1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe 2.3 turbo

Summary:

If you've got extra money to blow... and time

Faults:

The computer seems to fail whenever it rains, snows or goes through a puddle (from getting wet) so I'm on number 4.

The brakes seem to warp very quickly, even with the $150 rotors I bought.

Rear axle has developed a rather loud squeak...

General Comments:

My dad bought this car new, and in '03 he parked it in the back yard and refused to sell it, but refused to drive or start it. So in '07. tired of looking at it, I took the car and made it mine.

After putting on yet another clutch (thanks dad!) new tires, new belt, new heater hoses, radiator hoses, plugs, wires and a new rim (one was cracked not safe), it has become my weekend cruiser.

If I had not gotten the car for free, and the parts at cost because I'm a tech, I really don't think I would have put the money into it.

My dad had it serviced every 3,000 at the dealer, and has always put the necessary money into it. Until he ditched it...

I was so shocked at the lack of quality from Ford parts and how technical this car is. I finally gave up and redid all wiring in the car after the dash gauges never working.

It does handle very well and gets out of its own way if you keep it revved high. I'll keep it for the memories, but my Civic will be my daily driver it gets much better gas mileage!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th February, 2008

1987 Ford Thunderbird base 3.8 V6

Summary:

With a little work, a great used car for the money

Faults:

Main bearings and rod bearings.

Anti-roll bar bushings came out, but were replaced.

Radiator leeks.

Radio shorts out.

General Comments:

This has been a great car for my family, and now a good car for me.I'm in high school, so I don't need too much. as you read in the review my engine is going so I'm planning/saving for a new one, other than that the cars in good shape, and drives well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2008

1987 Ford Thunderbird LX 302 (5.0 Litre) V8

Summary:

A Luxurious Sleeper Performance Car, Called a Thunderbird LX

Faults:

Hard Starting when Purchased.

Acceleration was sluggish and there was a wicked and sometimes violent shimmy and shake when the gas pedal was pushed 3/4 of the way down.

Both Problems were solved when I installed a new Fuel Pump.

Paint on roof faded due to Arizona Sun.

Water build up from A/C condenser was spit back into passenger cabin when I first bought car.

At the time, the A/C wasn't working well either.

After cleaning out a small Tube on the firewall, the water problem never happened again, and air works great now.

Could use some softer shocks IMO, but for some, a stiff ride is a good ride.

General Comments:

This is the Third 87 Thunderbird I've owned in the past year. My first was a Base model with the 3.8l V6. It got me where I needed to go, but it had some cosmetic damage to it's grille area which didn't look to good, and it's engine seemed underpowered. Don't get me wrong, it ran good, but I thought I could do better.

In December 2005, I purchased an 87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with Automatic transmission. It was perfect other than the fact some paint was chipping off the bumper and it's transmission was slipping badly in every gear. I sold the v6 T-bird in late January 2006 for $800. I used that money to have the tranny rebuilt. After that, the car was fine. However, beginning in the Summer, I felt like the car was underpowered. It just wasn't what I expected it to be. On top of that, the Air Conditioning wasn't as cold as I thought it should have been. Those two reasons led me to sell the car in Late June of 2006. The very same day, I purchased the car I currently own.

This 87 Thunderbird is the LX type. It's fully loaded, with the exception of the Moon Roof. It's equipped with the 5.0 Litre V8 engine, which for my money, is the best powerplant I've had in all three T-bird's.

The HP ratings may not show it, but it feels much faster than the V6 or Turbo. The torque has a lot to do with that. You really do feel yourself pushed back into the seat when the engine is gunned.

It hasn't happened often, but every once in a while, on a Saturday night, while cruising up ol' Speedway Blvd here in Tucson, you'll get a punk in a riced out Prelude that pulls up to you at a stop light and starts reving his engine like an idiot. There's nothing better than seeing the look on the offending guy's face when he's smoked by an 80's T-bird, or what in their eyes must look like a Boat.

The interior is in great shape and all the electronics work fine.

This is by far the best of the Three T-birds I've owned. Even better than the Turbo.

It's nice to only pull about 2k RPM's when doing 75 on the freeway. I never get that feeling like I'm damaging the engine in this car like I did with the 4cyl Turbo.

It's not the fastest car, but it's enough for me. The engine is reliable as a brick, the interior is plush, and to boot, it looks way better than any MN-12 T-bird, let alone some Fox Mustang.

I'm keeping this car as long as I can. If I'm right, you'll be seeing it at a Barrett-Jackson Auction in the not too distant future. Just wait an see.

A+++++ for this 87 Thunderbird!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2006

13th Sep 2006, 22:27

Your t-bird uses the same fox chassis of which you speak so disparagingly...

15th Sep 2006, 22:45

Yes, notice I specifically said Fox MUSTANG. Not thunderbird. I didn't disparage the Chassis, just the car.