1996 Ford Thunderbird LX review from North America
"A fast luxury-performance car that responds well to modifications"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Corroded under hood connector affecting interior lights, power locks, power windows - warranty fix.
Dealer replaced computer - no problems - warranty fix.
Plastic surround at seat bottoms cracked - I'm living with it.
Blown out (2) factory coils - $160 fix.
Frozen rear caliper bracket - $20 from local salvage yard.
Slight oil leaks at valve cover, rear trans seal and differential pinion seal - not bad enough to replace yet.
General comments?
I've done everything to this car you can do, except adding a supercharger, and it always runs great.
Modifications - underdrive pulleys, 70mm throttle body, K&N cone air filter, Superchips power programmer, MSD ignition, coils, and plug wires, NGK spark plugs, hand built true-dual 2.5" exhaust with 'x' pipe to 3" stainless tailpipes at rear bumper, Eibach springs - lowered 2", Ford SVT T-bird 17" rims, 3.73 positraction rear axle, 2000 Mustang GT aluminum calipers / pads with cross drilled 10.8" rotors, and adjustable fuel pressure regulator.
Excellent handling, Surprising acceleration, great mileage for the level of mods done.
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| I wish I could keep it forever |
|
| Nice sports coupe with nice power and good comfort at a low cost (something like that) |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 SOHC V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 14 miles |
| Most recent distance | 69000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford F150 |
| Date of Entry | 3rd August, 2004 |