1989 Ford Thunderbird LX review from North America

Replaced the fuel tank sensor three times within the first six months of ownership (under warranty). The last one must have been good, I still have it and no problems noted.

Brake disks warped, replaced twice under warranty. Ford never did get this right, these are warped, too, despite being turned when the brakes were done at 90,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 121,000 miles, the brushes were worn. New brushes cost $18 and took about 10 minutes with one socket wrench to replace. The alternator was not removed from the car. This just impressed the heck out of me!

Left head gasket cracked at 147,000, replaced both and surfaced the heads. Total cost, $250.

Air conditioner compressor locked due to low freon at 155,000 and overheated, causing one of the original hoses to blow out. Remanufactured compressor and conversion to new CFC-free coolant was $550, including labor.

Window motors have given me trouble within the last year, to the tune of about $240.

I've spent less than $1,300 on unscheduled maintenance on this car since new, and $1,504 on scheduled maintenance. A stunning declaration of quality.

Very nice highway ride, not quite "floating" but close. Pretty long-travel suspension, so it handles "whoops" type bumps well. Less sure on chatter-type bumps or broken pavement.

Corners very well, due to very sturdy anti-roll bars.

Doesn't handle asymmetric bumps (speed bumps or bad driveway entrances) taken at an angle very well, due to those same bars. Can be overcome by driving straight-on.

The best-balanced (fore-aft) car I've ever driven. Perfectly competent on icy roads, despite being rear-drive.

Very efficient with this engine. The transmission has a locking torque converter in 3 and 4, which contributes to mileages in the high 20s and even low 30s at 60 mph on level highways (such as around Houston). I have records showing that I *averaged* 28+ mpg on my routine trip between Houston and Tyler, 190 miles with some good hills during the last one third, for over two years! One trip with a slight tailwind turned 30.5 mpg. Incredible for such a heavy, quiet, and luxurious car.