1997 Ford Thunderbird LX Review - The FINAL Thunderbird! (Kind of...)

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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. I highly recommend consuming other reviews of this vehicle before making any form of financial decision.
#Ford #Thunderbird #fordthunderbird
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:37 - Engine / Transmission
2:59 - Interior
4:55 - BFB Test
5:28 - Interior
5:56 - Back Seats
6:39 - Trunk / Cargo Space
7:15 - Exterior
7:55 - Final Thoughts
10:35 - Outro

[@canadiandragon7069]

Glad to see the car on the channel! Thanks again Zach for filming the car, got some amazing shots.

[@jonathanryan2915]

Not only RWD but independent rear suspension! This car is so underrated

[@doug6191]

Overrated. These are overrated.

[@monibo7075]

@@doug6191 who knows about these😂

[@zacharywaller3759]

What's crazy is I had a 97 tbird v6 in 08 was my first car I bought myself when I turned 18 for 2700. It had a straight axle rear end. I just bought a 96 tbird v8 yesterday with 113k miles it has independent rear. I didn't know the v6 and v8 had different rear end set ups

[@jonathanryan2915]

@@zacharywaller3759 hey congrats on finding a "low" mileage T-bird. I don't know what the deal was with your old V6 T-bird. Maybe some dumbass hated IRS and though he was going to make a drag racer? But the Thunderbird/Cougar was a fox body chassis in the 80's and had a solid rear axle. '89 was the first year for the N11 chassis which had the IRS all the way until '97

[@zacharywaller3759]

@Jonathan Ryan That's crazy I didn't know that. I know not everyone is really Into tbirds and if it wasn't for my old 97 being my first car then I probably wouldn't be as obsessed with them as I am now. This one I got now I'll probably keep forever. Me and my 16yr old son are gonna start building this one up. For now it's getting full bolt ons long tube headers and everything. I plan on doing adjustable coil overs once I get it running right In the next couple weeks. After that getting a full body kit for it I found a company that still makes them I just gotta find some rims I actually like. I remember it was hard finding them for my v6 it's like nothing fit I even tried to put some cobra rims I figured they would fit. Didn't know the bolt pattern from the mustang to the tbird was different. So if you know of any place that sells rims for these cars please let me know.

[@LA_Commander]

Most comfortable car I ever drove. Ergonomically it was darn near perfect. Almost a luxury car. I had a 97 thunderbird sport model which got larger front brakes, rear spoiler, ground effects, super coupe 16" wheels, and I bought it for just $15,900 new. What a great deal. Very smooth and reliable car.

[@LoneWolf-gs9wr]

Yeh id love to find one like barn find they are very impressive cars I daily drive a95 an I love it

[@969thewhip]

I have a 97 LX Limited Edition with only 27000 original miles. I bought it from the original owner over 20 years ago. It even has the original window sticker with a price of $22500! 97 was the only year that used the same gauge cluster as the Taurus of that era.

[@tuckersbaby]

Nice to see your T-bird experience grow. I just got my dream car last week: a 1957 Thunderbird with the 312 Y block and a 3-speed manual

[@tuckersbaby]

@Victor Martinez Idk, I’m paying more attention to the rpms but I think it’s around the 20mph mark. Whatever I’m at around 3,200+ rpms is when I’ll shift because 2nd gear is where it’s at. I can tool around in that all day thanks to V8 torque but the highest I’ve had her up to is around 60-70mph. Although that’s more to do with the limited amount of road between my neighborhood and the highway and I still haven’t registered her yet.

[@LoneWolf-gs9wr]

Supercharged

[@tuckersbaby]

@@LoneWolf-gs9wr I wish! Only some 212 F codes were produced out of ~21,000 Thunderbirds for ‘57, and they’re more valuable stock than OEM+ like I intend to do. Luckily Y blocks love boost, so a single turbo or centrifugal supercharger would be a great addition some time in the distant future.

[@watchingitallhere]

My friend in HS had a mom who owned one of these Thunderbird V8. Same color too. Its amazing we are not both dead.

