1996 Ford Thunderbird LX review from North America
"A fast broke down piece of crap!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brakes are very bad. Rotors are warped. Pads go out too quickly.
Slammed on brakes and broke motor mounts. Only 1 remained. The engine shifted when they broke and broke some vacuum tees and ripped all of the vacuum hoses off of the car.
Suspension makes a clicking noise when I turn the wheel or go over a bump.
Paint is bad, I always have to wax it in order for it to look decent.
Alternator has gone out numerous times.
$500 brake job because rotors were below allowed thicknesses.
$652 to fix the motor mounts and vacuum hoses.
MAFS went back and had to get replaced. The new one went bad as well and I figured out that it was only covered in dirt and couldn't read the airflow.
General comments?
I generally like the thunderbird. It is a fast cars. I have done some modifications to it (i.e. flow-master mufflers, 73mm C & L MAFS, K & N Filter). It can keep up with Modified Mustang GTs.
I bought the car after I totaled my truck. I miss that truck.
I have a trouble dealing with the power and spinning the tires and I go through tires about every 3 or 4 months.
Recommended reviews
| Fun to drive, worth the occasional maintenance |
|
| I wish I could keep it forever |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 SOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 59000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet S-10 |
| Date of Entry | 7th May, 2002 |