Who makes Thunderbird?

Thunderbird is an open-source email client developed and maintained by the Mozilla Foundation, the same organization behind the popular web browser Firefox. Thunderbird is a free and feature-rich email application that has been a go-to choice for many users since its initial release in 2003.

What is Thunderbird?

Thunderbird is a cross-platform email, news, and calendar client that provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for managing their digital communications. It is designed to be a user-friendly and customizable alternative to proprietary email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail.

Thunderbird offers a wide range of features, including:

• Support for multiple email accounts (POP3, IMAP, and Exchange)


• Robust spam filtering and message organization tools


• Integrated calendar and task management functionality


• Customizable themes and add-ons to enhance the user experience


• Secure encryption and digital signing of emails

One of the key advantages of Thunderbird is its open-source nature, which allows for continuous development and improvement by a community of developers and contributors. This ensures that the software remains up-to-date, secure, and responsive to the evolving needs of its users.

Who Develops Thunderbird?

Thunderbird is developed and maintained by the Mozilla Foundation, the same non-profit organization that is responsible for the popular web browser, Firefox. The Mozilla Foundation is a global community of volunteers and employees who work together to create and maintain a wide range of open-source software and web technologies.

The Thunderbird project is led by a team of dedicated developers and contributors who are passionate about providing users with a reliable and feature-rich email client. The project is funded through a combination of donations, grants, and partnerships, ensuring that Thunderbird remains a free and accessible tool for users around the world.

Conclusion

In summary, Thunderbird is an open-source email client developed and maintained by the Mozilla Foundation, a non-profit organization known for its commitment to open-source software and web technologies. With its robust feature set, customizability, and strong community support, Thunderbird has become a popular choice for users seeking a reliable and secure email management solution.

When did they stop making Thunderbirds?

Ford stopped making Thunderbirds in 2005, with the final model rolling off the assembly line on July 1, 2005. The eleventh-generation model was discontinued after the 2005 model year due to declining sales, and Ford has not brought the nameplate back to production since.
 

• Final Model Year: The last model year for the Thunderbird was 2005. 
• Last Vehicle: The final car was manufactured on July 1, 2005, at Ford's Wixom, Michigan, plant. 
• Reason for Discontinuation: The eleventh-generation T-bird, a retro-styled convertible, failed to sustain interest after its initial popularity, leading to a decline in sales. 

Why did the Ford Thunderbird fail?

The last-generation Ford Thunderbird (2002–2005) failed due to a combination of factors, including a lack of performance, high price, and design compromises that made it less practical and appealing than its predecessors. Key issues included a weak engine, an uninspiring interior, its impractical two-seater design, and competition from more performance-oriented cars. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the performance issues of the Ford Thunderbird: 57sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Sep 5, 2019
Performance and engineering

• Underwhelming engine: The 3.9-liter V8 engine started with 250 horsepower and was increased to 280 horsepower, but this was considered insufficient for a car in its price range and not powerful enough to compete with modern sports cars. 
• Shared platform: The car shared its platform with the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type, which led to design compromises and didn't help it stand out in the market. 
• Unreliable engine components: The V8 engine had known reliability issues, including problems with the plastic water pump propeller and coil packs. 

This video explains some of the reliability issues of the Ford Thunderbird engine: 30sPerformance On WheelsYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Market and design

• Impractical design: Being a two-seater convertible made it impractical for many buyers who would have preferred a four-seater. 
• High price point: The car was priced between $40,000$ 40 comma 000$40,000 and $50,000$ 50 comma 000$50,000, a high cost for a car with an interior that used hard plastics and shared components with less expensive models. 
• Retro design flaws: While the retro styling was intended to appeal to nostalgia, the execution was criticized for being a compromise between retro and modern, with the interior not matching the price point. 

This video discusses the design issues and compromises of the Ford Thunderbird: 53smotorbilityYouTube · Mar 17, 2025
Sales and marketing

• Lost interest: The car came out after the buying public had already lost some interest in the retro design trend, contributing to weak sales. 
• Poor marketing: The marketing effort for the car was also considered inadequate, which made it difficult to sell a car in the near-luxury price range. 

Does Ford make Thunderbirds anymore?

No, Ford's current production of the Thunderbird ended in 2005, with the last model rolling off the assembly line in July of that year. While there have been rumors and speculation about a future return, the vehicle was officially discontinued due to declining sales. 
This video explains the history and the discontinuation of the Ford Thunderbird: 36sTheAutoReportYouTube · May 19, 2025

• The final production run of the eleventh-generation Thunderbird ended in July 2005. 
• The discontinuation was due to a significant drop in sales after the initial relaunch in 2002. 
• There have been no announcements of a new model being produced or planned to replace the one that ended in 2005, though the nameplate has been the subject of discussion for potential future use. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the potential new Thunderbird and its features: 59sTheAutoReportYouTube · Jun 23, 2025

How much is a 1963 Thunderbird worth today?

The value of a 1963 Ford Thunderbird varies significantly, with prices typically ranging from approximately $8,000 to $72,995, depending on its condition, mileage, and features. Examples in good to average condition might be valued around $33,267, while exceptional or rare versions can fetch over $50,000 or even more. Low-end models, requiring extensive restoration, can be found for as little as $2,550.
 
Factors that influence value

• Condition: A car's overall condition, including its mechanical soundness, interior wear, and exterior finish, is the most significant factor. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally increases a car's value. 
• Body style: Models like the Sports Roadster are more valuable than standard hardtops or convertibles. 
• Options: Desirable factory options, such as air conditioning, can increase a vehicle's worth. 
• History: A well-documented history and original configuration are positive factors. 
• Rarity: Less common versions, such as the rare M-Code convertibles, command higher prices. 

Examples of 1963 Ford Thunderbird values

• Average condition: Around $33,267 
• High-end / rare: Prices can exceed $50,000 for desirable models like the Sports Roadster. 
• Low-end: As low as $2,550 for cars needing significant repairs. 
• Current listings: Examples for sale online can range from about $8,000 to over $70,000.