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Ford Thunderbird 11th Generation (2002-2005)

2002–2005 · DEW98 · convertible

Retro-styled two-seat personal luxury convertible, built at Wixom Assembly on the Ford DEW98 platform (shared with the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type). Powered by Jaguar's 3.9L AJ35 V8 - 252 hp at launch, bumped to 280 hp for 2003 with revised intake and exhaust. 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive. Optional removable hardtop with the signature porthole. Motor Trend Car of the Year 2002. Total production 68,098 units across four model years.

Watch out: Owner reports of throttle-body / electronic throttle control failures (a known DEW-platform issue shared with the Lincoln LS) - limp-mode and stalling are the typical symptoms. The Jaguar-derived AJ35 V8 has documented timing-chain tensioner wear at higher mileage. Wixom-built convertibles are also flagged for cowl and trunk-seal leaks on examples that lived outdoors.

What your Thunderbird takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades24" driver · 22" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • Spark plugs3.9L-V8: BKR5EGP✓ VerifiedView
  • BatteryGroup 66 · 650 CCA min✓ VerifiedView
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Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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