1992 Ford Thunderbird review from North America
"A good, reliable piece of transportation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My head gasket blew at about 125k kilometers.
General comments?
I have been very surprised at some of the adverse reports that have been listed about this model of car. With the exception of the head gasket, this car has been very reliable. And I must admit, the head gasket was my fault by allowing the car to overheat.
As a resident of Saskatchewan, Canada, this car is subject to very cold temperatures. It would be commong to put some kind of a winter front on the car to improve heating. When you get into temperatures of minus 30 - 50 celsius, you use whatever you can to get any extra heat. This idea works very well, but you have to be careful that you don't let it overheat. Usually I am, but on one occasion I left the car with my wife and she forgot about the winter front and it overheated. Hence the requrement for a head gasket.
Other than that instance I find the car very reliable. Other than normal maintenance I haven't put another nickel into it.
It is a very good starter in the cold. Now that I am retired, it is not uncommon for the car to sit in the winter outside for weeks on end. I have never had a problem with it starting.
An all round good car and I have been extremely happy with it.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1993 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 25000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 132000 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Sundance |
| Date of Entry | 8th April, 2003 |