1983 Ford Thunderbird Base review from North America
"An inefficient car that grows on you simply because it is stylish"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When I got the car...
Heater Core (haven't fixed yet)
Slight radiator leak
Brakes
Major Tuneup
Hardly any rust, except on the bottom of the doors, which are pretty much shot. Look at any 80's Ford, they are all the same.
Since I got the car...
Power Windows. Both. One with-in a week of the other.
Somehow managed to break the turn-signal arm off.
General comments?
This car was my friend's grandpa's. When he passed away, my friend nor his family had any use for the car. They offered to give it to me. This is not my primary vehicle, so I'm actually hoping on fixing it up. It has been a fun extra car.
This probably the most inefficient car I have ever seen. It is a pretty big car, but has no back seat room what so ever. It has a big V-6, but because of emission requirements in the early 80's, it has no power. It is very slow. Thanks to the big engine, it also gets lousy city mileage. It actually gets decent highway mileage, thanks to the lockout in the transmission. 25MPG highway, 15 MPG city.
The car does drive very nice. The ride is firm without being not comfortable. The steering is way too light, but is very direct and tight. The turning radius is awful. The actual handling is mediocre.
The interior is very modern for an '83. It is more modern and has better fit and finish than my much newer Grand Marquis. I wish it had more gauges. The seats are supportive and comfortable. Plenty of front legroom, but the car could use a little bit more headroom. Great center console, however I wish it had a cupholder.
The car has a style that is unmistakable Thunderbird. Even with the rust, everybody says how classy a car it is. The interior is just as fashionable. Maybe if Ford still build desirable cars, they would not be nearly bankrupt.
My car has the optional vent windows. These are great for smokers, but since the world hates smokers now, I don't think they will ever come back.
OK trunk space.
Overall, pretty darn reliable. I couldn't believe that after the car sat for three years, it never hesitates to start. The electrical things are minor considering how old the car is.
Recommended reviews
  | 1984 - Thunderbird 2 DR Coupe 5.0 EFI 302 V8 A great car for it's age. |
| This car is comfortable to drive around in |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1983 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 OHV 2b V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 82000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 88000 miles |
| Previous car | Lincoln Mark VII |
| Date of Entry | 30th January, 2007 |