1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

High value, low price

Faults:

I have had no problems with this car even though it was a high mileage vehicle when I purchased it.

General Comments:

This car is extremely comfortable, something I can really appreciate with my bad back. Long trips are no longer agonosing.

The suspension is a bit soft on turns, however I anticipate this will be corrected with nitrogen-charged shocks.

I am very impressed with the fuel mileage, this car does not do much worse than my former car even with the a/c running! I average about 26 mpg in city driving.

The styling still draws positive attention from fellow motorists.

The factory tinted windows are the finest compromise between nighttime visibility and protection from summer sun I have ever found.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st August, 2002

1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A high maintenance American car, takes a beating.

Faults:

The head gaskets had to be replace through a Ford Recall. Apparently, while the mechanics were fixing the head gaskets, they found that the fuel injectors had gone "bad" and HAD to be replaced. For some reason, I'm still losing coolant though. Cost: $400 (head gaskets free, but a $800-$1000 job)

The Mass Airflow Sensor had to be replaced for about $350.

I went through 2 different starters in 3 years.

The rotors were warped and had to be replaced along with the brakes, which go very frequently. Cost: $350.

There are dull white spots showing up on the paint at about 100,000 miles.

The transmission and torque converter went bad at 80,000 miles, but I had it rebuilt at 127,000 miles for $1245.

The headlights and a turn signal burn out about every year.

The climate control electronics would periodically malfunction by randomly switching from A/C to heat. This started at about 100,000 miles and stopped a little bit afterwards.

At around 75,000 miles, the overdrive kill mechanism would sometimes engage internally when I hit the brakes??

General Comments:

To be honest with you, I had it from when I was 20 until 24 years old and I really pounded on this car. I live in the Chicago-land area and have driven both on the highway and in the city.

I drove it to Miami and New York with about 90,000 miles on it and had no problems what-so-ever, except faulty transmission which I had to start accelerating in 2nd gear EVERY time from a stand still for 3 years.

This car really does stick to the road with its tight suspension has a ridiculously good steering ratio. You probably won't need this though unless you drive crazy and make hair pin turns (trying to find a parking spot in the city), which it does very well.

The 6 cylinder doesn't accelerate very well from a stand still, but on the highway it really moves. If you kill the overdrive at about 70 MPH, you have extreme passing power and can hit 95+ MPH in no time.

It's an extremely comfortable ride and everything is built around the driver, especially the radio. It doesn't even feel like you're ever going fast it's so smooth.

Geez, aside from the $1000's of dollars to maintain this car, it's extremely versatile, comfortable, and fun. (Make sure you have a sunroof - it's makes highway driving awesome)

Just like any other American car, it's made to break in it's own way (s) around 90,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 2002

1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6 V8 from North America

Summary:

An excellent ride for the money

Faults:

I have had to replace the alternator 3 times since ownership.

Rebuilt transmission at 112k miles, had to take it back at 120k miles due to slipping out in 2nd.

Replaced an O2 sensor and the mass airflow sensor twice.

The computer chip had to be replaced because it was flooding two of the cylinders.

Had to take care of the catalytic converters, front two in the Y pipe were breaking down and clogging the rear cat at 130k miles.

Have had the brake rotors replaced due to warping, new ones warped within 2 months.

Fan control and wiring to the blower fried, still getting a short someplace in the line.

General Comments:

Overall I have enjoyed the car through all its faults.

The power is respectable and the ride is better than most cars I have been in.

I have driven this car from Texas to NY twice and CO three times with out any problems on any of the trips.

I wish that Ford had worked the transmission out better for this car.

Not sure about others, but the electrical system hasn't been the best on sensors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2002