I had a 97 Thunderbird years ago. A bit underpowered with the non-PI 4.6L, but it was still a fun and comfortable cruiser.
I always had dreams of doing a 6-speed manual swap (which I think has finally gotten easier when the Mustang went to a remote shifter) but just never could get around to it before I let it go.
I have no idea what they are worth today, but it was crazy how cheap you could pick up an MN12 Thunderbird in the mid-2000's.
The styling of the Fox T-bird is not my favorite. Not horrible, but I'd rather have the Mustang.