Why Ford Discontinued the Thunderbird
The Thunderbird was discontinued for several reasons. The 11th and final-generation Thunderbird sported a retro-inspired design that was quite unlike any other car on the market at the time, which didn’t quite fit with the rest of Ford’s lineup at the time. The design was polarizing, with some considering it a fun callback to a classic Ford design, while others found it garish. Mechanically, this era was where the Thunderbird really got strange, as it shared a platform with the Jaguar S-Type sedan.
Sales of the Thunderbird began to drop in the 1990s, leading Ford to discontinue the car in 1997. The company then launched a retro version of the T-Bird to capitalize on the nostalgia of auto buffs, but despite strong early sales and favorable reviews, the car was ultimately discontinued again in mid-2005. The last generation of the Ford Thunderbird took a while to arrive and managed to arrive only in 2002 after a hiatus of five years. However, sales were poor due to pricing issues, starting at about $35,000, which contributed to its discontinuation.
In summary, the discontinuation of the Thunderbird can be attributed to its polarizing design, mechanical peculiarities, and declining sales over the years.
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Contents
- Why are old Thunderbirds so cheap?
- How much is a Thunderbird worth?
- When did Ford start making Thunderbirds again?
- Why was the Ford Thunderbird discontinued?
- What is the most sought after Thunderbird?
- Is Ford bringing the Thunderbird back?
- What will replace Thunderbird?
- Why did Ford change the Thunderbird?
- What year did they bring the Thunderbird back?
- Why did the Thunderbird fail?
Why are old Thunderbirds so cheap?
Utilizing Ford’s MN12 platform, the tenth-gen Thunderbird offered RWD and V8 power, and due to the large amount of these cars flooding the roads, they became quite cheap in their later years.
How much is a Thunderbird worth?
Prices for a used Ford Thunderbird currently range from $6,988 to $29,990, with vehicle mileage ranging from 10 to 179,061. Find used Ford Thunderbird inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
When did Ford start making Thunderbirds again?
Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005. From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.
Why was the Ford Thunderbird discontinued?
It wasn’t a terrible car, but a sad interior combined with divisive styling meant that the Thunderbird’s best days were behind it. According to Hagerty, sales dropped off in 2003, with under 15,000 Thunderbirds leaving the dealership lot. Its last model year was 2005.
What is the most sought after Thunderbird?
1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster: This restricted creation model is one of the most sought-after Thunderbirds by collectors. It included the powerful “M-Code” V8 motor, creating 430 pull, making it a genuine muscle vehicle of its period.
Is Ford bringing the Thunderbird back?
It is essential to understand the Legacy. And significance of this iconic. Model introduced in 1955 the Thunderbird Quicky gained popularity for its Sleek.
What will replace Thunderbird?
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Why did Ford change the Thunderbird?
Second generation (1958–1960)
Although the 1955–57 Thunderbird was a success, Ford executives—particularly Robert McNamara—were concerned that the car’s position as a two-seater limited its sales potential. As a result, the car was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958.
What year did they bring the Thunderbird back?
Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005. From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.
Why did the Thunderbird fail?
The Thunderbird was losing its luster. It was inordinately big and lumbering at a time when Americans were shifting toward smaller, nimbler and more efficient cars.