1996 Ford Thunderbird LX review from North America
"The car looks and runs good, but has way too many electrical problems, last one I will own"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The crank position sensor went bad at 54,000 miles. This problem cost me a small fortune in towing and troubleshooting costs. Every time the car wouldn't start I would have it towed to the dealer. Once at the dealership, the car would start right up. The problem wasn't solved until the car's 9th trip to the dealer!
Paint quality on car was "new" when I purchased the car. After three years of routine washing and detailing, paint condition was poor. Most of the factory clear coat had wore off of hood and roof. Paint looked flat/dull.
Took the car in for a routine brake job at 60,000. Repair shop said rotors were warped and needed replaced. Rotors could not be machined and needed to be replaced. New brakes and rotors for front and rear cost $550.00.
Interior of the car was excellent when first purchased. After about three years the airbag cover on the passengers side of vehicle began to warp and miss-shape. Drivers seat cushioning and support is poor on long trips.
The windshield wiper motor went bad at approximately 65,000 miles. The cost to repair was $350.00.
The fuel pump went out at approximately 68,000 miles. First symptom of problem was when the fuel gauge quit working properly. About 6 months later the pump went out on my way to work. The dealer had to remove the exhaust system and drive shaft in order to remove the fuel tank to replace pump. Cost for fuel pump replacement was $750.00.
Car continues to have electrical problems of an unknown nature. Dealers from three different states have not been able to solve problems. Currently the car will sometimes stop running as it is being driven down the road. Car will not restart and must be towed. Dealer can offer no help, only replaces sensors and shrugs off problems.
General comments?
Overall, I would say that the styling of the car is great. I have had plenty of positive comments on the car and the engine has been super reliable.
The car is continually plagued with electrical problems and no one has been able to find the faults!! I have taken this car in for electrical problems close to 20 times, still no solid answers.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 48000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 99500 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| Date of Entry | 27th June, 2005 |