1988 Ford Thunderbird Base review from North America
"A rolling trash can"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Heater core has been replaced.
Head gaskets blew.
Parking brakes have seized twice.
Front brakes have been replaced; they were machined twice before being replaced.
Rear brakes have been problematic.
Bearing in the rear axle had to be replaced.
Front struts had to be replaced.
Front wheel bearings were replaced.
Gas tank replaced.
Voltage regulator replaced.
Fan switch seized and melted.
Axle seals had to be replaced.
My fuel pump has started making a noise.
The transmission is starting to slip.
All sorts of seals are leaking.
The car is starting to burn oil.
General comments?
This car is the epitomy of a death by a thousand cuts. Everything will seem alright and then one day something will just break. $400 later everything is fixed and the car is running like a dream. I get comfortable with it, thinking that it will be good for another 20k, and then out of the blue something else needs fixing. This car nickels and dimes you dry. It all happens slowly enough that I have made the mistake of not selling it long ago.
I maintain the car meticulously. If it breaks I fix it immediately. There just doesn't seem to be any end to the repairs. Totally unrelated items on the vehicle will break.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 158000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 204000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 24th April, 2001 |