1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 3.8 litre from North America

Summary:

Attractive and reliable car

Faults:

Driver’s side seat hinge replacement required.

General Comments:

Very reliable car with beautiful pearlescent white finish. Comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2022

28th Aug 2022, 16:30

I had a 1990. Very nice car to drive. Dark blue exterior with matching blue interior. I wish auto makers would do coloured interiors again as opposed to black or grey.

This is a buyer be warned and lesson learned story.

I bought the car used from one of the local Ford/Mercury dealers in 1994 with 45000 miles. Three weeks later the A/C stopped working. Diagnosis was a leaking evaporator core. Repair was $1200.

Next in the list the driver's side window pulled out of the track (or shoes as they called them). Easy fix by a body shop. However after three more occasions of this happening they refused to repair anymore under their warranty. Upon further inspection the body shop determined that the power window mechanism inside the door was bent as if the car was broadsided in an accident. As well cracks were starting to show up along the body form the driver's door to the rear quarter where the body filler was beginning to fail.

My solution to the window was fibre glassing everything together.

I did file a complaint with the Ford dealer for failing to disclose any accidents but got nowhere.

I kept the car for a few years until the head gasket blew almost at the same time the transmission started slipping. It was a 3.8L V6.

I never bought used again. If you can’t trust a well known auto dealer then who can you trust. Never bought Ford again either.

24th Sep 2023, 15:21

Your comment is more detailed and realistic than the actual review, thanks!

1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6L gas from North America

Summary:

A reliable rocket ship

Faults:

Just normal general maintenance stuff.

Doing oil changes is a total pain. It's very hard getting at the oil filter, removing it and installing a new one. I am use to unobstructed oil filters that just drop down. Not this one. You have to work with it a bit due to many obstructions.

General Comments:

I love the car's handling and performance. Very fun to drive.

Gas mileage is great, given that it's a V8 and I drive very assertively.

Has 4 wheel independent suspension and 4 wheel discs.

The 4.6 liter V8 is very powerful and reliable with proper maintenance. I am at 207,853 and the engine runs like new. Purrs like just like a new one.

Factory A/C is still freezing cold here in the desert. Cruises 80 mph at 2100 rpm. Nice ;)

A Thunderbird in great shape with low miles and with the V8 will run about $3,000. If you can find one, buy it. Maintain it, and you won't be sorry!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2011

1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6 SOHC from North America

Summary:

Reliable, comfortable car that I plan on keeping for a while

Faults:

Odometer and trip counter do not work. From what I have researched on the Internet, I need to replace a gear on the speedometer mechanism.

Intermittent check engine light - I've taken the car to a local, reputable mechanic, and he replaced a couple of sensors and cleaned the induction system. The check engine light is off for now.

The paint on the top surfaces of the car is badly oxidized.

General Comments:

I traded some lawn care maintenance for this one-owner car. Mechanically the car has been well cared for. The 4.6 SOHC engine runs strong and uses no oil.

This car is at least as comfortable as my wife's 1996 Lexus LS-400. I plan on driving this car for a while, even though I can afford to purchase almost any car I want. This one is a keeper.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2010

1994 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6 from North America

Summary:

It is a great daily driver that, if necessary, I would drive anywhere in the country

Faults:

The check engine light keeps coming on. I have taken the car to a reputable, local mechanic and had the sensors replaced and the induction system cleaned. The light will remain off for a short time, but comes back on after a short period of time.

The odometer and trip counter do not work. I've read on the Internet that there is a plastic gear that has failed and needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

I took this car on trade for some lawn services. I use the car as a commuter car to and from and work. It is very comfortable - it is at least as comfortable as my wife's '96 Lexus LS-400 and has a smooth ride.

The body is in excellent shape with no rust or damage, but does need to be painted. I love the body lines of this car.

The interior is very user-friendly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2010