1986 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

A stylish, reliable auto

Faults:

I have replaced the following because of failure:

- Fuel Pump

- Alternator

- Fog lights

- Radio

- Radiator

- Struts

The transmission is sometimes quirky, the passenger side window doesn't go down, and the power antenna doesn't work.

The head gasket seems to be leaking a bit.

The steering rack needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

I love this car! Nice interior, decent performance, and great styling.

The seats are very comfortable on long trips.

It's starting to get a bit rusty, but that's probably a result of many Minnesota winters.

Overall, despite having almost 200,000 miles, it's running strong!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2001

30th May 2001, 08:57

I purchased my 1986 Turbo Coupe with a 5 speed in November of 1985 as a new vehicle. Now have 229,000 miles on car. I was notorious for trading cars. Love this car. Check turbo light just came on. Any ideas?

Cjarboe@aoc.gov

26th Jan 2003, 02:21

I personally have two `86` turbo-coupes and I love everything about them, they handle great, run great, look great, and are great on gas.

I just wish that there would be some after market parts for my turbo-coupe.

19th Feb 2006, 15:33

I also have a 86 Turbo Coupe and it's my 3rd one and this one only has 35,000 original miles on it as of february of 06. It is one of the most comfortable,dependable and great looking car on the road today. I think that Ford has done a great job on this car. It is better looking than most of the foreign crap that's out there today. And you won't see a Honda or a Toyota on the road on 20 years that is more reliable than a Ford!!! Gary Palm Beach Florida.

4th Sep 2006, 17:47

I got my '86 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe as my second car for Christmas of 2005. It has the 5 speed tranny and a posi rear end! My passenger window motor doesn't work, clutch is going out, and that's about all that is wrong with it. It has 135,000 miles on it and it is two-tone, purple on top and silver on the bottom. Can easily hit 120mph in 4th gear... This car does GREAT donuts!!! Best 4 cylinder car from the 80's.

1986 Ford Thunderbird Elan 302 V-8 from North America

Summary:

Surprising comfort and performance. A delight to own

Faults:

Alternator, ignition module. The hardest thing about owning an older car is praying it wouldn't breakdown during the rush hour stop and go. Being a motor club member is a must!

General Comments:

Surprising comfort and performance. Not much horsepower, (stock, only 150hp for a 5.0, that will shortly be remedied) but the torque is nice.(270 @ 2000 rpm).

Being in the heart of Silicon Valley, older cars are harder and harder to find. I mean Porches and BMW's have a waiting list! And, the new front-drive sedans all look alike. I feel proud to own this historic older car with it's non-offending muscular looks and power. But most of all, no more huge new car payments!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2000

3rd Mar 2006, 22:06

What are you going to do to increase the horsepower?

1986 Ford Thunderbird 302 V8 from North America

General Comments:

I LOVE my Thunderbird. Being 13 years old, with nearly 100,000 miles, it's not the most reliable, but I haven't found another car yet that I enjoy driving as much as my Thunderbird.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 1999