[@lorettamarieaddatu5851]

my hunsband is a thunderbird fan. he have 2 1996 red thunderbird v8 (1 has moonroof). i drive the one that doesnt have. and have 2 1984 (1 is elan and 1 is fila edition) both v8 as well. and is now planning to buy 1997 lx v8 as a gift for his upcoming bday. a very great car to drive. beautiful cars

[@DR-nx4fu]

I have a '97 LX V8, prairie tan. 213,000 mi. I'm the original owner. It needs work but I can't part with it. I agree they are great cars. What color is the one your husband is buying?

[@lorettamarieaddatu5851]

@@DR-nx4fu he doesnt have a particular color in mind. its very hard to find a prestine condition so whatever is the available color we can find is good. been thinking of buying lincoln mark viii 97/98 or thunderbird 97 v8.

[@DR-nx4fu]

@@lorettamarieaddatu5851 Good luck and HB to your husband.

[@compostboomtron9001]

Very underrated car, Ford had a good line-up in the 1990s. You should be hitting 100k subscribers pretty soon, hype!

[@aaliyahstar7803]

That V8 gurgle is like music to my ears! ❤️ A EV could never!!!

[@wrbWRX]

Absolutely love these cars. Was my first car and have had 4 of them all v8s, would love to find another clean one to keep forever.

[@swankitc7601]

I live in Kitchener, Ontario! We could've blazed one, bro!

[@auntbarbara5576]

Congrats on going intl. RWD yes but don't forget to mention w/indepedent rear suspension. Common today but kudos for Ford, for making all the 10th Gens that way since 1988.

[@totalranger27vlogs91]

I daily a 91' super coupe with the 5 speed, and I am in love with the car it is lots of fun to drive and an amazing vehicle, I highly recommend test driving one and reviewing one if you can.

[@parlergreg8535]

Just went to check my 97 T birs I pay $3200 for with 86k on her, now has over 97k, no problems after new tires and service. Love it

[@familycruisin7531]

I’ve owned 3 of these. Their amazing cars for what they are. The interior is my favorite

[@nate_d376]

I had a 94. I did like the interior except for the color. It was red. It did creak a lot.

[@Nick-Milan]

Why did you own 3 ?, why didn’t you just keep the same car? if I may ask. :)

[@tommycastro7357]

Lovvvvve this tbird. Had an 89 and 94 . Love to own a 97 with the V8

[@kevinW826]

My first car was a 1994 ford thunderbird lx v8. Jade green exterior with green interior. My second car was a red on grey 1994 ford thunderbird v6. I swapped the grey interior into the green one. I even swapped the working door mirrors from the red one onto the green one. So you could see it coming down the road. I missed that car. The transmission and the brakes exploded, leading me to get rid of it as I couldn’t afford replacement parts. Wish I could get another one. Or at least find a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. Fun fact. Ford actually built an SVT Thunderbird concept. I remember a video of it being shown off. It had a supercharged 4.6 and 6 speed manual with an LSD and 6 pot calipers up front and 4 pot on back. It was an amazing looking thing with gobs and gobs of power.

[@Cubemaster]

Getting close to 100k! It seems like just yesterday you were at 20k and then 50k. I'm happy for you, you deserve it!

[@MrKormmodity]

Happy to see the channel grow, love the content!

[@radioguy1620]

Ask any transmission guy this was Fords Best to date, also the engine same.unbelievably durable and easy to replace common wear parts like alternator and water pump , etc.

[@larrymacfarlane1799]

my first car was a 91 powder blue LX with the 3.8. Loved having a rear wheel drive coupe. Love the Tbird to this day. Im looking for one in good shape now.

[@2H2521]

Always liked these, cool color too. Ford’s interiors usually always hold up extremely well.

