1996 Ford Thunderbird LX from North America - Comments

At 46,000 miles the intake manifold cracked.

Numerous problems with the cruise control shutting off when the car goes over even small bumps. Adjusted the brake light switch to fix this.

At 72,000 miles another intake manifold cracked and the dealer would not cover the cost to replace either of them.

Engine pings pretty bad when I put the hammer to it.

The only other problem that I have had with my Thunderbird is that the mode select control knob for the climate controls keeps breaking, and the only place to get another is the Ford dealer.

I do enjoy this car, despite its problems. The engine has great power, but could always use more.

I really wish Ford would have come up with a better design for the intake manifold problems.

During the first year of ownership, my wife and I put about 30,000 miles on the car, for the most part I would consider them trouble free with the exception of the intake and cruise problems.

The cabin is very comfortable for the long hauls that my wife and I have made and there is nothing like cruising at night with the moon roof open.

For such a big car it handles very well and seems to hold the road in corners and has a positive steering feel.

I should have bought the Thunderbird next to mine with traction control.

I also bought a 97 with sport option. Shortly after purchase I received a letter from Ford informing me of problems with intake manifold cracking. If this condition occurred I was to present the letter to the dealer for free replacement. Too bad your dealer was not up from with you about the factory program.

Same problem of intake manifold cracks. It cost me a new intake manifold ($ 250 part + 3 hours labor).

Amazing: the area where the crack occucred is now made of aluminum instead of plastic. I am disappointed that this issue is not taken as a recall.

Anybody who could provide information to claim reimbursement of this part will be greatly appreciated!

Smarseil@yahoo.com.