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T-Bird will in end in 2004 or 2005 (Page 1)
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ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
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T-Bird will in end in 2004 or 2005 (Page 1)
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| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Tires, Rims Discusssion |
| Author | Topic: T-Bird will in end in 2004 or 2005 |
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JCProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 1022 |
posted 04-22-2003 01:31 AM
Hot off the press the Ford T-Bird could end in 2004 or 2005. Reason: poor sales. I said from the the get go, it looks like the Chervon toy car... |
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Black Tie 161 Prowler Junkie Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-22-2003 06:47 AM
 My wife just got one. We think it is a beautiful car, and even sharper in person. It still screams "chick car" though. maybe the lines were too feminine for strong sales for men and women. It's a shame to see it go, but that just makes my wife's car more exclusive! Honestly, ya know why I think the T-Bird had soft sales...Have you seen the color selection for '03? Black and Red were the only nice colors out of the 5 offered. We got an '02 just for the color they offered that year. |
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dbickel Prowler Junkie Posts: 57 |
posted 04-22-2003 07:42 AM
I just read that Ford is supposedly working on an even more retro Thunderbird to replace the current one. I was not surprised by this announcement as everytime I drive by a Ford dealer, they usually have 15-20 Thunderbirds on their lot sitting. I wonder if Chevy has done any reconsideration about their new SSR truck. I have talked with a couple people who like it but havent spoken to one who says they are going to buy one. |
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ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 |
posted 04-22-2003 08:35 AM
I thought the headlight styling (ala 1996 Dodge Neon) would hurt the appearance/sales. After I seen a couple up close and noticed the poor fit of panels, etc.,,,,,,I knew it was a matter of short time before the end. It wasn't one of their Better Ideas,,,,sorry. |
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MIKE GATLIN Prowler Junkie Posts: 4307 |
posted 04-22-2003 08:40 AM
In Fords words, they will "rest" the T-Bird after 2004, but will probably resurrect it at times in the future. Restyling makes some sense, I have always loved the car but don't think I would have known it was retro if they hadn't told me. |
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BlackAMX Prowler Junkie Posts: 292 |
posted 04-22-2003 09:58 AM
It looks like a guppy. |
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dbudner Prowler Junkie Posts: 1391 |
posted 04-22-2003 10:13 AM
If they would have done something a bit different in the rear and had a few more ponies, it probably would have done better. Not a bad looking car, but definately not a prowler imho. |
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Bob Goetz Prowler Junkie Posts: 2895 |
posted 04-22-2003 10:44 AM
If anyone has caught the cable show on the discovery channel called Rides the restyle Chip Foose did was awesome. I may getting that show for DVD and Video distribution from the company my dads at is so I will let you know. |
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 2895 |
posted 04-22-2003 12:07 PM
What made the T-bird special way back when, was the fact it was Ford's two-seater sports car. Not smart enough to leave good enough alone, they bloated it up weightwise, reduced horsepower, and eventually made it into a 4-5 seater. By the time they were finished with it, it looked like a two door version of the LTD (produced at that time). Fast forward 20 some odd years. I can't put my finger on it but, something is lacking. Is it a watered down sports car or a two seater family car? In the end, I suspect the bean counters were the ones that reduced it to what it currently is which really isn't defined by any singular group. I guess their goal was to try to appeal to as may diverse groups as possible. As far as the new colors, I saw one in charcoal grey with "Coach" colored leather interior. That looked sharp to me. |
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Black Tie 161 Prowler Junkie Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-22-2003 12:21 PM
Bob: I saw that episode...amazing. Chip Foose semed to have had influence on the Prowler concept too. |
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GRROWL Prowler Junkie Posts: 2404 |
posted 04-22-2003 04:17 PM
I love and thank the new T-Bird! I first saw it on a Ford ad in early 2000 - ran right out to buy one - dealer said it wouldn't be available for 2 years. I was in the retro mood. Bought GRROWL and Petey (wife's PT Cruiser). THANK YOU FORD AND T-BIRD! -GRROWL |
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superdoppler Prowler Junkie Posts: 344 |
posted 04-22-2003 08:04 PM
Concept unveiled of possible new Thunderbird: http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=1567 |
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Gene Prowler Junkie Posts: 1256 |
posted 04-22-2003 08:18 PM
I think the dealers had a LOT to do with poor sales.I tried to buy one [no trade]at two diff.dealers in St.Pete.and Clearwater FL.area and each dealer had 12to 15,000.00 extra markup and would not sell for less.Sounded like dealers with Prowlers in early days.I was so fed up with this sales practice I refuse to by any Ford product.I sure hope Chrysler learned a lesson from dealer mistakes when Crossfire is released.I understand each dealer is a indep.business but each dealer is still controlled some what by manufactor. |
