Ford - Thunderbird (2004)

In the world of luxury convertibles, the Ford Thunderbird stands out as an icon of style and performance. 2011 was the year the line was retired, but the 2004 Ford Thunderbird remains a coveted model among collectors and enthusiasts. If you’re wondering about the Ford Thunderbird price for a newly finished model, or curious about the Ford Thunderbird 2004 price on the used market, this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of specs, pricing trends, depreciation, and how it stacks up against peers.

• Engine: 3.5‑liter V6 (Ford 3.5L V6)
• Transmission: 6‑speed automatic (Shark‑Shaft S-6)
• Power: 277 hp / 260 lb‑ft torque
• Fuel Type: Regular unleaded gasoline
• Drive: Rear‑wheel drive (RWD)
• Top Speed: 125 mph (estimated)
• 0‑60 mph: 6.6 seconds (est.)
• Dimensions: Length 194.2 in, Width 76.5 in, Height 57.7 in
• Wheelbase: 106.5 in
• Weight: Approx. 3,970 lbs (curb weight)
• Inside Features: Leather upholstery, dual front speakers, heated front seats, wood trim
• Exterior Features: Panoramic sunroof, power‑folding convertible top, 18‑inch alloy wheels

With those specs in mind, let’s dive into the financial picture. The Ford Thunderbird price varies dramatically between new and used markets. A brand‑new 2004 Ford Thunderbird would have retailed at around $30,000–$35,000 at launch, but that model is no longer in production. As a result, buyers now rely on the used marketplace where prices fluctuate on condition, mileage, geographic location, and market demand. Expect a low‑mile, factory‑certified example to be priced roughly 10–15% lower than a comparable used mainstream sedan, while a higher‑mile, older example may fall at the bottom of the used‑car spectrum.

Depreciation Snapshot

Depreciation is a key factor when planning a purchase. Ford Thunderbird depreciation typically follows the pattern of luxury vehicles that offer limited production and strong reliability. Rough estimates are as follows:

• First Year: 15‑20% decline from the original MSRP
• Second Year: 10‑13% decline from the first‑year value
• Third to Fifth Year: Average 8‑10% yearly decline as the vehicle enters the ‘classic’ category
• Beyond Five Years: Slow decay at 4‑6% per year as the vehicle ages and becomes a collector’s item

For example, a 2004 Thunderbird that started at $25,000 might trade for close to $20,000 after two years if it has under 30,000 miles of road and has been immaculately maintained. Such depreciation figures do not consider under‑the‑hood rust or interior wear, both of which can quickly erode value.

What Is a 2004 Ford Thunderbird Worth?

The real answer to what is a 2004 Ford Thunderbird worth is context‑dependent. Key drivers include:

• Mileage: Sub‑30,000 miles → premium pricing; 50–70k miles → moderate; >70k miles → lower.
• Condition: Factory‑certified, service‑history documented → higher price.
• Location: Coastal states with higher car‑tax laws may fetch slightly higher prices due to demand.
• Trim level: SE (Standard Edition) vs. Midnight Blue Rally Edition → added rarity.

While it is difficult to provide a definitive number, you’ll often find the used