1987 Ford Scorpio Ghia 2.8 i
Summary:
Great car, lacking in power
Faults:
Extremely high fuel consumption. As it features an old-style cast-iron engine block, it does not stand out for its efficiency.
The indirect electronic fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar) is usually very reliable, but dirty injectors or an uncalibrated airflow meter can cause the engine to emit black smoke and idle roughly. I’ve encountered this issue several times.
Due to the engine displacement and the "V" configuration, the engine bay tends to accumulate a great deal of heat.
Coolant hoses and the thermostat are prone to drying out.
The electronic ignition module (such as the famous TFI module) fails when it heats up, causing the engine to shut off suddenly and refuse to restart until it cools down.
General Comments:
After having owned the car for so long, I can say with absolute certainty that its best features are its comfort and spacious interior—specifically the longitudinal dimension, or the distance between the seats, which is amazing.
The design of the seats, dashboard, console, and other interior details is inviting and pleasant; some might even consider it a bit ostentatious—though that is likely exactly what a large segment of the Ford Scorpio’s target audience desires: a car that makes as strong an impression with its looks as a vehicle costing twice as much, even if the badge itself doesn't carry the same prestige. The Scorpio succeeds in this regard.
It is worth noting, however, that it is not just about appearances; the interior is impressive, but above all, it is highly comfortable. The suspension is supple, the wheelbase and track are wide (giving the car a poised, planted feel), and noise levels are remarkably low—all complemented by a spacious cabin and excellent seats.
Let’s talk about the driving experience. It starts with an excellent foundation: full adjustability for the seat and steering wheel—or at least the availability of such options—paired with standard power steering that reduces assistance as speed increases, allowing the driver to feel the front end. Special mention must be made of the controls—and not just the primary driving ones—for their logical layout and pleasant tactile feel. It holds its own against cars built thirty years later.
The brakes deserve special mention; the car—dating back to the late 80s—already featured ABS, offering great effectiveness and excellent system performance. It utilizes large-diameter discs all around, with ventilated ones at the front. They have a demanding job to do, given the car's weight; furthermore, its aerodynamics and tall gear ratios mean that simply lifting off the throttle isn't enough to slow the vehicle down effectively.
Since the rest of the car is genuinely so pleasant, it must be said that the fuel-injected V6 engine does not quite measure up to the rest of the Scorpio. For one thing, its performance is nothing spectacular for its displacement—though that is a minor point; the real issue is that 150 hp is rather meager for a car aiming for a high-end market segment, especially considering that this power has to haul nearly a ton and a half via gear ratios of 34 and 41 km/h in the top gears.
In terms of driving dynamics—especially at speed—the Scorpio is brilliant, thanks to its aerodynamics.
The Scorpio was never popular and sold poorly, partly because it was very expensive. But without a doubt, for its time, it was a very modern, striking, and comfortable car that was pleasant to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 8th July, 2026