1985 Ford Thunderbird Base
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1983 Ford Thunderbird, front right, 07-19-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 83Thunderbird by Ryanandlenny, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1986 Ford Thunderbird in Black, rear view by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, Rear Left, 10-09-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe interior 2 by TKOIII, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1985 Ford Thunderbird Base is a 120-hp 3.8-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $11,113 MSRP and is rated at 19 mpg combined.
It makes 120 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 205 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (19 mpg combined).
The Thunderbird measures 197.0 inches long on a 104.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,089 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $11,113 ($33,566 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 |
| Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Horsepower | 120 hp @ 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 205 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves/cylinder |
| Injection Type | Central Fuel Injection (CFI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 16 MPG |
| Highway | 23 MPG |
| Combined | 19 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14" |
| Wheels Rear | 14" |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 197 in |
| Width | 71 in |
| Height | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | 104 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,089 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 41 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 56 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 55 in |
| Hip Room Front | 55 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 55 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1985 Ford Thunderbird Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1985 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Mar 11, 1985 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY ANODIZED INTERNAL SURFACES CAUSING ACCELERATED WEAR OF A PISTON SEAL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ONE PORTION OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD BECOME INEFFECTIVE RESULTING IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER WOULD BE WARNED BY INCREASED PEDAL TRAVEL AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT.
Remedy: MASTER CYLINDERS BUILT ON JANUARY 9, 1985 WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA campaign 85V025000
14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1985 Ford THUNDERBIRD
Owner Complaints
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1985 Ford THUNDERBIRD (1 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Hydraulic | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1985 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.