What year did Ford stop making Thunderbirds?
The original Ford Thunderbird ended production after the 1997 model year. Ford briefly revived the Thunderbird from 2002 to 2005, after which the model was discontinued again.
Original Thunderbird production timeline
Here's a concise look at the classic Thunderbird’s run before the 1997 farewell.
- The Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 as a two-seat personal luxury car and evolved through multiple generations, remaining in production until the end of the original run in 1997.
- Over the decades it retained the name across redesigns, but the original era concluded with the 1997 model year.
In short, the classic Thunderbird lineup ended in 1997, marking the close of its original era.
Thunderbird revival: 2002–2005
Ford briefly brought back the Thunderbird in the early 2000s with a retro-inspired two-seat roadster, and this revival lasted only a few model years.
- The 2002 Thunderbird was redesigned with retro styling cues and produced for the 2002–2005 model years.
- Sales were modest, and Ford discontinued the Thunderbird after 2005, ending the revival and the nameplate for the time being.
The revival ended after 2005, and Ford has not produced a new Thunderbird since then.
Why production ended again
Market demand, cost considerations, and shifting corporate strategy contributed to the decision to discontinue the Thunderbird both in 1997 and after the 2005 revival.
Summary
Final takeaway: The original Ford Thunderbird ceased production after the 1997 model year, and a later retro revival ran from 2002 to 2005. Since 2005, Ford has not produced a new Thunderbird.
