Do you think that Ford will ever bring back the Thunderbird?

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,187
4,871
136
I have to admit that I'm not really a car guy and love pickup trucks. However, I do love the Ford Thunderbird and have owned two of them, the last of which was a '92 LX that was absolutely my favorite car. It was underpowered with the base 3.8L v6 but it was comfortable, luxurious and economical. I could run 80mph all day long and get over 30mpg on the highway plus the rear wheel drive and independent suspension made for smooth driving. I hated it when Ford redesigned it back to a two seater and then discontinued the name. Do you ever think that Ford will bring the car back to production? I've seen some artist concept websites and one in particular has created a really nice looking model that got my attention; it's the white car in the rebirth poster. This is the only car on the planet that really gets me excited, otherwise I'll stick to trucks. http://carsintrend.com/2017-ford-thunderbird-redesign/
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
59,132
9,565
126
The 2000s Tbirds were the best looking Tbirds since the early 60s. If the goal is to recreate the 70s-90s, I hope the answer is never.
 

Thump553

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
12,833
2,620
136
The best T-Birds were the early two seaters. Unfortunately over the years Ford used the Thunderbird name on a number of disparate cars, ranging from Corvette competitors to bloated land yachts that were castoffs from the Lincoln brand.

T-Bird is still an extremely valuable name, I'm positive Ford will bring it back in a few years-hopefully as an honest Corvette competitor. There are lots of Park Avenue clones, no sense in wasting this name on them.
 

pcgeek11

Lifer
Jun 12, 2005
22,115
4,897
136
The best T-Birds were the early two seaters. Unfortunately over the years Ford used the Thunderbird name on a number of disparate cars, ranging from Corvette competitors to bloated land yachts that were castoffs from the Lincoln brand.

T-Bird is still an extremely valuable name, I'm positive Ford will bring it back in a few years-hopefully as an honest Corvette competitor. There are lots of Park Avenue clones, no sense in wasting this name on them.

This X1000.
 

renz20003

Platinum Member
Mar 14, 2011
2,714
634
136
I like the early 90's t-birds and mustangs, eventually they will do something.
 

Herr Kutz

Platinum Member
Jun 14, 2009
2,545
242
106
I think the more interesting question is will Ford bring back the Bronco? Now is the time to cash in, especially while gas is low.
 
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Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,187
4,871
136
If they don't bring back the t-bird I'll probably look at the mustang when it's time to get another car.
 

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,187
4,871
136
The best T-Birds were the early two seaters.
That's why the retro look only got 3 years of production. People's taste's change and the last revision wasn't well received. My first bird was a '77 with a 400m that didn't do too bad and gave me 18 mpg on the road all day long. It was quiet, comfortable and had plenty of room but I could've done without the vinyl roof.
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
Moderator
Feb 13, 2003
13,295
120
106
I like the early 90's t-birds and mustangs, eventually they will do something.

This. I had a 1990 Thunderbird SC, my favorite style of T-Bird.

The time they brought it back early 2k's, was a terrible, over priced idea...imo
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
61,256
16,743
136
I think it was mostly overpricing that did it in. I do like the 90s models, but I don't think of them as a proper Thunderbird either.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,544
924
126
Woof! That is an ugly beast.

2017-Ford-Thunderbird-redesign.jpg
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,391
825
126
I miss full size coupes - The Accord is basically the only touring coupe left on the market.

We've seen the death of:

Monte Carlo
Thunderbird/Cougar
Grand Prix
Lincoln Mark
El Dorado
Olds Cutlass
Altima Coupe
Solara
Sebring/Avenger


People just cant have enough bland 4-door sedans & jacked up unibody wagons they like to pawn off as SUV's.
 

Knavish

Senior member
May 17, 2002
910
3
81
...
Monte Carlo
Thunderbird/Cougar
Grand Prix
Lincoln Mark
El Dorado
Olds Cutlass
Altima Coupe
Solara
Sebring/Avenger
...

...but so many of these cars are/were just ugly :) ... or they were driven by old people without kids

Generally all of these cars were sold beside identical 4-door models (or very similar 4-door models). They sacrifice convenience of 4 doors for a little bit of "style". From the 80s onward, I don't think you'll find many people who think any of the cars on this list are stylish. The Altima Coupe almost doesn't belong on this list because it is a a small car (105" wheelbase) vs a big sedan with two huge doors.

This market still exists, though. Just look at the BMW 6 series, Audi A5, Mercedes C & E coupes, and Cadillac ATS coupe. Ford would probably have one as well, if they made Lincolns that were anything but rebadged Fords.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,544
924
126
...but so many of these cars are/were just ugly :) ... or they were driven by old people without kids

Generally all of these cars were sold beside identical 4-door models (or very similar 4-door models). They sacrifice convenience of 4 doors for a little bit of "style". From the 80s onward, I don't think you'll find many people who think any of the cars on this list are stylish. The Altima Coupe almost doesn't belong on this list because it is a a small car (105" wheelbase) vs a big sedan with two huge doors.

This market still exists, though. Just look at the BMW 6 series, Audi A5, Mercedes C & E coupes, and Cadillac ATS coupe. Ford would probably have one as well, if they made Lincolns that were anything but rebadged Fords.

None of those sell in high numbers though. Probably the c-class coupe more than any of the others.
 

deathBOB

Senior member
Dec 2, 2007
569
239
116
No. There's no demand for a mainstream 2-door car that isn't filled by the mustang. I don't think the name has much cachet anymore anyway.
 

KentState

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2001
8,397
393
126
I miss full size coupes - The Accord is basically the only touring coupe left on the market.

We've seen the death of:

Monte Carlo
Thunderbird/Cougar
Grand Prix
Lincoln Mark
El Dorado
Olds Cutlass
Altima Coupe
Solara
Sebring/Avenger


People just cant have enough bland 4-door sedans & jacked up unibody wagons they like to pawn off as SUV's.

I think pretty much every bland 4-door or CUV is more appealing than the cars on that list. Even in their day, they were less practical than the 4-door equivalent.
 

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,187
4,871
136
The problem with the current batch of two door coupes is that they aren't affordable like the older models were. Sure you can get a mustang/Camaro but the back seat is useless for passengers. This is probably why I'll just stick with a pickup truck - the poor man's way to retain rear wheel drive.
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
I miss full size coupes - The Accord is basically the only touring coupe left on the market.

We've seen the death of:

Monte Carlo
Thunderbird/Cougar
Grand Prix
Lincoln Mark
El Dorado
Olds Cutlass
Altima Coupe
Solara
Sebring/Avenger


People just cant have enough bland 4-door sedans & jacked up unibody wagons they like to pawn off as SUV's.
Well some of those weren't full sizes. The biggest baddest full size coupe is still out there in the Challenger.