optimistic time in America's history, a time thought
07:41to mimic present-day America at the turn of the 21st century.
07:44Just like the original, the new Thunderbird featured the signature reverse-wedge body styling,
07:49meaning a higher body stance in front than the rear, creating a leaned-back, relaxed look.
07:54It also features a wrap-around windshield, large chrome A-pillar, and sharp-angled 67-degree
07:59header for an even sleeker look than the original.
08:02Portholes and the optional removable hardtop were also added in 1956 for better visibility,
08:07but actually ended up being a styling icon and are also found on the newest gen.
08:11Other throwback elements include the faux fender vents, fringed afterburner tail lamps, round
08:16headlamps, chrome egg crate grille, hood scoop, and the Thunderbird scripts across the rear
08:20quarters.
08:22The original 1955 T-Birds chassis was originally derived from the Ford Fairlane, albeit heavily
08:27modified.
08:28The new T-Birds chassis is shared with both the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type, also heavily
08:33modified, with a 7.3-inch shorter wheelbase than the LS and 5 inches shorter in overall length
08:39than the S-Type.
08:42As far as the construction, it's a majority steel-made car, with aluminum thrown in there
08:47here and there, as well as lightweight, sheet-molded composite paneling covering the trunk deck lid
08:51as well as the hood and giving some of the unique shapes to the Thunderbird.
08:55In fact, it's actually 11 inches longer than the original 1955.
08:59Of course, with this came advanced construction such as aluminum suspension components, isolated
09:04sub-frames, disc brakes with multi-piston calipers, and electronic brake force distribution.
09:09To combat the loss in torsional rigidity by creating a convertible, a number of measures
09:14were put into place to reinforce the chassis, three large braces in the body, an X-brace under
09:19the engine, and middle of the car with a lateral brace behind the passenger compartment.
09:23This effectively doubled the chassis stiffness.
09:26Of course, torsional rigidity also improved when the hardtop was in place.
09:29While all these measures did help for composure, it also added weight, making the T-Bird just
09:34a couple hundred pounds shy of two tons.
09:36But hinting to the car's original nature, it too was designed for more relaxed, laid-back
09:41cruising than hardcore performance.
09:43Therefore, it features softer springs, 24% softer front coils than the Lincoln LS, and
09:488% softer in the rear.
09:49More compliant, large-diameter twin-two low-pressure gas shocks finish up the extra measures.
09:54Long rates of spring travel also really help soak up the road imperfections like a traditional
09:59large American car should.
10:00These measures kept the ride compliant without it being bouncy.
10:14The Thunderbird Deluxe came standard with 17 by 7.5 inch painted cast aluminum wheels,
10:19but these chrome-clad seven-spoke examples came with the optional premium package.
10:23They're wrapped in Michelin Pilot tires measuring 235.50 at each corner.
10:27Brakes consist of four-wheel ventilated discs measuring 11.8 by 1.2 inches up front with
10:32two piston calipers and 11.3 by 0.8 inches in the rear.
10:37With this setup, it brings the car to a stop from 60 miles an hour and an average of 123
10:41feet.
10:42As far as the suspension, it's fully independent with unequal length control arms front and
10:46rear with coil springs, anti-roll bars, and rear tow control links.
10:51Overall length is 186.3 inches with a width of 72 inches and a height of 52.1 inches.
10:58Total curb weight, including the 90-pound hardtop, is 3,883 pounds.
11:03And we're going to pop the hood.
11:05The Thunderbird comes standard with a Jaguar-designed all-aluminum 3.9-liter dual overhead cam 32-valve
11:12V8, but it was also found in the Lincoln LS, in addition to a more potent variant found
11:16in the Jaguar S-Type.
11:17Unique to the T-Bird was a lower final drive ratio for better off-the-line acceleration and
11:22a more aggressive standard exhaust.
11:24The 3.9-liter is the short-stroke variant of the Jaguar 4-liter and puts out 252 horsepower
11:29at 6,100 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm.
11:35This translates to 0-60 times of 6.9 seconds and quarter-mile times of 15.2 seconds at 94
11:41miles an hour.
11:43Top speed was governed at 138 miles an hour.
11:46Performance was enhanced for 2003 onward by the addition of variable-bound timing and electronic
11:50throttle control, raising power to 280 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque.
11:562003 also received the Select Shift Manual mode for the 5-speed automatic.
12:00As far as fuel economy, with an 18-gallon tank running on premium fuel, expect a miles per
12:04gallon rating of 17 city and 23 on the highway.
12:10The interior of the Thunderbird is a unique mix of old and new and a retro-futuristic design
12:15language.
12:15Build quality is good for the day, with padded material covering the touchpoints, upper doors
12:19and the majority of the dash.
12:22For an additional cost, you can also opt for this color-axian interior package, around an
12:26$800 option that basically complements the exterior themes across the doors, lower portion
12:30of the dash and the seats.
12:31The ribbed pattern as well as the polished aluminum trim across the doors and the dash
12:35also emulate that 50 style, with all of your power accessories located on the door, locking
12:40trunk release located down below as well as some storage.
