1988 Ford Thunderbird turbocoupe

Summary:

Hated to retire it, but the next bill would have begun to put me off the car

Faults:

Rear brakes seized, emergency brake has not been used (worked) since 130,000 kilometers.

Fog lights failed early.

Head light units leaked.

Y branch exhaust fails regularly.

Oil pan has been replaced.

Gas tank has been replaced.

Computer has failed twice.

Adjustable suspension has been replaced with Gas shocks.

Transmission has been rebuilt once.

Clutch has failed twice, but No 2 was a result of garage installing a rebuilt, not a new unit.

Windows have pulled out of motor drives several times. A nuisance since the air conditioning gave up long ago.

General Comments:

This is the most powerful and fun to drive car I have ever owned.

Interior comfort is very good, though engine noise is audible.

Seats fit well and the power lumbar is a great comfort.

Even with this mileage on the car, it starts effortlessly and has passed Ontario emissions testing at 360K. and 390K without extra tune-ups.

Economy was good for a 4000 pound car.

It will still turn heads when cleaned up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2002

27th Mar 2004, 07:34

I just got a TurboThunderbird 1988 and need a Owners manual for troubleshooting. Does anyone know where I might find one on line?

1988 Ford Thunderbird Sport 5.0 302 5.0

Summary:

This is the best year Thunderbird to ever be made

Faults:

I had no problems with the car when I got it, but I have re-built the motor and added a supercharger and lots of other parts and I'm cranking out about 700 horse and almost as much torque.

General Comments:

I own 3 of these cars and they are the best year Thunderbird ever made.

It is great to have a car that isn't considered to be powerful that will outrun Camaro's, Mustangs, and Firebird's.

I really loved building this car I recently outran a Viper with no problems.

I love these cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2002

12th Jun 2004, 15:45

I have an '88 T-Bird Sport 5.0L and I absolutely love it. I am definitely hooked on the '87-'88 look - it has just enough 'attitude' and it's a very comfortable ride. It's fairly economical with enough room for a family. I do have a question though - What rear came in the car? I have a 7.5" Traction Lok and would like to know if that was original equipment for it. I can't seem to find the info anywhere. That is the only real problem I've had with it in three years of ownership - one of the clutches broke in the differential and then the c-clip holding the axle and then I was riding on three wheels... talk about exciting rides!!

My first Bird was an '88 LX V6, loaded including the full digital instrument panel and electric moon roof - the motor in the moon roof always failed when it got hot... wish I could put that digital instrument panel in my sport though. :)

Thanks to a non-driver, that car was totaled - I last saw it in a salvage yard stripped of almost every usable part... sad day for 'Slick' the T-Bird.

My next car will always be an '87 or '88 Bird!!

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1988 Ford Thunderbird Sport Coupe 5.0 liter

Summary:

A fun, reliable, and well performing car

Faults:

Power steering pump went out at around 90,000 miles.

The fuel pump was replaced at 130,000 miles.

Dash is cracking.

Short in one of the backup lights.

Clear coat bad on roof and trunk--had to be repainted.

General Comments:

This car is extremely reliable with regular maintenance and is reminiscent of a muscle car with a lot more technology. The 5.0 V8 has pretty decent torque, but could have a little more power. The car rides and handles great for it's size and the seats are very comfortable. The car is at home on the highway were it just cruises as 70 mph and turns 25+ miles per gallon as long as your foot stays out of the gas pedal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2002