1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo coupe review from North America
"This is one tough car with a mean stance, I love it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The fuel pressure regulator failed.
Alternator went bad.
Radiator leaked.
Headlight lenses were fogged up.
Axle bearing went bad.
Distributor had to be rebuilt.
Heater hoses leaked.
Shifter broke.
Paint went bad.
Muffler failed.
Timing belt failed.
Struts/shocks went bad, replaced with gas units.
Fog lamps quit.
Brake booster leaking. All previous problems I repaired myself except for this one. The anti lock system is so expensive, I may just replace it with a vacuum booster. My plans are to someday install a 5.0, so I'd have to change it anyway. The car was painted by a friend.
General comments?
Although I only paid $600.00 for the car in 1998, it is now near show quality. I've driven it from South Carolina to New York and back with no problems.
A lot of people find it hard to believe that it's "only" a 4 cylinder.
A very comfortable ride, except for the time I cut the springs, my wife made me buy new ones the following week.
Poor on fuel mileage around town, I've got a lead foot.
Very stylish.
I love the full instrumentation.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 99000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 122000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Thunderbird |
| Date of Entry | 6th February, 2004 |