The Thunderbird still holds the sophistication intended when it was released in 2003.  While the black and white T-birds have their style, the all black, leather and chrome T-Bird is the ultimate car with sleek stellar styling with a V-8 under the hood that is a sure engine to provide the driver with the zoom-zoom-zoom of more than a tiger under the hood.

At the time of purchase [at 24,000 miles] in September, 2009 [one-owner] and an excellently maintained engine and leather interior, Kelley Blue rated the vehicle at $21,700.  For me that was just dandy because the price paid at the dealership was $17,500.  It's not often that one drives off the lot with more than a couple of thousand in equity!  For a limited edition, what a great find!

This convertible has a ragtop that has withstood the test of time even though it wasn't consistently garaged.  However, for $1,800, the hard top can be ordered from Ford. The frame and hardtop cover did come with this purchase, the Ford dealer is storing it for me until I make a decision as to whether the hardtop is something I can move on and off, etc.  Or, if so desired there are car covers tailored to the T-bird available as well.

While this deluxe 2 door sports car is not for the family, there is limited trunk space as well as seating space, it's a great car for the individual who wants to be free to drive the road accompanied by a great stereo system and mutiple CD rack.

As to handling, I once had a 1968 Pontiac GTO, 450 engine.  Talk about power-- that car could go from 0 to 60 in a nanosecond.  However, it was not as neat in handling as this 2003 Thunderbird.  One of the things that makes the T-Bird cool in the steering column is that the steering wheel automatically moves right where I have set it to be the minute I turn on the key.  The setting was determined by the automatic setting for the driver's seat.  Change the seat, and the steering column adapts. Automatic heaven in that regard.

With that done, actually driving the car is a snap.  I wasn't sure I was still capable of remembering how to turn a vehicle on a dime; but, just yesterday [my third week with the car] I discovered how easy it is to do that and still feel grounded to the road and more importantly, safe.

Secondly, the GTO was like a tank compared to the T-Bird when manuevering in and out of traffic on an Interstate as well as those cute little curvy rural roads. But then again, the GTO was a muscle car and sometimes it could act like a zamboni machine in its heaviness in the steering of it. 

On the other hand, I feel safer and more grounded in the T-Bird than I did in the 1983 Mazda RX-7.  The Mazda was nifty alright, I loved the sound of that rotary engine winding up; but, it was a lightweight when it came to curves and the like.  The Mazda was more like a skater in how it slid over the road.

All in all I almost feel like Goldilocks when I compare the GTO and the Mazda to the T-Bird; the 2003 Thunderbird is more than 'just right.'

Bottom line- trading in my much loved 2005 Vibe for this Luxury convertible is more than a middle age crisis type event; it was a free experience to put down that motorized top with a push of the button and enjoy the vestages of Fall.  Definitely a stress reliever! 

Anyone who needs that proverbial Breath of Fresh air will find that in the ultimate Thunderbird!
Amount Paid (US$): 17,500.00
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: Limited Deluxe