Positioning:
Premium two-seater convertible, revival of iconic model, aimed at lifestyle buyers seeking style and comfort.
Competitors:
BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet SSR.
Styling:
Retro-inspired design, influenced by the original 1950s Thunderbird, with modern execution.
Powertrain:
Standard 3.9L V8 engine, available in later years with a supercharged variant (not for 2005 model). Rear-wheel drive.
Convertible Top:
Power-operated soft top with an optional removable hardtop (often sold separately).
Powertrain:
Engine (4.0L V8), Transmission (5R55N Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Independent Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD), Drivetrain
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Lighting, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Top Mechanism
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Wiring Diagrams for Diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-Step Repair Procedures for All Major Components and Systems
Overhaul:
Complete Engine and Transmission Rebuild Procedures
Installation:
Component Replacement and Installation Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to full engine rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8 (Jaguar AJ-V8)
Displacement:
3.9 Liters (3934 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
280 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
286 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
12.3 Liters (13.0 Quarts)
Recommended Coolant:
Ford Super Coolant VC-3-20B or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Capacity:
7.7 Liters (8.1 Quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C200-D
Part Number:
Motorcraft AGSF32FM or equivalent iridium plug
Gap:
0.040-0.044 inches (1.0-1.1 mm)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic with SelectShift
Transmission Model:
5R55N
Selectshift:
Manual shifting mode for driver control.
Capacity:
Approx. 10.4 Liters (11.0 Quarts) for initial fill, check dipstick for actual level.
Recommended Fluid:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Part Number:
Ford XT-5-QM or equivalent Mercon V approved fluid.
Length:
183.7 inches (4666 mm)
Width:
72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
54.0 inches (1372 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.2 inches (2723 mm)
Front Track:
61.6 inches (1565 mm)
Rear Track:
61.6 inches (1565 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3743 lbs (1700 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4550 lbs (2064 kg)
Trunk Volume:
4.0 cu ft (113 Liters) with soft top deployed
Hardtop Storage:
Requires dedicated storage space, not integrated into vehicle.
Standard Wheel Size:
17 inches
Standard Tire Size:
235/50R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)
Lug Nut Torque:
100 lb-ft (135 Nm)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars (Front), 4 Stars (Rear)
IIHS Offset Frontal:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual Frontal Airbags, Side Impact Airbags (in seats)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and front windshield frame for rollover protection.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Cassette player, premium audio systems (e.g., Shaker 500/1000) available.
Display:
Analog gauges with a small LCD information display in the instrument cluster.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system (rare).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for the 2005 model year.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Seats:
Leather-trimmed seating standard, heated seats optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommended replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Under normal driving conditions, no scheduled fluid change. Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Refer to manual for severe service schedule.
Coolant Replacement:
First change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford specified power steering fluid or Mercon V ATF.
Common Problems:
Water pump leaks (especially early models), convertible top hydraulic leaks or malfunctions, ignition coil failures, occasional transmission shifting issues (5R55N).
Specific Recall Items:
Consult NHTSA or Ford for specific recall campaigns related to the 2005 model year. Common recalls might involve airbags or fuel system components.
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, founded 1903, known for mass production, iconic models like Model T, Mustang, F-Series.
Thunderbird Legacy:
Originally introduced in 1955 as a sporty personal luxury car. The 2002-2005 generation was a retro-modern interpretation of the classic first-generation design.
Production Period:
The retro Thunderbird was produced from model year 2002 to 2005.
Manufacturing Plant:
Ford Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan.
Sales Figures:
Sales declined over the generation, with approximately 10,000 units sold in the final 2005 model year.
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the 2005 model are not widely publicized, the retro styling was critically noted for its faithfulness to the original design. It was generally well-received for its aesthetics.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports often rated the Thunderbird below average for predicted reliability, primarily citing issues with the convertible top and drivetrain components.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.