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Ford Thunderbird.(Roadsters - Road Test)(Evaluation)
The Thunderbird is a modern car styled to resemble its classic original version. With a relatively quiet interior and a supple if somewhat floaty ride, it is a relaxed cruiser rather than a sporty roadster. The T-Bird handles reasonably well and has plenty of power, but the body twists and shakes too much. In addition, head room is tight and the engine slurps too much fuel.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Thunderbird handles capably but is not as agile as a real sports car. The steering is well weighted and responsive. The Thunderbird tended to plow a bit in the tight, fast turns of our track, but it was easy to control and managed a commendable speed threading our avoidance-maneuver course. Still, it took our drivers some skill to correct its tendency to fishtail through the course.
The Thunderbird soaks up minor road bumps well, but the suspension is less tightly controlled than the others in this test. Road undulations sometimes provoke a slightly floaty feel. Jiggles and shakes mar the ride on any but the smoothest roads. Most noise sources are well suppressed.
The 252-hp, 3.9-liter V8 delivers lively performance, but we averaged just 17 mpg overall on premium fuel. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts quite smoothly. It is the only car in the group that doesn't offer a manual transmission. Braking performance was excellent overall.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior is lavishly color-keyed to the exterior, and control switches seem of high quality. If you're over 6 feet tall, you likely won't fit in the T-Bird. Even with the top removed, our tall drivers found themselves staring at or above the windshield's top frame. Shorter drivers sit up high and see out well. The rear view is hampered with either the soft or hard top in place.
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