Wow, this isn’t your Grampa’s version. It was over fifty years ago when Ford first came out with the Thunderbird. Looking back to the 50′. Today, we’re awash in a sea of car choices, and people still in masses.

The roadster version of the Thunderbird was introduced back in 2002. Ford reincarnated the original 50′s style two seat roadster for this new edition. There’s no mistaking this version from its mid-50′s roots. All fans gawked as the trademark porthole windows. The Ford Thunderbird sold the most in the first year of production, and then fell down each year after. After four years, Ford ended its production.  {This was always a great car, as long as you have a windscreen to tame the wind while driving top-down}.

This car shared a shorter version of the rear wheel drive platform provided for the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type sedans. Under the hood, the only option for power was the 3.9 liter, V8, which was also shared with the LS. For the simple minded, the Ford Thunderbird came with only one transmission option, a five speed manual or automatic. Off the factory line, the Ford Thunderbird also came equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, side airbags, and stunning 17-inch alloy wheels. If you’re in the mood to splurge, then you can get the fancy chrome wheels and traction control. One of the other needed accessories is a Thunderbird windscreen (windblocker or wind deflector), or see convertible windscreen reviews for more options. This new version of the Thunderbird also carries plenty of passenger room, as well as space in the trunk, which is a delightful change from usual roadsters. This car does tend to be heavy, compromising handling on curvy roads and acceleration.

Those in the market for a used Thunderbird will be please with the selection for configurations and body types. Those who go for the thrills will want the extra power in the engine, while usualists seek traditional comfort found in a more rigid chassis.

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When the author isn’t driving around in her Thunderbird, she’s a fan of theFord Thunderbird windscreen windblocker wind deflector, best psychics, and theSeattle HCG Diet.

The Crossfire is available as either a two-set coupe or a roadster (in which case, you’ll need a Crossfire windscreen (windblocker wind deflector). The Crossfire is build upon the Mercedes Benz SLK underpinning, a somewhat older choice. The result is a sluggish car with unresponsive steering and poor aerodynamics. People were balanced in their compliments: they like the outside of the car, but hated its inside. Quite conspicuously, other cars in the Crossfire’s family of competition offered much better interiors. In the end, the Crossfire isn’t a hot-rod of a car. The Crossfire is not fast or quick, and the gas millage is lousy to boot.

The Crossfire came out in the summer of 2003 as a coupe only. Then, the two seater roadster then followed in 2005. A new high performance SRT6 version was introduced latter in fall, providing a supercharged 3/2 liter, V6 engine. The Crossfire delivers an impressive 330 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the only transmission choice for the SRT6 was the heavy duty five speed automatic. Finally, additional suspension components were added, which improved handling but hurt ride smoothness.  Finally, performance tires can significantly improve the ride characteristics of the Crossfire, adding a lot more fun and glees of fun.

Hearing the chants of the mob about high prices, Chrysler constructed a simpler Crossfire in 2005 with a smaller price tag. To answer demand for more personalization, the Crossfire came with greater choices for color, trim levels, and wheel styles. Even with all these different styles, the roadster is still the most popular version.

The Crossfire has been dropping off the sale significance for the last two years, so 2009 may be its last year in production.  The roadster will most likely remain the most popular version of the Crossfire.  There isn’t a strong prosepct for this car in the collector marketplace.  This car will certainly be missed by its fans and the auto industry alike.

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When the author isn’t driving her own Crossfire, she’s a fan of the ChryslerCrossfire windscreen windblocker wind deflector, psychic readings, and the  Seattle HCG Diet.