A very dependable car
Recently had a transmission problem that required replacing the seals, but otherwise no major problems.
Great car. Acquired from my parents who had no problems with it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st October, 2000
A great deal for a great car
The power steering hose busted.
The radiator hose busted.
I love this car. I wouldn't sell it for anything. I just love the circular tail lights. I wish the speedometer would go above 85mph.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th October, 2000
It's hard to find a replacement car today that performs as well!
4 altenators at 108,000 miles, later the dealer realized a tech note to replace the pig tail connector.
118,000 miles a bad valve in # 2 cylinder (my wife calls this an excuse for the engine mods!!)
Mostly general maintenance - tires, brakes, warrenty covered cat, pipes, EGR on recall at 80,000 miles.
Current issues at 138,000 - ride control lost its brains, ABS light on, possible controller unit problem.
Best car I have ever owned, curb appeal can blow away most cars if driven right (remember this is a high revving car)!
Great for long trips, leather seats are the best in class.
Can run circles around most new cars today!
MUST MUST MUST change the oil every 3,000, this will save the seals and prevent heat from killing your turbo, mine is proof of this and works like the day I took delivery.
A few performance mods make this car a solid performer. K/N filter intake and big pipes are a must to let it breath. This car is still a daily driver, has made it to the track and turns high 14's.
Also a couple rallies under the belt.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th August, 2000
A classic example of doing things right
So far, the only problem has been that the idle sometimes races a bit, but it always settles down.
Other than that the car is very reliable and fun to drive.
I was always a General Motors fan with most of my cars to restore being Camaros or Firebirds. This Thunderbird is a real eye opener, I love it, and will consider Fords, primarily Thunderbirds and Mustangs, where I wouldn't have before.
Just a fun car to drive!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th August, 2000
Better get one while they are still around
Water pump, one injector, front spindles, replaced exhaust system with stainless steel, heater core.
What has gone wrong on this car is no more than normal wear. It is without a doubt one of the most fun cars that I have ever owned and I have owned quite a few performance Fords. This was one of the most advanced cars ever built and there were bound to be a few quirks. It is a highly tuned automobile and like cars of this type, it needs TLC. If the engine ever goes South, I will be dropping in a 302.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th July, 2000
Fun but attention needing car
Fuel pump replaced.
Fuel injection problems.
Exhaust problems.
Brake pressure warning switch went bad twice.
Fogged headlight lenses.
Emissions problems.
Graphic equaliser went out.
Auto ride switch went out.
A great car to have fun with, just needs a lot of TLC. My car is my baby and I'll do anything that it takes to keep it going good.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th July, 2000
I love my 87 Turbo Coupe, besides replacing a couple of shock actuators and the timing belt, it has been great.
The belt was done for maintenance reasons.
Springs are no longer available from Ford, I would like to find a company that makes a comparable spring that won't lower the factory ride height. If someone could help me find one, that will be a great help and thank you.
When that turbo kicks in... wow!
Three auto-ride chips failed 3 years ago and have been replaced at $130 a pop (Firm ride would remain on at all times).
Fuel injection overhaul required last year at 55,000 miles.
Required transmission overhaul at 50,000 miles.
I love my coupe. I will continue to put whatever into it to keep it running in top condition. I strongly recommend frequent oil changes (every 3000 miles) and a professional tune-up (every 10,000 miles). This car demands special attention and will reward you with high-performance if you take care of it. Pay special attention to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th July, 2000
Yes.. Maintenance is VERY important, especially when you have a Turbo.. The longest gap for an oil change should be 3000 miles and ALWAYS change the filter. If you ever have a turbo engine rebuilt.. start it on synthetic. Never go to synthetic oil from organic without a re-ring kit.
And never never let the car run with low oil pressure, when you have a turbo. The turbo WILL sieze up.
I am the original owner of a 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with 187000 miles on it. It has been one of the most fun cars I have owned. Other cars have come and gone, but I just could not part with it.
Over time I have modified the intake, and exhaust, but have religiosity maintained the car and now it is fun to take to shows or cruse.
The engine and drive-train (5speed) are solid and the most reliable even to todays standards. Every time the car is not running right a mechanic will tell me I need a turbo, and I always find it is something else much less expensive. The turbo is bullet proof if you follow a few simple rules - Always 3000 or less oil changes, let the car cool down (running) after spirited runs of high boost.
This is a finicky car, I have tried different spark plugs, but always go back to motor craft, others always seem to make it miss. The only unreliable part of the car is the alternator, with replacing the pig tail every time it is disconnected, 65Amp is way to small for all the electronics on this car, I have a 75 amp in now (better) and plan on adding a 150 Amp G3 as found in Cobra Mustangs, you need a small modification, but it will be worth it.
If you plan on buying one do not let high mileage scare you off these are strong runners I would shoot for a 87 or 88 with a 5 speed.
If it looks well cared for and runs good you should be in good shape. At 4500rpm 12-14 psi boost and over 5500rpm look to get it up to 15psi if stock.
25th May 2001, 11:05
Its about time someone gave credit to the quickest birds of their time. thanks.