Similar Ford Thunderbird reviews

1987
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

A great car

23 words
1986
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird

A beautiful lawn ornament in hibernation

245 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird Coupe

Classic from the 80's

184 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird

A lot of problems, but a smooth ride

177 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird

A medium performance lemon that made good lemonade

156 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird 2 door coupe

This is one bad four cylinder

125 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Thunderbird Elan

Surprising comfort and performance. A delight to own

115 words
All Ford Thunderbird reviews

1986 Ford Thunderbird review from North America

"A lot of problems, but a smooth ride"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Chronic overheating: This car is very thirsty, it takes 3 gallons of water in the radiator between each two mile run. We use more water than gasoline to keep this car running. The heater core leaks, chronic overheating problems, steam comes in through the air vents when the gauge goes over the half mark. We've already replaced the lower radiator hose and the factory produced part from Ford does not fit; it is too short and the hose gets cut by the serpentine belt. The chronic overheating blew the water-pump seal and the previous owner had replaced the water-pump when the water-pump seal blew last year. The door handle frame fell off, the hood popping mechanism fell off, the brake release mechanism fell off, the glove compartment latch failed, this car eats gas, but it's a smooth ride.

General comments?

This thunderbird does not like to stop, otherwise overheating becomes a real chore. It also does not like slow speeds, so you have to try to stay on the highways and avoid surface streets, stop lights and stop signs.

1 comment

Recommended reviews

USA Flag Canada Flag

1986 - Thunderbird 3.8 V6

A beautiful lawn ornament in hibernation

USA Flag Canada Flag

1985 - Thunderbird Coupe V6

A nice-looker, but a definite lemon

All 1986 Ford Thunderbird reviews

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Year of manufacture1986
First year of ownership2004
Most recent year of ownership2004
Engine and transmission V6 Automatic
Performance marks 6 / 10
Reliability marks 7 / 10
Comfort marks 2 / 10
Dealer Service marks  
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 2 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks) 4.3 / 10
Distance when acquired160000 miles
Most recent distance162500 miles
Previous carFord Tempo
Date of Entry 14th August, 2004

All Ford Thunderbird reviews

Other CSDO Media Sites: Airline Flight Reviews | Mobile Phone Reviews | Motorcycle Reviews