Faults:
Thick Film Ignition Module at 85K (Easy Fix)
Not really anything else outside of regular, expected maintenance.
Get used to hearing "CFI" a lot if you buy one of these from '84-'86 (or a Grand Marquis). Central Fuel Injection was an experiment on this car, run by Ford, and mercifully ended a year and a half later. It's basically half carbed and half fuel injected, for all intents and purposes. Means you have to turn key to "ON" position, then pump pedal, wait 2-3 seconds, then crank in order to start.
General Comments:
This is a fantastic car, period.
More than enough room in cabin and trunk.
Extremely reliable, and well built.
Controls are easy, and steering could be done with your pinky finger.
Classy as they come. Last great American (and Canadian) full size sedan.
Bought car for $1000, and never looked back. One of the best investments a college student could make. Only downer is the atrocious gas mileage (CFI and sheer size take blame).
One of the best engines ever built, coupled with a great drivetrain. The 302 short block is solid as a rock, and the 4-speed AOD transmission (Automatic Overdrive) is stable and smooth. Not at all rare to see this engine/drivetrain combo eclipse 200,000 miles.
Here is where this car makes it's name, and of course, it's value: Easy to find, affordable parts, and easy to fix, even for relative novices like me.
Handling and performance is mostly subjective, so while I really enjoy the ride, and highly approve, I will not say much else, as it's a matter of taste. Though, if you, too, like RWD (Rear Wheel Drive), it's a winner.
6th Nov 2006, 12:31
You must have really strong fingers, to replace water pumps and alternators without using a wrench...