1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe 2.3 turbo

Summary:

With an airbag this would be the ultimate Autobahn car

Faults:

Four alternators, one even caught fire, until I got a Bosch that has lasted 5 years.

Six power-steering pumps, all under warranty because the dealer did not use ATF in them.

Burnt valve at 160K.

Three fuel pumps.

General Comments:

Great on the German Autobahn. The cruise control stops at 115 MPH. I have run the car at 130-150 MPH for over an hour at a time.

Very, very comfortable. Between adjusting the seat, 8 way power, and the steering column anyone can find the right driving position.

The steering is quick and you have to get used to it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th May, 2001

24th Feb 2004, 14:45

Gee I must have a lot of happy miles to go as I only have 33000 miles on my bird.

29th Mar 2005, 16:13

Sold this car with 325,000 miles, still going strong. Some rust was developing in the left fender.

Sure would have liked to bring it back to the US with me from Germany, but that was just too expensive.

1987 Ford Thunderbird LX 3.8 V6

Summary:

An affordable luxury car

Faults:

Air pump makes a rattling noise, but works.

Rear window defroster works only temporarily.

Transmission oil pan gasket leaked at 145,000 kilometers.

General Comments:

The car is the most reliable American vehicle I've ever owned.

It's comparatively cheap to operate, gets great gas mileage (25 mpg).

The engine is not very responsive to gas pedal input, 120 horsepower is adequate, but no more.

Handling is typically American with low cornering power due to marked understeer.

Steering is quick for an American car and the brakes work quite well.

It's not a sporty car by any stretch of the imagination, but a very nice, comfortable cruiser and a very attractive car to boot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2001