1987 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was that year's Motor Trend 'Car of the Year'. Quite an honor for a model line that had looked dead...
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was that year's Motor Trend 'Car of the Year'. Quite an honor for a model line that had looked dead in the water at the start of the '80s! The award was certainly deserved: Ford had poured plenty of engineering know-how into their revamp of the '87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.
Its 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was now offered with the air-to-air intercooler also seen in the Ford Mustang SVO; this reengineering brought the Turbo Coupe's output up to a whopping 190 horsepower when combined with 5-speed manual transmission. The Turbo Coupe was also available with a new 4-speed automatic transmission, with a maximum output of 150 horsepower. In addition, the flagship Turbo Coupe came with performance extras like anti-lock disc brakes and Automatic Ride control.
The rest of the 1987 Thunderbird line got a slight shakeup in terms of its trim offerings. The Elan model was discontinued; it was replaced by new LX and Sport models. The Sport trim came standard with the 5.0 liter fuel-injected V-8 engine; the LX shipped with the Essex V-6.
A new swept-back aerodynamic redesign made the '87 Ford Thunderbird sleeker than ever. With its newly flush-mounted headlights and narrower grille, the '87 T-Bird had a sharp, forward-looking appeal. Fuel efficiency remained solid, with maximum highway mileage ranging from 24 to 30 miles per gallon.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1987 Ford Thunderbird have mixed feelings. Many drivers appreciate the car's performance, fun driving experience, and unique styling, while others have faced reliability issues and mechanical problems. The car is often described as a nostalgic American muscle vehicle, offering good handling and a comfortable ride. However, complaints about electrical issues and a somewhat lackluster powertrain have detracted from the overall experience for some."
I purchased my 1987 T-Bird in 1995 for a mere 5,000 deutschmarks and kept it through 2001. The Thunderbird was the base version, but that didn't show. All desirable options were present (automatic transmission, power brakes/steering/windows/seats/door locks/decklid relase, air conditioning, cruise control etc.) and they all worked fine. This was the most reliable American vehicle I had ever owned until then. Build quality was good and the materials used inside looked and felt classy. It was comparatively cheap to operate, got great gas mileage (25 mpg). The 3.8-liter V6 engine was not very responsive to gas pedal Input; 120 horsepower was adequate, but no more. 0-60 mph times averaged about 11-12 seconds, top speed was approx. 112 mph. Handling was typically American with low cornering power due to marked understeer. Steering was quick for an American car and the brakes worked quite well. It was not a sporty car by any stretch of the imagination, but a very nice, exceedingly comfortable cruiser and a very attractive car to boot. Had I not needed a four-door automobile back in 2001, I definitely would have kept the T-Bird. Instead, I sold it to a friend who's been getting many years of useful and dependable service out my good old '87 T-Bird since then. May the Bird fly for many more years to come.
April 19, 2014Over all this car is one fine looking ride. It has get up and go even with its age has been well maintained inside and out very low mileage for age good gas mileage no leaks or paint fade great car
September 25, 2013Excellent older vehicle. Fun to drive. Borg-Warner T5 tranny. Whats not to love? And my kid fits in the back! I get almost 30mpg in her and she is a blast to drive. On the highway you cant ask for a better ride!
June 12, 2012What owners say
I purchased my 1987 T-Bird in 1995 for a mere 5,000 deutschmarks and kept it through 2001. The Thunderbird was the base version, but that didn't show. All desirable options were present (automatic transmission, power brakes/steering/windows/seats/door locks/decklid relase, air conditioning, cruise control etc.) and they all worked fine. This was the most reliable American vehicle I had ever owned until then. Build quality was good and the materials used inside looked and felt classy. It was comparatively cheap to operate, got great gas mileage (25 mpg). The 3.8-liter V6 engine was not very responsive to gas pedal Input; 120 horsepower was adequate, but no more. 0-60 mph times averaged about 11-12 seconds, top speed was approx. 112 mph. Handling was typically American with low cornering power due to marked understeer. Steering was quick for an American car and the brakes worked quite well. It was not a sporty car by any stretch of the imagination, but a very nice, exceedingly comfortable cruiser and a very attractive car to boot. Had I not needed a four-door automobile back in 2001, I definitely would have kept the T-Bird. Instead, I sold it to a friend who's been getting many years of useful and dependable service out my good old '87 T-Bird since then. May the Bird fly for many more years to come.
April 19, 2014Over all this car is one fine looking ride. It has get up and go even with its age has been well maintained inside and out very low mileage for age good gas mileage no leaks or paint fade great car
September 25, 2013Excellent older vehicle. Fun to drive. Borg-Warner T5 tranny. Whats not to love? And my kid fits in the back! I get almost 30mpg in her and she is a blast to drive. On the highway you cant ask for a better ride!
June 12, 2012My tbird is old, she's tired, needs TLC, it's hard to find special parts like headlights and stick shift knobs n such and sometimes it's easy to hate this car because when one problem is fixed, another arises. Yet, the car keeps rolling, it's the best sounding 4 cylinder I have ever heard, the turbo adds some fun for this old Pinto engine, and It is a VERY pretty car! Previous owner didn't know how to drive stick and didn't know about 5th gear...all this explains why synchros are out in the transmission and the throwout bearing is shot. I think it's leaking under the rear window (notorious for many old cars it seems), I can't find any good headlight replacements as mine are dull and interior plastics are falling apart. Despite, all of this, she's my baby, many people I know think it's a hot car (and recognize me for the one with the old Thunderbird) and there just isn't too much to say because I think this car was very well built! My review is biased, and my car needs a lot of work done so I'm not really "experiencing" the car in all it's glory, but I can't wait to drive it again!
August 15, 2014While the gas mileage sucked, and it didn't do well in snow or ice because of the rear wheel drive - I LOVED this car! It was a tank! The acceleration was great, the build quality was EXCELLENT. It only needed a few small repairs over the years since it was a 1987. The car in the pictures isn't the one I had but it's the same body style. The one that I had was baby blue. Only wish it hadn't been totaled. :(
November 6, 2009I owned my Turbo Coupe for almost ten years and have yet to find anything that comes close to as fun to drive. I rue the day I sold it and swear I will get another one some day.
February 4, 2008Had one for three years now. have put 17,000 miles on the 64,000 it had when I got it.In that time I have spent only about 500 dollars, to rebuild the transmission(5 speed) and brake pads.The car runs a three inch exhaust, a super chip, 19 pounds of boost and a k&n air filter. Got 233 on dyno. Average 17 in city.
February 8, 2010The styling of this car was way before its time. The features this car has are amazing for the year it was built and they all work. This vehicle has only left me stranded 3 times in 25 years! There are so few of these 87 Thunderbirds in our area, that I am certain when I am on the road each week, driving it around, folks don't know what it is. Yes, it gets looks and several folks have talked to me about her at the stop light. No, it is not for sale ;-). It has new paint, rebuilt transmission, and a fair amount of body work was completed before the beautiful paint job, which several body shops said that they could not match. Finally found a shop that painted it with no problem. I am a Ford Lady,, I also own a 98 Ford Explorer as well!
August 26, 2012more power then you'd expect. Handles, corners and stops better then it's competitors (grand national). It also gets better gas milage and has many luxury items standard which are only options on other cars! first with 4 wheel disc and ABS!
July 3, 2009Car runs great, acceleration is pretty good for a small 4 cylinder, but they get you on the gas mileage...about as much as a new 'Stang.
April 29, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $13,460 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $15,497 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $15,789 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $17,032 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
