1977 Ford LTD 351 Cleveland from North America
Summary:
This is one of best cars ever made!
Faults:
Nothing major has ever gone wrong with this car!
Minor problem that is more of an annoyance:
Left blinker indicator on dash is temper mental i.e. sometimes it stays on after use and sometimes it doesn't go on at all!. We've had it repaired three times the past 14 years, but within a year it starts to go "on the blink".
Other very minor problems:
Some chrome peeling on the rear bumper.
Burns oil just a little tiny bit.
An oil additive seems to help this.
General Comments:
I had just started college in 1990 and got this car for a couple hundred dollars. My friends made fun of me for buying a boat.
Other than the blinker being constantly "on the blink" (which at first was annoying, and now we just ignore it), this car has had no.. I repeat...NO major problems or even other minor problems in the past 14 years.
We have driven it cross country several times. A recent trip up to Mt. St. Helens fully loaded with six big adults and a trunk load full of gear proved no problem at all.
Yes it does use gas, but highway mileage is more than appropriate for a vehicle this size.
The car is comfortable to be in and easy to drive. Passengers compliment the interior all the time.
The factory tinted widows are incredible! The have kept the dark forest green vinyl interior absolutely beautiful.
Maintenance costs: Very, very low!
A new battery every 3-5 years, tires replaced as needed, oil is changed every 3-4,000 miles, tune-ups every 3-4 years, etc. Brakes and alignment work has been done once. We take care of this car and it takes care of us!
Insurance costs: moderate, but we carry full package, including replacement for older cars (which requires an appraisal from a listed appraiser).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd June, 2004
3rd Apr 2008, 11:04
I also own a 77 LTD, and have to say that it is the smoothest ride I have ever had. Because of its size and wheel spacing it isn't affected by bumps or ruts in the road. The gas mileage is not too good, but you should know to expect that, as it is a 77 model, as well as being gigantic. Overall, best car I have ever owned. 10/10, even with mileage.
22nd Aug 2008, 01:19
I agree, one of the best cars Ford ever built. Mine had the 351W with a ticking lifter when I bought it with 84k miles. I sold it after joining the military, but I saw it around town nearly 10 years later. My bumper sticker was still on it and you could still hear the lifter ticking. The mileage at that time was 178k!!
19th Oct 2009, 14:04
I bought my 77 LTD with the 351M about 8 months ago. I love it. The gas mileage is HORRIBLE 10 on the street and 12 on the highway and it is well tuned. Despite the gas costs, I love it. Very sturdy and so far no major issues. Before this I had a 71 Camaro and a 64 impala. This is by far my favorite car to drive.
13th Aug 2005, 23:00
I picked up my 1977 Ford LTD Standard 4-door Sedan (with optional 351M -400CID) about three years back. And so far, all I've have done is replace the original valves and hoses and wires, replaced an old battery, and gave it a paint job. I never even noticed the blinker problem, I laugh at it actually, and all my friends love the car! Burns no oil, runs very clean, but in town gas mileage is the worst I've ever seen. I don't care.