[@robertbishop1651]

I’ve owned 2 96 t birds & a xr7 cougar,loved em & drove them year round in wva in the snow with

[@Jay-dp5wp]

If I'm not mistaken, these MN12 cars were the only American V8 cars with IRS next to the Corvette

[@wmalden]

New viewer and subscriber here. The fold-down center piece in back seats is properly called an armrest and not a console. Keep your reviews of everyday cars new and old coming!👍👍

[@jesusofamerica]

The thing people don't know about the 4.6 is on a bone stock engine you can run 8-10 lbs of boost for a while with solid wheel and tire and suspension and gears . That setup at the time or shortly after will have you smoking most other stock sports cars

[@rhekman]

2:44 Not only rear-wheel drive, but _independent_ rear wheel drive. Years before Cobra Mustangs or the S550 platform, the good ole T-Bird/Couger/MkVIII "MN12" platform had honest to goodness IRS. It's unfortunate its development came in overbudget and overweight for Ford to continue evolving the design.

[@canadiandragon7069]

Would have loved to see this platform continued on, see what we could have gotten instead of the Retro Bird that came and went.

[@ashantegray6752]

Zach I missed my old green 1995 ford thunderbird that my parents used to own since 1996 since I was a infant. We bought the car in 1996 in Irving, Texas then I donate it to Cars for Kids, I missed that car so much and I been going through depression everyday I think about that car because it was my favorite car in the world.😪😪😪

[@SGTNinja-ee6rw]

I love the color, the wheels do give it more of an aggressive look, but I can forsee a late 90s ford interior asmr video lol

[@tonycrusader777]

welcome to the true north I hope you checked out Windsor we have a lot of gems here

[@shadow212121kb]

I have a 97 Mercury Cougar 30th Anniv, mint condition, I'm also in Ontario, lol

[@mattjohnston7686]

1989 to '97 Thunderbird looked the best.

[@Milnoc]

Thanks for noticing and accepting that the speedometer dial swap was unusual for it being in miles instead of kilometers!

[@robertknight4672]

I was watching a video on how to change the dash lights and a Honda Element and I had to comment if the owner was in Canada because when miles in kilometers per hour were swapped from what I was used to seeing in my element.

[@MichaelAChang]

The 11th gen was a proper T-Bird, albeit a 2-door Lincoln LS.

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

Congrats on Shooting Cars going international ea!

[@romanseano]

I owned a 1994 LX V8 - Deep Emerald Green with Light Mocha leather interior . I guarantee that the door panels were the polar opposite of the Mustang panel you were crunching. The T-bird's interior was, yes, full of plastics. But the material was solid, not flimsy - and fit & finish extremely tight. No creaks, crackles, or ticks even when riding over rough pavement. The leather on the seats was of high quality, and made a real difference in the overall atmosphere of the cabin. The T-bird had one flaw, and that's the transmission: This electronic 4-speed automatic was infamous for its hesitating / slippage going into 4th, and mine was no exception (unveiled itself in the 70K mile range). Other than that, it was probably among the best built vehicles I ever owned.... and I've had at least 12! 🙂

[@robertborne895]

The 4.6L was also found in the F-150 and the Lincoln Mark VIII. I had a LSC with the 290 hp version of the engine. The big girl could move!

[@DR-nx4fu]

I have a 1997 prairie tan LS. 8cyl 4.6. I love it. My daily driving car is a 2013 Taurus limited. Can't compare to the TBird.

[@davefriesen851]

Just bought a silver 95 thunderbird v8. Isn't on the road yet but looking forward to it!! It'll be fun. I only paid $3000 for it as well

[@narniebone1332]

I know nothing about cars plus I’m British but got excited when I read the word Thunderbird then bombed. If you have one and like it fair enough but must say I was so disappointed just seemed cheap and unexciting. Great vids and range of cars love the channel.

[@prinkki3472]

I’m lucky to have my bird. Since I got it out of my grandparents storage unit that sat there for 10 years

[@seththomas9105]

The Ex bought a fully loaded 97 LX brand new from a friend of mine that has a FoMoCo dealership. Was a great car that was NEVER winter driven. She traded it off with 40K on it for a POS Nissan Ultima that was a nickle and dime machine. I'm not a Ford guy but those last T-Bird/Cougars were good cars. We took the Bird on a trip to Colorado and it drove and handled like a dream with the Ind RS and 4 wheel disk. The Stock 4.6 was nothing to write home about, but with some hot rodding it would have been a cool sleeper. It even had Posi from the factory.