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Black Tie 161 Prowler Junkie Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-23-2003 11:18 AM
Gene...GREAT POINT! We have another local dealer asking 51K for the 03 models. I agree...Greedy delaers helped kill the sales! |
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-23-2003 12:10 PM
quote: Using that logic, why did you buy a Prowler or any Chrysler product? They were asking alot more the $15K over sticker when the Prowler came out and if I'm not mistaken, the first shipment or two of PT's was averaging $5K+ over sticker. It's really not Ford or Chrysler's fault, it's the dealers who are getting greedy. Ford and Chrysler both get what they charge the dealer (considerably less then sticker) whether the dealer gets sticker or $30K over sticker selling the car to a consumer. Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW have a policy that you can't sell new cars for a penny more then sticker or you'll lose your license to sell their product. Dealers get around this by have loyal customers buy 2-3 of the cars and then sell them back to them for a small profit. Once on the used car lot (with only 25 miles on it the OD) they are free to charge whatever they want for the "used" car. The ploy is, "you can wait 2+ years to order one at $48K OR you can buy it today for $68K" As long as folks are willing to pay over sticker, this will still be the best game in town for the dealers. |
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-23-2003 12:12 PM
quote: All that is is some cladding on the current model. They even say that in the thread |
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-23-2003 12:16 PM
quote: Don't blame the dealer, they are just catering to the whims of the buying public. So long as folks are willing to pay $5-10-20K over stikcer for any car, they will ask it. If no one would buy at that price (like the last year of the Prowler) prices will plummet. The dealer is just getting as much as he possibly can while the product is hot. Honestly, wouldn't we all do the same if we had a product to sell where the supply was shorter then the demand????? |
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MOZART Prowler Junkie Posts: 76 |
posted 04-23-2003 12:57 PM
i don't know if any of you got to drive the new t bird but i got one about 3 weeks ago and it's as much fun to drive as the prowler bob |
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Marty Usher Prowler Junkie Posts: 13833 |
posted 04-23-2003 01:26 PM
quote: Blasphemy! |
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CJ Prowler Junkie Posts: 18860 |
posted 04-23-2003 01:34 PM
quote: Not when it comes to pricing......... I read an article in Automotive News that everyone is in an uproar over the the Goat, too! Trying to bring it back, but no one likes it. This message has been edited by CJ on 04-23-2003 at 01:34 PM |
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jd2ksilver Prowler Junkie Posts: 4360 |
posted 04-23-2003 03:12 PM
quote: I'm heading the direction with Patty's T Bird. She couldn't be happier with it. And, don't beleive all that you read about end of production dates. JMO ------------------
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leon kurzweil Prowler Junkie Posts: 290 |
posted 04-23-2003 03:36 PM
I have an 02 and an 03 Tbird...they are fun, but not nearly as fun as the Prowler. The 03 actually has a much better engine/transmission and is a bit more powerful. They look good, they ride well and they always get thumbs up from passers by. It doesn't elicit nearly the attention that the Kat gets though. Actually if they stop production soon it wont natter to me. I bought them to drive but not to keep forever...the Prowler..now that I hope to keep and pass on to one of my kids. I paid sticker for both but in my efforts to buy them Oct 2001 (for the first one) every dealer was outrageously over charging..exactly as they had done with the Prowlers. As long as there are people who will pay that, the dealers will continue the practice. I'll soon find out how good a customer I am, at my local Chrysler dealer, in my effort to purchase a Crossfire! I personally will not pay a dime over sticker...so we'll see! |
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Black Tie 161 Prowler Junkie Posts: 3563 |
posted 04-24-2003 07:37 AM
quote: AC...I find that interesting....Take a look at the 56 Vette, and you will see the true influence on the front end styling! Noone compared the Vette to a Neon! |
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Marty Usher Prowler Junkie Posts: 13833 |
posted 04-24-2003 07:56 AM
BT - I always liked the grill on the 70 1/2 and 71 Camaros better without the bumper going across in front. My sister had a 72 and her husband and I got rid of the bumper crossing the grill. Imagine me modifying a vehicle?  Even though the 69 body style is still my favorite, the early 70's ones are outstanding too. |
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ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 |
posted 04-24-2003 08:48 AM
B/Tie - you could be right,,,,,on the other hand,,,why would Ford want the look of a Corvette? 70 Camaro was a sharp car,,,,it was tough decision but I went with a 70 Mustang F/B with 351 Cleveland, 4 bl, posi. Wasn't great off the line but at mid range it was a power house of fun |
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