1992 Ford Thunderbird Reviews - Page 4 of 5

Failed at 70K miles:

Wiper Motor

Driver's Side Window Motor

Rear Axle Seals Leaking

Climate Control Panel vacuum leak

Driver's Side Seatbelt non-operative, pin switch inside door on striker replaced.

Rotors and Front Pads.

Failed After 100K miles

Struts

Upper Control Arms

Lower Ball Joints

Sway Bar Links

Radiator

Water Pump

Driver's Side Seatbelt track stripped, never bothered repairing, just disconnected motor... problem solved.

Rocker panels starting to rot from inside out. Poor design on Ford's part.

Front pads and rotors.

Failed after 200K miles

Head Gasket at 206K $987

Water Pump

Fuel Pump

Tension Strut bushings.

Overall this has been a very reliable car in the 8 years I had owned it. Aside from the head gaskets letting go, it had never left me stranded. Always started and got me where I needed to go. Great gas mileage...24-25mpg. Geared way too tall, always shifted too early into 3rd gear, which I suspect is why I kept having front rotors warp on me. The rust problem with the rockers on these cars is a design flaw by Ford. I wash and wax my car religiously, but moisture and condensation has no way to escape a sealed rocker panel... therefore it eats it's way out.

Thermostat failed.

My head gasket blew at 102,000 miles.

Speedometer quit working at 100,000 miles.

This car was reliable for about 2 months after I bought it, then the thermostat went out.

As a consequence, the engine overheated and the head gaskets blew. I have been quoted $800 for repairs.

The engine is sluggish and acceleration is fairly slow.

The interior is fairly comfortable, but lacks cup holders.

The car is a chore to drive in the winter due to the rear wheel drive.

The head gasket (s) is/are blown.

I bought this car for $1500.00 at a donate your car auction. It is in near new condition. I thought I was getting a bargain, but tack on another $1000.00 for new head gaskets. I will evaluate it further once the gasket job is finished.

Head gaskets at 160,000.

Anti-lock Brake System Master Cylinder at a cost of $1600 including labour. A used Master Cylinder was $1200 from the wreckers. A new Ford unit was $3440 + taxes. I bought the used.

Complete brake caliper, rotor and shoe overhaul at 255,000 km.

Battery blew up at 232,000 km.

New alternator at 236,000 km.

Right side wheel bearings replaced at 263,000 km.

Tie rods replaced at 242,000 km.

Driver side door sagging and currently needs new hinge pin or bushings.

Power steering line wore a hole in the oil pan after a rubber bushing rotted.

In over 3 years, including purchase price and regular service costs and many repairs, I have calculated that I have spent in excess of $24,000.

The car rides beautifully on the highway with generous top end.

It offers a great deal of unique options including a self-dimming rear view mirror, auto off and on headlights, power antenna, climate control, power drivers seat, power sport mirror adjust and leather steering wheel.

I would not buy this car again, however, given my investment, I will be keeping it for some time. I will not trade it if I was to purchase a new vehicle, again, due to my investment into it.

Head gaskets have gone twice.

The exhaust was replaced.

Breaks have been changed 5 times within 5 years.

Front end needs alignment.

Front and rear wind shields have been replaced.

Beginning to rust under both doors and on the front of the hood.

Headlights and tail-lights have been replaced at least once each.

That's it... I think.

This car has cost me a lot of money, especially the head gaskets going.

But there are up-sides to this car, the interior is designed very well. Everything is comfortable and easy to reach. This car is also very responsive with acceleration, handling, and top speed. I've had this car well over 100mph before, and the acceleration is amazing for a Ford with an automatic transmission on it. It feels as if there's a shift kit on it!