[@dominiqueroudier9401]

Hello mate. I watched your vidéo by chance. In september 1994 We made à road trip around Florida and Keys. At Miami airport We rented at Budget rent à car à brand new 94 T-bird With same color like your. Was first year fitted With new 4.6L engine instead of old 5.0L . I have only positive memories about this car and à picture of it in frame located in my house entrance. I made à big Rolling race in bridges in thé Keys Bécause no cops With speed cams.!!! Around 115 mph or 185 km h à speed limiter Turn off thé rpm😢 Friendly from South of France

[@TAELSDOLL]

canadian car market can get wild sometimes

[@ogbrmusic]

The stick versions were quick! (Drove a friends) I had the 94/95 Cougar a deep plum color v6 XR7 and it got up! I really loved that interior! The wrap around style was just perfect as far as driver position and feel, even on bad gravel roads it feels really bolstered and solid footed. I'm a huge fan of the Cougar especially but the t-bird too! Also anyone that calls the one they brought back ugly has no roots in the design history of cars in general because those retro future beauties are awesome! Based loosely on the themes featured in the Ford 49 Concept car all the good style was there along with being built on the Lincoln LS, T-Bird, Jaguar S-Type platform meant good weight distribution and competent handling. The only thing really missing was and engine with more power output! All three would have been even more legendary that they ended up being!

[@MrTomengle]

Had a 95 v8. Great car!

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

My boy Sean had one of these back in the day

[@paulm6481]

Good looking car and I think it has held well inside. Outside shape is still sleek. Too bad Ford did not make the interior anything special. Just a little more money spent would have made this a special vehicle. As is a fine vehicle to be proud of owning.

[@cletuskasady593]

Wow, I’m proud of you 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@Phantomstriker98]

Let’s go, International BABY!

[@alexstrege-chaney2866]

I have a 1987 ford thunderbird with the 302 and let me say it's one of the most fun cars I've ever driven and it's a powerhouse of a car

[@Trump-jv8xf]

I had a laser red 97 t-bird lx. I modded it too the hilt. Great sleeper (if you are willing to spend more money than the car is worth). Went from 16 sec @ 89 mph to 14.6@97 without n02 / with n02 13.5@105. Fast for 1997-2007 but spent over $12k usd on making it faster/better. Great fun car, still miss it even though I have way faster/better cars now and since then! Good old car culture days!!!

[@comeonman1100]

Bsck when i had a 95 model i wish it had similar cup holders. Oh, one thing i always thought felt premium about my 95 was the glove compartment door. It didnt flop open. It opened slow and controlled. I know, strange thing to remember.

[@howieewalt1322]

The big difference between the Mustang and Thunderbird is the posi-rear vs. independent rear.

[@FedeJ2023]

First video I’m seen….I’m new subscriber!!

[@thingusraccamagoocus]

I love my 97 thunderbird, wish mine had a sunroof though.

[@lando1x_]

Bro for real I saw there was a sunroof option in the manual I wish my great grandpa got that back in 97

[@lemonscented7703]

4:14 This dude has 76k more than mine does and ALL HIS SHIT STILL WORKS WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[@williamfurlan9176]

Let's get our boy a SC!

[@LoneWolf-gs9wr]

Rear independent also very nice exhaust system if you cut just the rear muffler off it is very clean sound also has a trunk you could fit six people in . And it's got good over drive. Pluss with little adjustments you can get easy 60 more HP out of it

[@lordzeuscannon6400]

You mean muffler(s) as there's one for each side of the dual exuaust. Makes it too quiet so I had both cut off and welder new downswept exhaust to look like it was stock, a lot louder now and the drone kills you if you drive too long

[@LoneWolf-gs9wr]

@@lordzeuscannon6400 this is Jim here an I'm selling my 95 t bird V8 just did it's first tune up from 95 lol cause it still had the plugs an wires an coils from the factory so it was time . If you no Any body interested you have my email an thanks for posting the video I liked it .

