1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe review from North America

Cooling fan (plastic) cracked.

Throw-out bearing is prone to chatter. Replaced it at 18K and it's doing it again.

Some have warped brake rotors, but it's a problem with many Fords of the same vintage.

Rear springs are prone to slight sag.

Antilock brake booster wears out prematurely. Gives a lot of prior warning -- light goes off and on.

Driving with the driver's seat base far forward will eventually loosen and/or crack the plastic housing that covers the housing. But this is cosmetic.

ABS plastic nose cone and header are a real weakness. They crack easily if hit and offer little protection for the radiator. Buy a couple of spares if you plan to keep the car forever.

Voltage regulator on some late '87 Fords goes haywire. Gas and temperature gauges will fluctuate bizzarely or peg out at high and stay there.

A/C developed a big leak 2 years ago and I have yet to repair or convert it from R12.

Check engine light occasionally lights, but nobody has found anything wrong. Also lights if following or idling behind a vehicle with emission problems, so I've nearly concluded it's a sensor.

Change the timing belt if there's any doubt.

Economical: 33 MPG highway @70 - 80 MPH. Huge gas tank, like 22 gal or so.

"Giant sucking sound" around town, 5-speed is a pig there. Or maybe it's my driving ;-)

No problems with the turbo or intercooler. All seals still good.

Motor mounts are still holding.

Original clutch has a lot left.

Power stering & rack are okay.

Automatic shocks work.

Got almost 28K (honest) out of the original tires, mostly highway.

Paint's good, car has always been indoors. Has a hood that you can see from inside the car.

Current car - '00 Buick LaSabre Custom as close as you can get to a Turbo Coupe for driveabilty and economy in a new car.