Overpriced Bird.

Ford has once again tried to bring back the Thunderbird. But let's face it: The car that has carried the Thunderbird name for half a century has really been about five or six distinctly different cars. Other than the name, these cars have nothing in common. The only version that sparked any interest was the 1950's T-Bird's. And the 1950's were the last time a Thunderbird was ever a respected and exciting vehicle. It's been a downward spiral ever since with the exception of the SuperCoupe from 1989-1995 (arguably the fastest T-birds ever made).

I own a 1989 Thunderbird and it happens to be a very ordinary passenger car with the exception of some luxury features not found on other vehicles.

The 2003 Thunderbird is more of the same except with a different look, and a grossly inflated price. Who is going to pay $65,000 for a Lincoln with a T-Bird name on it? These days it seems that anything with a different look is popular, regardless of what lies underneath. And what lies underneath is the same Thunderbird I drive everyday (which was less than half the price compared to the 2003).

The fact is, the Thunderbird lost its' "Mojo" after the 50's and became yet another family car with a puny engine.

It's hard to imagine that this car was EVER compared to Corvette's. It would be like Ferrari taking the Maranello, adding room for four people, popping in a 200hp engine, and raising the price to a million dollars. Anyone interested? Didn't think so.

For the T-Bird to be reborn, Ford needs to drop a big time V8 engine in it, with somewhere in the neighbourhood of 350-400 horsepower and 5 second 0-60 times. Then we will have the Thunderbird the way it was meant to be originally: A sports car again.

- Chris