1996 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6 V8 from North America

Faults:

Check engine light came on at 8K miles -- it was a misfire on startup which was a recall.

General Comments:

I love this car. The engine is silky smooth, and yet has a wonderful V-8 roar on full acceleration. While she's flying up to speed, you're coddled in the very comfortable interior. This car's handling is excellent.

Where else can you get a RWD V8 powered big coupe for so little money? (This car cost $14000 when I got it August '98 with 6000 miles on it.)

I highly recommend this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 1999

11th Dec 2002, 19:21

I just wanted to say thank you. I just bought a 1996 Thunder bird a month ago. I purchased it from a friend and the car only has 65,000 miles on it. (Him and I usually average about 280 days a year deployed). He has had a chronic problem with the check engine light. I'm pretty sure the dealership has worked on it several times to include a Catalytic converter change. Every time the light illuminates after about 50 miles. I will now take it back to the Ford dealership and remind them on the recall. If it hasn't been accomplished to the car, they should do it then free of charge. Other than that, the car runs and drives outstanding! I'll either live with the light or cut the wire to the bulb! He did not buy the car new, so, I don't think he has any idea about the recall. thank you again.

Griff7809@yahoo.com.

14th Dec 2003, 20:38

I own a 1996 Thunderbird and just love it. It was not new when I bought it, got it from a nice older man. It had 23,000 miles on it and I have been driving it for 5 years and haven't really had a problem. Mine is Champagne with the ground effects, no sun roof though. I agree about the light.. I put a picture of Toby Keith in front of mine! The only major thing I can think of that has went wrong is my gas needle sticks and has been stuck in the full position for a year now. I have to go by mileage, but wouldn't trade it for a thing! Nice website!

3rd Jun 2006, 22:05

Another solution to an always-on check engine light is a small strip of black electrical tape.

15th Nov 2006, 11:49

I have a 1996 Thunderbird LX. The problem I have is that there is up to a 10 second delay in starting the engine after the ignition is turned. Any ideas?

4th Mar 2010, 14:02

Hey, I bought my 96 Thunderbird LX with 107,000 miles on it. I need to change the pads and rotors now, but I need to know if I have the sport tuned suspension... how do I find out?

22nd Dec 2010, 14:42

Recently my 96 T-bird seems to idle rough. No misfire or back fire, just rough. What's up with that? Also, the remote door openers stop working and the dome light also no longer works.

6th Jan 2011, 22:13

I just got my 96 T-Bird as a birthday present, and love it. I've only been driving the car for about 6 months now, and never will go to anything else. It has the 4.6 Modular, and it still loves to get up and go.

Any comments on what to do about the rough idle and shift? I have both.