[@ESPLTD322]

These always made me think of a 2 door, aero-era Crown Vic. Well, it basically is lol

[@braydenchamberlain4660]

I have a 1996 thunderbird lx mine has a way different interior tho it confuses me I’ve watched a lot of videos and I think I have a more limited version it’s filled with a fluffy red interior there’s some wood parts it’s really neat actually

[@dennishogenmiller4456]

Need to check out the 1961 to 1963 Birds. They are great Looking!

[@Natedog002]

I’ve got a 97 LX wish it was as clean as this one

[@wayneb2069]

Four wheel independent suspension, anti lock disc brakes, variable power steering on a rear wheel drive V8 with dual exhaust and I have two😂 Also the 96/97 is different than the 94/95 models. And and and, crotch vent for hot summer days and cold winter days. Mine has the little opera lights for the back seats. I don't have the moon roof which it will never leak. I have the all green sedan and the 40th Anniversary Edition with keypad on the door.

[@bwofficial1776]

It's a shame big coupes aren't a thing any more. This was more advanced than the Mustang and could eat up miles/kilometers. It's a good looking design in a 90s way. This one looks good for doing 170k miles in snowy Canada, eh.

[@Milnoc]

One solution is to wash the car frequently, especially the undercarriage. That helps get the salt out from under the car and reduces the chances the car will prematurely become a heap of rust.

[@lordzeuscannon6400]

You have cupholder there? Lol my 94 you gotta open the center console and pop down the magnetic cup holders

[@UpperRobin29]

I think the final gen Thunderbird gets a lot of hate, it's really not all that bad

[@seththomas9105]

The Ex had one. It was a great car.

[@rhekman]

Loved my '91 Thunderbird Sport with the 5.0L V8. That package had the upgraded radiator and sway bars from the Super Coupe, but the analog dash from the LX models. Instead of Mustang wheels, I recommend17x9" wheels for a Jaguar; they fit perfectly with no weird stick out. Other upgrades I did were a Ford 3G 130 amp alternator, battery relocation to the trunk, aftermarket shocks, and a Torsen LSD (despite the IRS, the differential is a standard Ford 8.8). It was honestly the best handling car I've ever owned.

[@canadiandragon7069]

I've actually got a set of rims from a 2004 Thunderbird that actually look really nice. They'll give it a more stock look but I'm kinda going for a sleeper look now haha. Still got a long ways to go before I start messing with the engine, for now I'll stick with the old reliable 4.6.

[@WhittyPics]

I like the Thunderbird

[@dontushi225]

Hey buddy. SC is more interesting I think. Iwish see SC next video. Thanks ❤

[@ShadowTheSC]

You can review my super coupe if you'd like if you can press down on the brake pedal hard enough. My booster is out lol

[@MyLifePixeled]

wait until you see the cup holder in the 1996 TBird/Cougar

[@timzzz9963]

I mean hey if youre reviewing a t-bird come review my 86 mustang vert

[@rt_goblin_hours]

Had one growing up, mom flooded it twice lol

[@dave11686]

Awesome

[@someonecalledeulogio2280]

you need to experience "la rumorosa" highway

[@HornedGod07]

I got a nice red tan interior

[@sirmojo4537]

I also consider 1997 the last of the Thunderbirds because that "retro" bird was a pathetic joke that was outrageously expensive with cheap plastic. Henry Ford must have been doing cartwheels in his grave over THAT one.😆

[@BrendanW0214]

I had a 1996 V6 Thunderbird. Hated the engine and lack of power, but loved the comfort and ride quality. I sold it after the head gaskets failed for spare parts because after a good while, I had enough of dealing with it and wanted something a bit more reliable.

[@nickn815]

I also had a 1996 V6 that had the head gasket issue, I ended up having engine rebuilt, which kept it nice for awhile but then some other issues started coming up (transmission, sensors, etc) and I just couldn’t dump more money into it. Scrapped it end of 2012.

