1997 Ford Thunderbird Sport review from North America
"Great car, but unreliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Torque Converter Shudder right after I bought it. Had to have the fluid flushed and the PCM re-programmed.
Power steering pump broke completely. Six months and four power steering pumps later the problem was fixed.
Check engine light caused by faulty MAF sensor.
Overdrive lockout switch on shifter stopped working.
Rear brake rotor cracked, $400 to replace both rear rotors and pads.
Intake manifold failed resulting in severe coolant leak, replaced under semi-secret Ford warranty. Smell of coolant in car took two weeks to go away.
General comments?
Thank goodness I bought a Ford extended warranty on this thing or I would have been flat broke from all the repairs!
Other than the reliability issues it was a great car, fun to drive, comfortable and classy.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 157000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Thunderbird |
| Date of Entry | 29th February, 2004 |