Generations and modifications
Browse the model family by generation first, then drill into each modification and its available trims and included options.
Generations
Choose a generation to narrow modifications, or keep the full model view.
Eleventh generation
MN12 facelift
MN12
Fox facelift
Fox
Eighth generation
Seventh generation
Sixth generation
Fifth generation
Fourth generation
Third generation
Second generation
First generation
2012–2012
1 modification
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9-3 Convertible
|
2.0 L | — | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
2011–2011
1 modification
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9-3 Sedan AWD
|
2.0 L | — | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive |
2009–2009
1 modification
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9-3 Sport Sedan
|
2.0 L | — | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
2002–2005 Eleventh generation
2 modifications · Ford revived the Thunderbird name for 2002 as a retro-styled two-seat roadster inspired by the original 1950s car. This final generation was sold in the United States through 2005. It ended after a short production run without a facelift phase.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thunderbird
|
Gasoline · 3.9 L · 280 hp | 280 hp | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
3.9 L · 280 hp | 280 hp | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive |
1994–1997 Tenth generation (MN12) facelift
4 modifications · A facelifted Thunderbird arrived for 1994 with revised styling while retaining the MN12 platform and coupe body. This updated phase continued through the end of Thunderbird production in 1997. It was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thunderbird
|
4.6 L | — | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird lx 3.8l v6
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 140 hp | 140 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
thunderbird lx 4.6l v8
|
Gasoline · 4.6 L · 205 hp | 205 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
thunderbird super coupe 3.8l v6 supercharged
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 230 hp | 230 hp | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive |
1989–1993 Tenth generation (MN12)
6 modifications · The tenth-generation Thunderbird moved to the MN12 platform and emphasized a larger, more refined rear-wheel-drive coupe layout. It launched for 1989 and continued through 1993 before a mid-cycle update. This phase was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thunderbird
|
3.8 L | — | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
5.0 L | — | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
3.8 L | — | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird 3.8l v6
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 140 hp | 140 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
thunderbird 3.8l v6 supercharged
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 210 hp | 210 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
thunderbird super coupe 3.8l v6 supercharged
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 210 hp | 210 hp | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive |
1987–1988 Ninth generation (Fox) facelift
4 modifications · For 1987, the Fox-platform Thunderbird received a facelift with updated styling while continuing the same basic coupe package. This revised phase ran through 1988. It was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 3.8 v6
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 110 hp | 110 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 5.0 v8
|
Gasoline · 5.0 L · 150 hp | 150 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird turbo coupe 2.3 turbo
|
Gasoline · 2.3 L · 190 hp | 190 hp | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
Gasoline · 2.3 L | — | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive |
1983–1986 Ninth generation (Fox)
7 modifications · The ninth-generation Thunderbird debuted on Ford’s Fox platform with a more aerodynamic shape and a smaller footprint than earlier Thunderbirds. It was sold as a two-door coupe in the U.S. market. This base phase ended in 1986.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 3.8l v6
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 110 hp | 110 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 3.8l v6 turbo
|
Gasoline · 3.8 L · 145 hp | 145 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 5.0l v8
|
Gasoline · 5.0 L · 130 hp | 130 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 5.0l v8 turbo
|
Gasoline · 5.0 L · 155 hp | 155 hp | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
3.8 L | — | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
2.3 L | — | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | |
|
thunderbird
|
2.3 L | — | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive |
1980–1982 Eighth generation
3 modifications · The eighth-generation Thunderbird continued the downsized coupe formula and reflected Ford’s late-1970s efficiency shift. It remained a two-door personal luxury car through 1982. This generation was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 3.3l i6 3-speed automatic
|
Gasoline · 3.3 L · 85 hp | 85 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 4.2l v8 3-speed automatic
|
Gasoline · 4.2 L · 115 hp | 115 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 4.9l v8 3-speed automatic
|
Gasoline · 4.9 L · 131 hp | 131 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1977–1979 Seventh generation
3 modifications · The seventh-generation Thunderbird downsized from the previous era while staying in the personal luxury coupe segment. It continued through the 1977–1979 model years. This generation was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 302 v8
|
Gasoline · 5.0 L · 134 hp | 134 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 351 v8
|
Gasoline · 5.8 L · 161 hp | 161 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 400 v8
|
Gasoline · 6.6 L · 179 hp | 179 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1972–1976 Sixth generation
3 modifications · For 1972, Thunderbird moved to a much larger personal luxury coupe format and dropped the convertible. The sixth generation ran through 1976 with a strong emphasis on comfort and size. It was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 400
|
Gasoline · 6.6 L · 211 hp | 211 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 429
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 212 hp | 212 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 460
|
Gasoline · 7.5 L · 224 hp | 224 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1967–1971 Fifth generation
3 modifications · The fifth-generation Thunderbird grew larger again and adopted a more substantial personal-luxury presence. Coupe and convertible body styles continued through this era. It was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 390 v8
|
Gasoline · 6.4 L · 315 hp | 315 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 429 cobra jet v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 360 hp | 360 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 429 v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 360 hp | 360 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1964–1966 Fourth generation
4 modifications · The fourth-generation Thunderbird became more angular and formal, continuing the personal luxury formula. It remained available as a coupe and convertible. This generation was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird convertible 390 v8
|
Gasoline · 6.4 L · 315 hp | 315 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird convertible 428 v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 345 hp | 345 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird hardtop coupe 390 v8
|
Gasoline · 6.4 L · 315 hp | 315 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird hardtop coupe 428 v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 345 hp | 345 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1961–1963 Third generation
2 modifications · The third-generation Thunderbird adopted a cleaner, more formal design while remaining a four-seat personal luxury car. It kept coupe and convertible body styles through the 1961–1963 run. This generation was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 6.4 v8
|
Gasoline · 6.4 L · 300 hp | 300 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 7.0 v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 340 hp | 340 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1958–1960 Second generation
4 modifications · For 1958, Thunderbird grew into a larger four-seat personal luxury car, broadening its market beyond the original two-seater concept. The second generation continued as a coupe and convertible. It was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird convertible 352 v8
|
Gasoline · 5.8 L · 300 hp | 300 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird convertible 430 v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 350 hp | 350 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird hardtop coupe 352 v8
|
Gasoline · 5.8 L · 300 hp | 300 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird hardtop coupe 430 v8
|
Gasoline · 7.0 L · 350 hp | 350 hp | 3-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
1955–1957 First generation
3 modifications · The original Thunderbird launched as a two-seat personal car and quickly established the nameplate’s sporty luxury identity. It was offered as a hardtop coupe and convertible during its first generation. This generation was sold in the United States.
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Transmission | Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ford thunderbird 292 v8
|
Gasoline · 4.8 L · 202 hp | 202 hp | 3-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 292 v8 convertible
|
Gasoline · 4.8 L · 193 hp | 193 hp | 3-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | |
|
ford thunderbird 312 v8
|
Gasoline · 5.1 L · 245 hp | 245 hp | 3-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive |
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