[@peterlawrason5874]

I also scrapped my 3.8l due too blower head gaskets which happened twice. The 4.6 v8 was super solid, I wish I had one of those

[@LoneWolf-gs9wr]

Yeh the V6 sucks unless it's supercharged then your truly sporting a big time sleeper .

[@BrownBomber92181]

Yea, the Essex V-6 engine was a gutless wonder and not at all reliable

[@CalebOrvik]

my dream ride, if anyone owns and is trying to sell....reach out asap!

[@datsun7023]

I have one here in Sacramento

[@perditusthornatus6518]

If you were in any other year MN12 Tbird, you would NOT have a cupholder.

[@kebabaluba]

As a Ford Taurus SHO owner i recognize several interior bits and switches. Btw do a SHO review :)

[@ShootingCars]

Editing a 96 SHO video right now! It will be up December 16th!

[@kebabaluba]

@@ShootingCars Nooo, its the wrong one. 1989-1995 are the legendary ones, with unique Yamaha V6 mate :)

[@ImmortanDan]

@@kebabaluba Oh, that thing has plenty of its own weirdness

[@kebabaluba]

@@ImmortanDan Its a Taurus so its not so weird as its unique with that engine :)

[@ImmortanDan]

@@kebabaluba Weird, unique, same difference. I'm just saying, that V8 offers a lot to talk about, from placement to shape to sprocket failures

[@eliquegracia3343]

I don’t think they put the 4.6! Liter in any of the Ford Explorers from the 90s they either had the V6 or 5.0 Windsor

[@BrownBomber92181]

Thats right! Not until the 3rd generation Explorer in 2003 I think

[@user-ob5zo9rj1z]

100%🔥🔥🔥

[@KingRizzle]

You’ve also driven a Cougar before

[@jesusofamerica]

This guy is tripping. Aside from the ac vents the car is built like a Mercedes or bmw compared to a mustang. I had a 97 lx sport "jjjj" model. It was impeccable but life is as it is. I'll be getting another soon. If you can get one you will not be disappointed the slides. This thunderbird was the basis for the svt cobra sc from 03 to 04

[@jesusofamerica]

I mean basis as this vehicle had a few prototypes made with a 32v 4.6 dohc supercharged engine with its rear independent and low wide body in 1996-1997 the sales of the bird were low so they scrapped it and rolled it up in the new edge sn95

[@bligo2387]

"This week on Shooting Cars Hot International Tour (SCHIT)" : *goes to Cuba and reviews a 1954,58,61,66,69,72 Chevrolet Montdevilleastang*

[@benstevenz]

Do they come in manual?

[@datsun7023]

This year and model no but there is a 96 that does very very rare tho better off manual swappkng one

[@shavpookie]

89-95 super coupes only.

[@trentryan27]

Got 2 mercury cougars, same MN12 platform, 1 is a 93 with the older style interior, and a 97 that has this same interior, the 97 interior, may not be the best but is worlds better than the 93 and prior as every piece of plastic has become brittle and is breaking everywhere, also the power mirror switch on the 93 burned out and its like impossible to find a good 1

[@thomasrhinehart6084]

"Look at This!" ....."Don't look at This!"....lol....what a joker.

[@pt2729]

Umm, the speedometer was graduated with both mph and kph

[@calebtvog]

11th gen thunderbird looks way cooler imo looks more like a classic thunderbird these look like mustangs, 11th gens are quick too

[@paulm6481]

I disagree that last Thunderbird was ugly. It is not everybody’s cup of tea, but it is not ugly.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool😀

[@Chris-Courage]

I keep seeing these up for sale lately because no one wants the poor gas mileage right now. Thunderbirds and Lincoln Town cars.

[@76TomD]

I had a 97 LX

[@ashantegray6752]

I hope my car comes back to me one day

[@meowchat6175]

Yeah...

[@devondotdrive7158]

I've got my super coupe in Manitoba if you want to take a peak lol

[@kenshin034]

The best ford coupes 😔the mercury cougar xr7s as well even take the 👑over 🐎