1997 Ford Thunderbird LX review from North America

Cracked intake manifold at 140,000km, fixed by Ford under warranty. I Replaced both front wheel bearings at 150000 km.

After numerous front wheel drive cars it is a pleasure to drive something solid that doesn't transmit all the road noise and does without the torque steer.

I have owned many front wheelers, and tried a lot of new mid size front wheel cars and was always disappointed with the road noise and the lack of fun factor in driving them. I missed the handling of a rear drive car and will never go back!

I wanted the solidness of a Crown Vic and the fun of the Mustang, and this car delivers. Back seat is large enough to be comfortable for adults and trunk is big.

This is as close as I could come to a Mustang GT and still carry the family. Mine has the sport package and with the 4 wheel, independent suspension, this car handles wonderfully and still has the quiet nice ride. I can get 30 mpg at 120kph on the long trips and I find it very comfortable. I am very happy with the mileage as I have a car that I totally enjoy driving and I can drive it for 40 years for the price difference of a new econobox that I go deaf in!

A set of real snow tires and some weight in the trunk and car is excellent in our Canadian winters. Also has a great heater!

Car has been reliable and nothing, but regular maintenance over the years. Only breakdown was the cracked intake manifold and that was warrantied.

I have a chip in mine that really wakes the car up and improves the drivability, especially the transmission. A free flowing exhaust, and a k&N also were noticeable improvements. Power with this setup is equal to a stock 97 Mustang 4.6 so that does the job for me.

Best part about it is car still has 2 doors and some style in a world of small bus's and 4 door eggs.

For the price of these cars, if you can find a nice one, it is hard to beat!