2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition
All photo credits
- Photo: 2002 Ford Thunderbird in Evening Black, Front Right, 05-15-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe, front left, 09-12-2026 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Ford Thunderbird 2 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2002 Ford Thunderbird in Evening Black, Rear Right, 05-15-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2003 tbird interior (2210089815) by Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition is a 280-hp 3.9-liter V8 with a 5-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $44,355 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.
It makes 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 286 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).
The Thunderbird measures 186.3 inches long on a 107.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,863 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $44,355 ($73,811 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.9L Jaguar AJ35 DOHC V8 |
| Displacement | 3.9 L |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder |
| Injection Type | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic (SelectShift manual-shift mode optional) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 16 MPG |
| Highway | 22 MPG |
| Combined | 18 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 18 gal |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 17" |
| Wheels Rear | 17" |
| Tires Front | P235/50R17 |
| Tires Rear | P235/50R17 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 186.3 in |
| Width | 72 in |
| Height | 52.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8 in |
| Cargo Volume | 8.5 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,863 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37.2 in |
| Legroom Front | 42.7 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 57.3 in |
| Hip Room Front | 53.7 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Mar 18, 2005 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
NHTSA campaign 05V113000
27 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2005 Ford THUNDERBIRD
Owner Complaints
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford THUNDERBIRD. See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.