Ford Thunderbird
Ninth generation · 1983–1988 · 6 model years · 8 trims
Unverified
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
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
Trims by model year
| Trim | Engine | HP | Torque | Transmission | Drive | MPG city/hwy (comb) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | |||||||
| Base · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 140 | 215 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 18/25 (21) | $13,927 |
| LX · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 140 | 215 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 18/25 (21) | $16,214 |
| Sport · Coupe | 5.0L Windsor OHV V8 | 155 | 265 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/24 (19) | $16,359 |
| Turbo Coupe Auto · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 (intercooled) | 150 | — | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/24 (19) | $17,578 |
| Turbo Coupe MT · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 (intercooled) | 190 | 240 lb-ft | 5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-5) | RWD | 16/24 (19) | $17,578 |
| 1987 | |||||||
| Base · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $13,460 |
| Sport · Coupe | 5.0L Windsor OHV V8 | 150 | 270 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/24 (19) | $15,497 |
| LX · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $15,789 |
| Turbo Coupe Auto · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 (intercooled) | 150 | — | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/24 (19) | $17,032 |
| Turbo Coupe MT · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 (intercooled) | 190 | 240 lb-ft | 5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-5) | RWD | 16/24 (19) | $17,032 |
| 1986 | |||||||
| Base | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $11,328 |
| Elan | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $12,917 |
| Turbo Coupe Auto · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 | 155 | 190 lb-ft | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 18/24 (20) | $14,561 |
| Turbo Coupe MT · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 | 155 | 190 lb-ft | 5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-5) | RWD | 18/24 (20) | $14,561 |
| 1985 | |||||||
| Base | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/23 (19) | $11,113 |
| Elan | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/23 (19) | $12,780 |
| Turbo Coupe Auto · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 | 155 | 190 lb-ft | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $14,229 |
| Turbo Coupe MT · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 | 155 | 190 lb-ft | 5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-5) | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $14,229 |
| Fila | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16/23 (19) | $15,838 |
| 1984 | |||||||
| Base · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/23 (19) | $13,184 |
| Turbo Coupe Auto · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 | 145 | 180 lb-ft | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $13,184 |
| Turbo Coupe MT · Coupe | 2.3L Lima Turbo SOHC I4 | 145 | 180 lb-ft | 5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-5) | RWD | 17/24 (19) | $13,184 |
| Elan · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/23 (19) | $13,515 |
| Fila · Coupe | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 | 120 | 205 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17/23 (19) | $15,325 |
| 1983 | |||||||
| Base | 3.8L Essex V6 | 110 | — | 3-speed automatic | RWD | — | $9,629 |
| Turbo Coupe · Coupe | 2.3L Turbocharged I4 (Lima, EEC-IV) | 145 | 180 lb-ft | 5-speed manual | RWD | — | $12,222 |
Safety & recalls by model year
US-market data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), matched by model year, make and model; the year link opens the full recall list and star ratings.