1988 Ford Thunderbird LX
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 1988 Ford Thunderbird LX is a 140-hp 3.8-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $16,214 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.
It makes 140 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 215 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).
The Thunderbird measures 202.0 inches long on a 104.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,221 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $16,214 ($44,544 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 |
| Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Horsepower | 140 hp @ 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 215 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves/cylinder |
| Injection Type | Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 18 MPG |
| Highway | 25 MPG |
| Combined | 21 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14" |
| Wheels Rear | 14" |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 202 in |
| Width | 71 in |
| Height | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,221 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird LX 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
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1988 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Apr 25, 1996 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA campaign 96V071000
Mar 15, 1988 · POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
A DESIGN CHANGE TO FACILITATE CHANGEOVER IN REAR AXLE SHAFT FLANGES INADVERTENTLY PRODUCED THE POSSIBILITY FOR INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLANGE AND DISC BRAKE ROTOR.
Consequence: THE INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT PROPER SEATING OF THEROTOR. ALSO AN IMPROPERLY SEATED ROTOR COULD IN TIME RESULT IN A REDUCTION INTHE CLAMPING FORCES OF THE WHEEL STUDS, POSSIBLY LEADING TO FRACTURED STUDSAND REAR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: INSPECTION OF VEHICLES AND WHERE NECESSARY REPLACE REAR AXLE SHAFTS AND REAR BRAKE ROTORS.
NHTSA campaign 88V033000
92 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Ford THUNDERBIRD
Owner Complaints
92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Ford THUNDERBIRD (5 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 28 |
| Seat Belts | 18 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 |
| Hydraulic | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
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 1988 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.