1986 Ford Thunderbird Coupe review from North America
"Classic from the 80's"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced the windshield wiper motor.
Replaced the power window motor in the passenger door.
Replaced a blown head gasket, had the heads re-machined to true due to warping caused by an incorrect repair job before I got the car. <--97000 miles.
Replaced the water pump at 104000 miles.
Replaced a voltage regulator twice, then bought a heavy duty one and it's worked fine since.
Replaced the front struts and rear shocks due to age and wear @ 107000 miles.
Replaced the front brake rotors at 111000.
Minor electrical problems, such as the digital speedometer is permanently dimmed all the way.
Paint has not aged as well as I would like, bright red is now reddish orange unless freshly waxed.
General comments?
Great first car.
The body styling still gets comments as she's clean and has had a recent wax job.
Fun to drive, but the V6 feels low in power. I'd get the V8 in this model if you could find one.
Handles very well for a mid-size coupe.
Hey, my first car - she's my baby and I'll drive her until she won't start anymore.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 litre V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 87000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 116000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st December, 2001 |