1986 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Not much change was made for the 1986 Ford Thunderbird model year. There were a few minor exterior tweaks, most notably the addition of a...
Not much change was made for the 1986 Ford Thunderbird model year. There were a few minor exterior tweaks, most notably the addition of a third brake light. The most significant change was under the hood, with the 5.0 liter V-8 engine getting the added power of fuel injection. The entry-level V-6 engine and the Turbo Coupe’s innovative turbocharged four-cylinder remained the same for the '86 Thunderbird.
Trim offerings were the same as the previous year's, with the Heritage, FILA, Elan, and Turbo Coupe available. The interior was stylish, with a European racing feel. Ford hit a good note with its 'Aero Bird' generation: the look and feel combined the sexiness and zip of a classic sport performance car with the plush comfort of a luxury sedan. The '86 Ford Thunderbird had enough muscle to zip around highways and streets, but was streamlined enough not to be a gas guzzler: fuel economy was estimated at 24-30 mpg highway, depending on engine and model.
The 1986 Thunderbird is a good buy, if you can find one out there. Often overlooked in the hoopla that surrounded some of the following year's innovations, the '86 T-Bird is a solid performer loved by tuners and project-car junkies alike.
What owners say
"Owners love the 1986 Ford Thunderbird for its power, comfort, and performance. Many drivers recall the exhilarating speed and handling, with some appreciating the muscle car aesthetic while enjoying a spacious interior. However, there are mixed feelings about fuel economy and maintenance, with some mentioning rust issues and electrical problems as downsides."
I'm having trouble finding weather stripping, and some body and trim parts. Front grill and hood got beat up sitting in a parking lot. Plus the upper trim above the windshield. I really want to get her fixed back up, the car came from Florida and is in very good shape otherwise. 91k orignal miles.
December 22, 2013She died at 330,000 miles at no fault of her own. It was me the driver that caused her death. She still runs, but it is not safe to drive her with a large chunk missing from the frame. I was the second owner and did a lot of work on her over the years. Eight years of daily driving put 190,000 on her. She was a very good car and I miss her everyday. I want another 1986 tbird.
February 4, 2007well i have had this car for about a year now, i love the power the 302 puts out without the everyday sight of a mustang. the handleing on this car is a little tough to get used to, but as far as the size and wight goes its the best its gona get. ive pushed my thunderbird to 135 without any performence upgrades. overall its a fun car with no lack of power or appearance.
December 5, 2010What owners say
I'm having trouble finding weather stripping, and some body and trim parts. Front grill and hood got beat up sitting in a parking lot. Plus the upper trim above the windshield. I really want to get her fixed back up, the car came from Florida and is in very good shape otherwise. 91k orignal miles.
December 22, 2013She died at 330,000 miles at no fault of her own. It was me the driver that caused her death. She still runs, but it is not safe to drive her with a large chunk missing from the frame. I was the second owner and did a lot of work on her over the years. Eight years of daily driving put 190,000 on her. She was a very good car and I miss her everyday. I want another 1986 tbird.
February 4, 2007well i have had this car for about a year now, i love the power the 302 puts out without the everyday sight of a mustang. the handleing on this car is a little tough to get used to, but as far as the size and wight goes its the best its gona get. ive pushed my thunderbird to 135 without any performence upgrades. overall its a fun car with no lack of power or appearance.
December 5, 2010A big comfy car that felt like a smaller sports car. 100+foot burnout with the 5.0 V-8 and only 60000K on it, 4 speed auto/overdrive, fully loaded. Gas pig if you are hard on the gas, but good on the hwy. Good reliability, but bad for rust
October 25, 2008I used to own this car. It was a while back, but I still remember it clearly. VERY FAST!. I remember once my tires chirped in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. It was a 4 cylinder turbo charged engine. It was just as fast as the V8 version. It was nice and roomy on the inside and muscular looking on the outside.
October 3, 2008My first car...5.0 ltr V8 had decent torque from down low but became very anemic once it wound up past 4k rpm...got me through LSU with no mechanical woes, but electrical issues seemed to pop up every other day
November 28, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $11,328 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $12,917 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $14,561 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
