1978 Ford Thunderbird review from North America
"It is the mass-produced Batmobile (mine's black)"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The transmission blew 2 weeks after purchase for $400 at a bad-rep car lot. It was a piece of junk. That was the rebuilt, the carburetor was
rebuilt, it has a rebuilt radiator, new alternator, new booster pump (for the brakes), and currently all I need is a condenser for the AC.
I've replaced the starter so many times you wouldn't believe it, which leads me to believe that the problem is the flywheel gears are too worn, in consequence it wears the starter gears rather quickly, and that's probably why I've replaced the starter 3 times in 2 years.
The driver's seat vinyl upholstery is damaged beyond repair.
Automatic locks don't work, but the windows do.
A few squeaks and rattles emitted from the dashboard.
It goes through gas like I go through underwear.
General comments?
Overall it is a superb classic American beauty. I get stares everywhere I go, and the most noticeable attribute is its length. It's just a few inches longer than a Suburban. It's awesome to drive it.
The engine starts quicker than you can light a match. It doesn't need to be turned for 1 second. I get 0-60 in about 5 seconds and you can't beat that for a car that has not been altered for speed increment.
Even though it is a high maintenance vehicle, I love my Boatmobile. Usually when something's wrong with it I bought it upon myself, like not having replaced the starter-demolishing, worn out flywheel, for example
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.7L V8 351 Windsor Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Date of Entry | 18th November, 2002 |