2002 Ford Thunderbird specs & fuel economy
The 2002 Ford Thunderbird is rated 17 MPG combined by the EPA (15 city, 22 highway). That is 9% below the 18.7 MPG average across the 48 EPA configurations in the 2002 Two Seaters class, placing it in the 35th percentile of its class. At 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon it costs about $2,471 a year to run.
EPA data snapshot imported 2026-09-06 · United States · US gallons
The 2002 Ford Thunderbird has 1 EPA-listed configuration in our 2026-09-06 data snapshot. Listed transmissions: Automatic 5-spd. Compare the engine, drive type and fuel ratings below before matching an individual car by VIN.
How the 2002 Ford Thunderbird compares in its class
EPA publishes each configuration on its own. Ranking one against every configuration EPA rated in the same class and model year is our calculation from the 2026-09-06 snapshot, not an EPA figure.
- Combined rating
- 17 MPG
- 2002 Two Seaters average
- 18.7 MPG
- Difference
- 9% below average
- Rank in class
- 35th percentile of 48 configurations
- Reference annual energy cost
- $2,471 · 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon
The class average covers every 2002 configuration EPA rated in the Two Seaters class, compared in MPG only, so electric and liquid-fuel ratings are never mixed. The reference cost is a fixed assumption for comparison; the calculator below takes your own mileage and prices.
Engine, transmission and fuel economy
The single 2002 Thunderbird configuration EPA rated, with a link to its source record. Combined primary-fuel ratings: 17 MPG. Missing values remain “Not reported.”
| Engine / transmission / drive | Primary fuel | City | Highway | Combined | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 8-cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | 17 MPG | EPA #17353 |
What would it cost you to run?
Enter your own mileage and prices — these are assumptions, not live pump prices.
| Configuration | Annual cost | Calculation basis |
|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 8-cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #17353 | $2,471 | Premium Gasoline operation |
Miles ÷ combined MPG × price per gallon; electric versions use miles ÷ 100 × kWh/100 miles × price per kWh. Plug-in hybrids show gasoline operation only. Maintenance, insurance and depreciation are excluded.
Enter your VIN. Check the car before you buy.
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See what the paid report includes →Use these specs to check a 2002 Thunderbird listing
- Confirm the seller’s car is a 2002 Ford Thunderbird with the Automatic 5-spd.
- Check that it takes Premium Gasoline on the vehicle’s own fuel label.
- Run the VIN for identity, title and reported history — none of which is in this EPA data.
- Check open recalls on the NHTSA lookup and have the car inspected.
Compare nearby model years
These links match the EPA model name. They do not establish that parts or equipment are interchangeable between years.
Sources reviewed
Open the underlying public source and verify that its scope matches the question you are asking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird?
The 2002 Ford Thunderbird is rated 17 MPG combined by the EPA (15 city, 22 highway). That is 9% below the 18.7 MPG average across the 48 EPA configurations in the 2002 Two Seaters class, placing it in the 35th percentile of its class. At 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon it costs about $2,471 a year to run.
What transmission does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have?
EPA records list Automatic 5-spd across the 1 rated configuration of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird. These are model-level configurations. Match the individual car’s VIN and factory build information before identifying a replacement transmission.
What fuel does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird use?
The 2002 Ford Thunderbird is listed with Premium Gasoline. Match the particular configuration and follow the vehicle’s fuel label and owner’s manual.
How much does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird cost to run per year?
About $2,471 in fuel or energy at 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon, using the 17 MPG combined EPA rating. That excludes maintenance, insurance, depreciation and charging-session fees. Enter your own mileage and prices in the calculator on this page for a figure that matches your driving.
Are these the exact specifications of my Thunderbird?
These are the 1 EPA model-year configuration recorded for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, not a decode of an individual VIN or a complete trim catalogue. Confirm identity, installed equipment and service requirements with the car’s VIN and manufacturer records.
Will I achieve the listed fuel economy?
EPA ratings support comparisons under standardized test conditions. Your result depends on driving, weather, tyres, load, charging pattern and vehicle condition. The cost calculator uses the listed combined rating and your entered prices.