12:43You can also notice this a lot more with the color-accent package, but the way the doors
12:47are designed, with them open it actually looks like bird wings.
12:51As far as the seating, the Thunderbird came standard with nice and comfortable and supportive,
12:55good quality leather bucket seats, with a reasonable amount of lateral support up top
12:58and down below.
12:59You do have manual lumbar as well as manual recline, power sliding and power height adjustment.
13:04The ribbed pattern comes across the middle, and are also perforated to keep the seats nice
13:08and ventilated on a hot day.
13:10They also have integral side airbags, with the Thunderbird logo embossed on the back of
13:14the seat and unique retro style headrests.
13:17The rear of the Thunderbird is nothing more than just a little bit of a parcel shelf, also
13:21has a unique Thunderbird logo, and also houses your rear speakers.
13:25As we continue down, door entry guards also feature the unique Thunderbird script, carpeted
13:31floor mats, as well as standard traction control.
13:34Heated seats were also available from 2003 onward.
13:37Your lighting, interior lighting dimmer as well as your power mirror switchers located on
13:41the dash next to the steering column.
13:43Like I said, everything is also nicely padded as you go across the speedometer to the length
13:47of the vehicle, subtle chrome touches, and a power tilt telescoping steering wheel with
13:51the auto tilt function.
13:53So let's go ahead and see if she sounds.
14:12There is a rev limiter in park and neutral around 3000 RPM.
14:23There is a rev limiter in park and neutral around 3000 RPM.
14:54There is a rev limiter in park and neutral around 3000 RPM, the frontispirals and in the
15:28And we're going to put the PowerSoft top up.
15:30Just pop the little clips and release the catch from the back.
15:38Before putting the top up, locate the little button in the center stack and hit the one
15:42with the top closed.
15:52Very simple.
15:52Then to lock it, release this, pull it down, make sure the hooks catch, and then lock it
16:01in place.
16:02And to show it going down one more time, click, release, then hit down.
16:17Very quick.
16:44I'm going to shut her up.
17:03I'm going to shut her up.
17:19I'm going to shut her up.
17:23I'm going to shut her up.
18:09I'm going to shut her up.
18:36I'm going to get a quick acceleration pass.
18:38I'm going to shut her up.
19:29I'm going to shut her up.
19:38I'm going to shut her up.
20:05I'm going to shut her up.
20:08I'm going to shut her up.
20:36I'm going to shut her up.
20:55I'm going to shut her up.
20:56I'm going to shut her up.
21:17I'm going to shut her up.
21:31I'm going to shut her up.
21:32As well as balance and fade.
21:33Changing the radio modes AM, FM, FM, CD and your pre-set stations.
21:38Not to mention your radio settings.
21:43Down below the radio is your standard dual-zone electronic automatic climb control with your
21:48various zones down below, front and rear defrost, temperature on either side, fan speed, and
21:53one-touch automatic.
21:55Your exterior temperature as well as change between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
21:59And all the way at the bottom is your lighter and or power outlet with an extra 12 volt
22:04to the far right, turning your airbag off, as well as the power top controls.
22:10In 2003 and later, you can also get a heated seat switch that would be located right there.
22:15Continuing across the center console, small speakers located on either side, padded emergency
22:21brake and two chrome-accented cup holders, as well as a pad leather armrest with a modest
22:27mass storage.
22:36As far as the steering wheel itself, you have your cruise control located down below here,
22:41as well as your radio, mute in the phone, as well as change between the different media
22:46modes located down below there.
22:47Your intermittent wipers, high beams, and turn signals are located in this stock.
22:52As far as the gauges, like we saw earlier, the retro theme continues with white face gauges
22:56and turquoise needle accents.
23:00While overall reminiscent to the Lincoln LS, it's nicely executed and tailored specifically
23:04to the Thunderbird, definitely making it unique.
23:11So, I'm going to shut her down, and we'll check out the rest of the vehicle, shall we?
23:20I'm going to shut down.
23:20I'm going to shut down.
23:25I'm going to shut down.
23:38Pop the composite trunk, and you'll find a very modest amount of cargo space, just enough
23:42for carrying a few items.
23:43It's around seven cubic feet.
23:45Your spare tire's temporary tire is located down beneath the cargo well.
23:49We also have all of the original paperwork for it, which is definitely pretty neat, including
23:53the original window sticker.
23:54Back there is actually a cover for the hardtop when you actually put it on the dolly like
23:58I showed you earlier.
23:59the other one is, and I'm going to put it on the wall.
24:56So, let's go.
25:26So, let's go.
25:31The passenger seat is manual recline with power sliding but lacks the height adjustment
25:35of the driver's seat.
25:59Good sized glove box.
26:02And all the padding from the dash also carries on to the lower portion here.
26:06The Ford Thunderbird is a recognizable classic in American automotive history.
26:10The personal luxury car that blends a V8, rear wheel drive, and automatic transmission.
26:15The perfect combination for cruising on a warm sunny day.
26:27Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed this detailed look at the 2002 Ford Thunderbird.
26:32Be sure to stay tuned next time, there's a lot more where that came from.
26:35Take care everybody.