1997 Ford Thunderbird LX from North America - Comments

I have gad an ongoing problem with water leaking into the rear (only) passenger floorboard.

The blinker lights go bad frequently.

The door ajar light stays on.

The intake manifold cracked in two places at 75,000 miles.

The quality of the 1997 Thunderbird was poor compared to my previous 1995 Thunderbird. I was not prepared for the annoying little things that persisted.

The leaking in the rear floorboard, which was quite heavy, caused the car to mildew. Despite numerous visits to the dealership to diagnose and fix the problem, the problem persists today.

The experience has left a bad overall impression. No more Ford's for me.

It's too bad that you rule out Fords completely because of an obvious "lemon". My '97 has over 130,000 miles on it, and it as pleasurable to drive today as it was when I first got it with 81,000 miles. Everything still functions as when it was new. The only thing that I would consider a problem is that the door ajar light stayed on until I disconnected the switch on the passenger door, a problem I can fix when I get the time. Also, the climate control goes berserk when driven through a high pressure car wash. I simply don't use those kind of car washes any more - easy fix. There are no squeaks or rattles in the body or interior trim parts. I'm getting nearly 30 miles per gallon with the V-8. The only thing that dissapoints me is that Ford decided to have the computer decide that the car shouldn't go over 105 MPH.

That's crazy I have owned 2 97 t birds and my first had that same problem yours does with the leak on the floor board ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. That is so weird because I brought it into Ford and they said the same thing!!! Did you ever get it fixed and wheres the leak at. I would really like to know. email me at dpk@krzmarzick-murray.com.

p.s. I love my 97 T-Bird

Thanks for your review. I too, would like to know what anyone can say about this mysterious water leak on the right rear passenger floorboard. Does anyone have anymore info on the problem? If so, please send email to jmloy@triad.rr.com

I would reconsider your stand on not buying any more Fords. In the last few years I have had several GM products that gave much more serious problems than you describe such as bad transmissions and such, including the 95 Olds Aurora which should have its picture in the dictionary under the word "junk". I forayed into the import category and now own a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. I have had it since 20,000 miles and now with 40,000 miles and a slipping transmission, I am told that it will need a transmission rebuild. On the flip side, I owned three 93 Ford Taurus station wagons at the same time for business use with all of them giving very little problems after putting on over 160,000 miles apiece. I still own one with over 220,000 miles on it and it still runs fine.