- Gas
- Two-seaters
- MY2002–2005
Ford Thunderbird MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
4 model years · 2002–2005
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Ford Thunderbird fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Ford Thunderbird for 4 model years, 2002 to 2005. Across those years its combined rating runs 17–18 MPG. The latest model year, 2005, has 2 configurations rated 18 MPG combined and costing $4,460 a year to fuel at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2002 is the 2005 Thunderbird 3.9L 8-cyl RWD, at 18 MPG. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 19 MPG in 1984.
Ford Thunderbird MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2005 (11th gen) Generation page | ||
| 2005 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 2004 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 2003 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 2002 | 17 | $4,730 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Ford Thunderbird generations
1 generations between 2002 and 2005. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2005 powertrain options
Ford Thunderbird MPG history, 1984–1997
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 18–19 |
| 1996 | 18–19 |
| 1995 | 18–19 |
| 1994 | 18–19 |
| 1993 | 17–20 |
| 1992 | 17–20 |
| 1991 | 18–20 |
| 1990 | 18–20 |
Show 6 more years
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 17–20 |
| 1988 | 17–21 |
| 1987 | 18–19 |
| 1986 | 18–20 |
| 1985 | 17–19 |
| 1984 | 16–19 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
More Ford models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ford Thunderbird's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Ford Thunderbird run 17–18 MPG across model years 2002 to 2005. The latest year, 2005, is rated 18 MPG.
Which Ford Thunderbird model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005 Ford Thunderbird Thunderbird 3.9L 8-cyl RWD has the highest combined rating since 2002, at 18 MPG.
How much does a Ford Thunderbird cost to fuel per year?
For MY2005, EPA-rated configurations cost $4,460 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $4,460.
Has the Ford Thunderbird's fuel economy improved over time?
Yes. The most efficient configuration moved from 17 MPG in 2002 to 18 MPG in 2005, 1 MPG more. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 19 MPG.