Ford · 1984–2005 · Gas
Ford Thunderbird MPG by year
The EPA has rated 18 model years of the Ford Thunderbird, from 1984 to 2005. The most fuel-efficient year is the 1988, at 21 MPG combined in its best configuration. The best 2005 model is 5% less efficient than the best 1984 model (18 vs. 19 MPG). The 2005 model is about as efficient as the median two-seater (18 MPG).
Combined MPG by model year
- Thunderbird, most efficient version
- Range across configurations
- Class median
Shaded band: range across that year's configurations. Class median: same-year models in the same class, rated in MPG. Click a point to open that model year; the table below lists every value.
Every Thunderbird model year
| Year | Type | Best combined | City / Hwy | Class median | Range | Configs | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Gas | 18 MPG | 16 / 22 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,292 |
| 2004 | Gas | 18 MPG | 15 / 21 | 18 | — | 2 | $3,292 |
| 2003 | Gas | 18 MPG | 16 / 22 | 17 | — | 2 | $3,292 |
| 2002 | Gas | 17 MPG | 15 / 22 | 17.5 | — | 1 | $3,485 |
| 1997 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 18 |
16 / 24 | 20 | — | 2 | $2,447 |
| 1996 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 18 |
17 / 24 | 21 | — | 2 | $2,447 |
| 1995 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 18 |
17 / 24 | 20 | — | 4 | $2,447 |
| 1994 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 18 |
17 / 24 | 20 | — | 4 | $2,447 |
| 1993 | Gas | 20 MPG lowest 17 |
17 / 24 | 19 | — | 4 | $2,325 |
| 1992 | Gas | 20 MPG lowest 17 |
18 / 25 | 19 | — | 4 | $2,325 |
| 1991 | Gas | 20 MPG lowest 18 |
17 / 24 | 19 | — | 4 | $2,325 |
| 1990 | Gas | 20 MPG lowest 18 |
17 / 24 | 20 | — | 3 | $2,325 |
| 1989 | Gas | 20 MPG lowest 17 |
17 / 25 | 20.5 | — | 3 | $2,325 |
| 1988 | Gas | 21 MPG lowest 17 |
18 / 25 | 24 | — | 4 | $2,214 |
| 1987 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 18 |
16 / 24 | 24 | — | 4 | $2,447 |
| 1986 | Gas | 20 MPG lowest 18 |
18 / 24 | 25 | — | 5 | $2,325 |
| 1985 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 17 |
17 / 24 | 25 | — | 7 | $2,447 |
| 1984 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 16 |
17 / 24 | 24 | — | 9 | $2,447 |
Fuel cost uses today's default prices for every year so model years compare like for like. Sort any column.
Compare Thunderbird model years
See how much a newer Thunderbird would save over an older one.
Models similar to the Ford Thunderbird
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Thunderbird year has the best fuel economy?
The 1988 Ford Thunderbird, rated up to 21 MPG combined. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, that works out to about $2,214 a year.
Which Ford Thunderbird year has the worst fuel economy?
The 2002 model, whose most efficient version is rated 17 MPG combined (about $3,485 a year to fuel).
What is the fuel economy of the latest Ford Thunderbird?
The 2005 Ford Thunderbird is rated up to 18 MPG combined.