1982 Ford Thunderbird V8
Summary:
Fair reliability. Great looking car. Looks like it's ready to pounce on something.
Faults:
Cruise control didn't work when I bought it. (2000)
Snapped a fan belt.
Replaced Alternator.
Replaced thermostat.
Tends to overheat quickly on hot summer days.
Headliner inside has come almost completely loose. I had to pin the cloth to the roof with a bunch of push pins.
General Comments:
My '82 Thunderbird has a lot of power and is very quick.
It has a very comfortable interior.
The black enamel paint is near-flawless to this day. No chipping or peeling. The body has no rust.
Very roomy interior. Lots of legroom. The car also has a huge trunk.
The vinyl top has very little cracking... still in great shape.
Car handles a little loosely.
The big V-8 engine tends to overheat, regardless of any repairs.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th June, 2005
9th Jun 2005, 19:12
Heh, it hasn't been too bad as far as cost goes. The car is very easy to work on and parts are easy to find.
21st Apr 2013, 22:26
"The big V-8 engine tends to overheat, regardless of any repairs."
Were the water pump and thermostat replaced?
24th Apr 2013, 07:43
So 255 cubic inches is a "big V8", eh?
25th Apr 2013, 00:00
"So 255 cubic inches is a "big V8", eh?"
Provides good MPG, but has no power or aftermarket parts.
25th Apr 2013, 11:47
I had one of these - and yes, the 255 is a very small V8 - the smallest I've owned other than a 4100 Cadillac. But this 255, as well as the Oldsmobile 260 and the Chevrolet 267, which were similarly de-bored small-blocks, were all very durable and economical engines, though relatively weak. I never had any problem with any of these over heating.
The '82 T-bird I had seemed pretty peppy, at least compared to the 82 Chevy Caprice we had with the 267 or the Olds Cutlass we had with the 260 - I would guess because it was a rather light car.
8th Jun 2005, 11:21
The '82 "Boxbird" looks like it's ready to pounce on something?
The money in your wallet, maybe?