Letters from our Readers

'Bird Watching
I just have to say one thing to Ford: It's about time. This car is gorgeous. Since the old T-Bird got the axe, I wondered what Ford would replace it with, if anything. When I saw the sketches of this car I was hopeful, but the cover of the March issue relieved any concerns I had about the future of this American icon. Glad to see Ford went back to its roots. I can't wait until it actually releases the specs and allows Motor Trend to test drive one.
Tom Sonza-Novera
St. Louis, Mo.

When my eyes scanned the March cover, I thought, "Wow, an article on the Rover MGF." Then I saw the photos were of the Thunderbird-a gorgeous sports car, finally. Surely, you have to admit the remarkable resemblance to the Rover or even the old MGB. Anyway, 260 horsepower pushing a rear axle to 145 mph for $35,000 is exciting. Can't wait for another American sports car.Roger D. De FauwMishawaka, Ind.

I've been eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new Ford Thunderbird. The news that Motor Trend was going to have an exclusive preview online was welcome, to say the least. I must say, however, that the car was not worth the wait. Ford designers have an opportunity to create a world-class car, but instead they designed a car the general public will not demand, much less buy. I can only hope they'll reconsider the design direction and possibly build the Mach III concept as a Thunderbird, or at least consult with potential customers before moving ahead.
Greg Gordon
Gastonia, N.C.

I'm very impressed with the looks of the newest Thunderbird. It's the best thing Ford has done in recent years, and it looks much better than the '99 Cougar. Once people get a taste of the new 'Bird, they'll sell like hot cakes. Everything old is new again.
Albert Spyksma
Ontario, Canada

Being a child of the '50s, I adored the sculpture, art, and bold design so typical of car models of that time. I particularly loved the '57 T-Bird. There was style, flash, chrome, and just the hint of tail fins. Such was life in America. Since those days of the so-called "gas guzzlers" are now long gone, car buyers have been forced to swallow an endless line of four-door, same-looking car models, each hopelessly shaped like the other. No style, no difference, no class, no fun. Ford seems to have done no better and all but completely missed the mark with its "concept" resurrection of the all-time favorite T-Birds ('55-'57). Instead of forging ahead with something truly retro, Ford has brought us another Taurus-esque interior, matched to a droopy-looking, knock-off T-Bird exterior (sans any chrome) and a tail end with something that curiously resembles Volkswagen taillights. What did they hope would get us, the portholes? I happen to own a Taurus and I think it's a great family car. But it's just a regular family car, nothing more. I really like it, but I don't love it. The new T-Bird deserves better.
Paul J. Gagliardi
Fitchburg, Mass.

I love the design of the new T-Bird, unfortunately, I cannot buy it because it's not practical. I can't transport a youngster in this car. Dual airbag systems require placing a child in the back seat and this car does not offer a back seat. I'm driving a T-Bird now and hope Ford will offer a solution so I can buy the new T-Bird and not switch to another car.
Ahmad Husari, MD
Weston, W.V.

I currently own a '90 Thunderbird SC with 160,000 miles, and have been eagerly awaiting the new T-Bird. I have to say I'm disappointed. Not with its style, but with the price-over 30K? Sorry, Ford, I'm going to have to look somewhere else for that affordable coupe.
R. Landers
Seattle, Wash.