1986 Ford Thunderbird 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

A medium performance lemon that made good lemonade

Faults:

The water pump went bad at 103,000 Kilometers.

The serpentine belt went at 103,000 Kilometers.

The power steering pump wentat 103,000 Kilometers.

The oil pump went at 107,000 Kilometers.

The engine required rebuilding at 107,000 Kilometers.

It has rusted in numerous areas, especially the wheel wells and quarter panels.

The alternator went at 106,000 Kilometers.

The thermostat went at 107,000 Kilometers.

The engine hesitates sometimes, although I am not sure why.

General Comments:

The car is reasonably good on gas.

The engine responds quite well, with good acceleration and a hearty throb.

The car is the funnest thing on four wheels in the winter!

The interior is slightly cramped, but in excellent condition.

It has power everything except locks.

It has required numerous hours and dollars to repair, but now is a very reliable car, the last problems being nearly 7,000 Kilometers or 5 months ago.

The rear-wheel drive gives the car very quick handling, especially at speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2004

26th Jul 2004, 14:38

Have fun changing those head gaskets...

1986 Ford Thunderbird 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

When it comes to an 80's Ford, nothing beats a Thunderbird

Faults:

Oil leaks from God-knows where.

Coolant leaks from God-knows where.

Water pump had to be replaced.

Body is extremely rusty around trunk due to a design fault.

A/C had to be fixed, which required dashboard removal.

General Comments:

Despite its faults I wouldn't trade this car in for the world.

The power is great on the engine which has yet to go through a rebuild.

The car has power everything with gages for everything.

Awesome aerodynamic body which wasn't the norm of 80's design.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2004

1986 Ford Thunderbird 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

One of the last rear wheel drive cars that is fun to drive

Faults:

From what I can tell, the car does not leak oil, and it does not burn any oil. It does use about a quart every 300 miles. I have not been able to explain it.

The transmission which I believe is a C-4 rumbles when stopped and left in Drive.

General Comments:

I really like the car. I bought it for $275 and put new tires on. I also performed a basic tune-up and cleaned the interior. The paint is excellent and the body is very durable unlike newer vehicles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2003

1986 Ford Thunderbird Elan 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

Comfortable like a luxury car, power like a muscle car, drives like a dream

Faults:

Clutch Fan, though that was because the car sat for almost a year.

Thermostat, cheap to replace, so it wasn't a hassle.

Transmission Filter got clogged, again is something that needs to be replaced regularly anyway.

General Comments:

Great car. Lots of power under the hood. This car can take more than half those plastic cars made today. Very (and I mean VERY) comfortable interior. If you have ever seen the commercial for Sealy mattresses where they say why they don't make cars, this car is that comfortable. Flashy design, reliable. Little expensive on gas though. Sounds like a beast, and will impress many people driving "other" cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2003

26th May 2004, 13:50

I just bought one from a used car lot and the Harmonic Balencer was not hooked up at all it was just hanging their, and It ended up overheating and the oil pump started to go out. For the price I paid it should of lasted me at least 6 months, but it only lasted about 2 weeks.

1986 Ford Thunderbird 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

It's a Ford after all eh!

Faults:

Straps holding the gas tank in rusted out and fell off 2002.

Transmission is sticky. Takes a lot of strength trying to shift the car out of Park.

General Comments:

The car does amazing brake stands and burnouts. It has a serious amount of acceleration. It does well at high speeds (160kmh) going down the highway.

The seats are quite comfortable and they don't start to hurt after long drives.

It also has a kick-in stock sound system. It plays my music loud the way I like it without any distortion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th October, 2002

19th Mar 2005, 14:57

Would like to comment on the 1986 Ford Thunderbird, I bought a used one back in December 1987 and still have it today, been driving it 300 miles a week to work for the past 15 years. I've just turned 270,000 miles and the only upkeep has been changing the oil every 3000 miles and other small repairs. I'll tell you it was the best $10,500 investment I've ever made in a vehicle. Henry Ford had the right idea.. John S. Atlanta, Ga.