1989 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In 1989, Ford once again undertook a total redesign of the Thunderbird line. The 1989 Ford Thunderbird was longer and lower than the...
In 1989, Ford once again undertook a total redesign of the Thunderbird line. The 1989 Ford Thunderbird was longer and lower than the preceding generation, and weighed in at roughly the same 3,600 pounds. Nonetheless, Ford decided to drop the V8 option (why?!) which drew complaints from T-Bird loyalists who missed the muscle under the hood.
The base and LX trims were nice-looking cars, with the sleeker, swoopier styling. Some drivers found them a little sluggish: the 3.8 liter V6 put out just 140 horsepower, which didn't live up to the TBird tradition of power and performance.
Where the '89 Thunderbird did shine, though, was in its top-of-the line coupe. Renamed and re-engineered for 1989, the Thunderbird Super Coupe sported the supercharged 3.8 liter V-6 with intercooling, and put out a healthy 210 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel injection was controlled by computer (quite a cutting-edge technology in 1989).
Reviewers raved about the 1989 Thunderbird Super Coupe: in fact, it was the Motor Trend 'Car of the Year'. Despite the good buzz around the top-end trim, overall sales of the '89 Ford Thunderbird were not what the guys in Dearborn were hoping for.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have a strong appreciation for its performance and comfort. Many drivers love the sporty feeling, with powerful acceleration and a smooth ride comparable to luxury cars. However, some express concerns about the car's brakes and engine overheating issues, which can pose risks, especially for newer drivers. Many also enjoy the unique styling and find it fun to drive, although maintenance can be costly at times."
I have an 89 Tbird Super Coupe. Super fast, super clean, hard to work on the engine, must use premium grade gasoline, 23mpg, 5 speed, electronic options tend to wear out fast in these cars, electronic control shocks (like the corvette), every option available, sunroof, 153,000 miles, SUPER FUN TO DRIVE
November 17, 2009Always keep coolant in the engine. I've replaced the engine twice beacuse it was run too hot. The 3.8 is a good strong motor, but it's very sensitive to high heat. I like the car a lot.
March 25, 2008With the introduction of the Super Coupe Ford made a statement by putting the muscle back into the Thunderbird. Muscle was lost during the fuel crisis. At 210 hp, speed sentitive steering, independent rear suspension and the PEP 151A electronic package it was a true sports coupe that rivaled the 6 series BMW. I drove this car every day through the treacherous Santa Cruz mountains (CA Highway 17) with confidence and exilleration. Its performance was true perfection. Today the car has 186,000 miles and is still running. I am now dedicated in the restoration and preservation of these magnificent machines. This car will go down in history to be the best Tbird ever. The 5 speed manual transmission gives the driver complete control from the start, accelerating and explosive speeds. The only thing holding the car back is its weight of 3500 lbs. If Ford could have lightened the car down to 3000 lbs they would have had a rocket. Altough Ford made the Thunderbird from 1989 -1995 in excess of 729,000 units less than 50,000 were the Super Coupe (6.9%) these machines will be highly sought after by collectors during the next 5 to 10 years.
April 7, 2007What owners say
I have an 89 Tbird Super Coupe. Super fast, super clean, hard to work on the engine, must use premium grade gasoline, 23mpg, 5 speed, electronic options tend to wear out fast in these cars, electronic control shocks (like the corvette), every option available, sunroof, 153,000 miles, SUPER FUN TO DRIVE
November 17, 2009Always keep coolant in the engine. I've replaced the engine twice beacuse it was run too hot. The 3.8 is a good strong motor, but it's very sensitive to high heat. I like the car a lot.
March 25, 2008With the introduction of the Super Coupe Ford made a statement by putting the muscle back into the Thunderbird. Muscle was lost during the fuel crisis. At 210 hp, speed sentitive steering, independent rear suspension and the PEP 151A electronic package it was a true sports coupe that rivaled the 6 series BMW. I drove this car every day through the treacherous Santa Cruz mountains (CA Highway 17) with confidence and exilleration. Its performance was true perfection. Today the car has 186,000 miles and is still running. I am now dedicated in the restoration and preservation of these magnificent machines. This car will go down in history to be the best Tbird ever. The 5 speed manual transmission gives the driver complete control from the start, accelerating and explosive speeds. The only thing holding the car back is its weight of 3500 lbs. If Ford could have lightened the car down to 3000 lbs they would have had a rocket. Altough Ford made the Thunderbird from 1989 -1995 in excess of 729,000 units less than 50,000 were the Super Coupe (6.9%) these machines will be highly sought after by collectors during the next 5 to 10 years.
April 7, 2007gas mileage is good for v/6,leg room is great,cost to maintain is low,rides like a cadilac,its just a fun car to drive,hey what can i say im a Mechanic i drive them untill they wont go no more!
November 28, 2009The car is comfortable to drive and fun. Brakes work great but expensive to fix. However, it is an easy car to work on. I still had trouble finding parts for this car. Still looking for the cruise control cut off switch. This body style brings lots of compliments.
February 16, 2014Horrid Brakes and RWD are bad for new drivers. Nearly killed me multiple times.
January 30, 2008well build, rides like a Caddy, quick with a stick
January 26, 2008my car rock , and rebuild it is a great experence, and it's paid for, with many choices of thunderbird to have, v-8 or v-6 super charged V-6 power is not a problem, good gas mileage, drives smooth, and appearance is something that everyone will notice, Cost of owning one will be kinda high, but you will love the car after so many years of ownership
June 26, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $15,044 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $17,249 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $20,255 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
