Eleventh generation · Retro roadster · 2002–2005
2004Ford Thunderbird
A retro-styled two-seat convertible evoking the 1955–1957 original; the final Thunderbird, with the name retired on July 1, 2005.
Photo: “2004 Ford Thunderbird (51839333115)” by Eric Friedebach / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Quick facts
- Engines
- 1offered3.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8
- Top output
- 280hp3.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Body stylesTwo-seat convertible
Start here
What do you need to know?
This page covers the whole 2004 Ford Thunderbird model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.
Complete, source-verified lineup
Find your exact 2004 Thunderbird
Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified
We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for factory body and named-series roster with source-supported engine and transmission combinations; option packages are excluded unless Ford marketed them as distinct models. Every version shown below has its own detail page.
Verified 2026-09-01 from Ford Motor Company — 2004 Thunderbird factory sales brochure (Ford Heritage Vault AR-96-212010.3597).
Thunderbird Deluxe Convertible 3.9L V8 5AT
- Body
- Two-seat convertible
- Engine
- 3.9L DOHC 32-valve V8 (280 hp)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed automatic overdrive (SelectShift available)
- Built
- Regular production
Thunderbird Premium Convertible 3.9L V8 5AT
- Body
- Two-seat convertible
- Engine
- 3.9L DOHC 32-valve V8 (280 hp)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed automatic overdrive (SelectShift available)
- Built
- Regular production
No factory configuration matches those filters.
The 2004 model year
Overview
The 2004 Thunderbird continued in Deluxe and Premium series with the 280-hp, 286-lb-ft 3.9-liter DOHC V8 and five-speed automatic. Ford again offered SelectShift, the removable porthole hardtop, and multiple interior/appearance packages as options rather than separate powertrains.
Specifications
- Engines
- 3.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8280 hp
- Transmissions
- 5-speed automatic overdrive, SelectShift manual-control feature (optional)
- Body styles
- Two-seat convertible
Year over year
What changed
- The 2003 280-hp powertrain specification carried over.
- Sirius-capable audio and revised wheel and appearance choices featured in the brochure.
- Deluxe and Premium remained the published series.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The Light Sand appearance package changed trim and top colors, not the vehicle's model or powertrain.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Confirm the removable top, SelectShift, and appearance-package equipment individually; none changes basic engine fitment.
- Use Ford's exact 2004 maintenance guide for interval and 3.9-liter applicability.
Maintenance & service parts
Keep your 2004 Thunderbird on the road
Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.
Service desk
What this car needs & when
Use this as a service-planning checklist for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.
- Service topics
- 7
- Factory intervals
- 6
- Fitment-scoped
- 7
- Exact references
- 1
Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.
Engine oil and filter
Sourced interval available
Source: Ford — 2004 model-year Scheduled Maintenance Guide · Scheduled Maintenance Guide page 30 — normal schedule for cars and minivans · checked
Engine air filter
Sourced interval available
Source: Ford — 2004 model-year Scheduled Maintenance Guide · Scheduled Maintenance Guide page 32 — normal schedule for cars and minivans · checked
Fuel filter
Sourced interval available
Source: Ford — 2004 model-year Scheduled Maintenance Guide · Scheduled Maintenance Guide page 32 — normal schedule for cars and minivans · checked
Cabin air filter
Sourced interval available
Source: Ford — 2004 model-year Scheduled Maintenance Guide · Scheduled Maintenance Guide page 31 — normal schedule for cars and minivans · checked
Spark plugs
Sourced interval available
Source: Ford — 2004 model-year Scheduled Maintenance Guide · Scheduled Maintenance Guide page 37 — normal schedule for cars and minivans · checked
Premium Gold engine coolant
Sourced interval available
Source: Ford — 2004 model-year Scheduled Maintenance Guide · Scheduled Maintenance Guide page 37 — normal schedule for cars and minivans; exceptions page 45 · checked
Engine oil filter — catalog fitment
Exact reference available
This manufacturer application record establishes replacement-filter fitment only; it does not establish a service interval.
Baldwin B1435
Baldwin B1435
Source: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · Ford 2004 — Thunderbird application, printed catalog page 236, Lube column · checked
Verified ordering references
- Validated equivalentBaldwin B1435
Qty. 1 · Engine lubricating-oil filter · catalog-listed
Cataloged for the 2004 Ford Thunderbird. Confirm VIN, installed engine, and filter housing before ordering.
Catalog: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · Ford 2004 — Thunderbird application, printed catalog page 236, Lube column · checked
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