1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe Auto
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 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe Auto is a 150-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 coupe with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $17,032 MSRP and is rated at 19 mpg combined.
It makes 150 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (19 mpg combined).
The Thunderbird measures 202.0 inches long on a 104.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,422 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $17,032 ($48,727 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 (intercooled) |
| Displacement | 2.3 L |
| Boost Pressure | 9.5 psi |
| Horsepower | 150 hp |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 2 valves/cylinder |
| Injection Type | Electronic fuel injection (EEC-IV) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Differential Type | Limited-slip (Traction-Lok) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 16 MPG |
| Highway | 24 MPG |
| Combined | 19 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Vented disc, 4-wheel ABS |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 16" |
| Wheels Rear | 16" |
| Tires Front | 225/60VR16 |
| Tires Rear | 225/60VR16 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 202 in |
| Width | 71 in |
| Height | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,422 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 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe Auto 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 1987 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sep 4, 1987 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
NHTSA campaign 87V139000
63 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1987 Ford THUNDERBIRD
Owner Complaints
63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Ford THUNDERBIRD (4 mention a crash, 17 a fire, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 23 |
| Seat Belts | 14 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 5 |
| Hydraulic | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
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 1987 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.