1994 Ford Thunderbird

A completely redesigned Thunderbird arrived on December 26th of 1988, representing its tenth major styling update since its introduction in October of 1954. The previous generation of styling rested on a 104.2-inch wheelbase and powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a V6, and a 5.0-liter Windsor V8. The '10th Gen' Thunderbird rested on a 113-inch platform and initially had a length of 198.7-inches, growing to 200.3-inches in 1994. The styling introduced in 1988 would continue through September of 1997.

The aerodynamic design had a low coefficient of drag aiding in fuel economy, and its suspension was independent all around, with short-and-long arms (SLA) and a spring strut setup in the front and multiple links at the rear. Two engine options were available, the V8 powerplant was no longer offered, and the base and LX models used the 3.8-liter Essex OHV V6 with 140 horsepower backed by Ford's AOD 4-speed automatic transmission. The Super Coupe came with the supercharged and intercooled version of the V6.

The rear-wheel-drive Thunderbird gained the Power Equipment and Luxury Group packages for 1990. The 1991 LX and SC models could be ordered with a new electronic automatic temperature control system. The previous woodgrain trim panels in the LX were replaced by new vinyl-and-cloth inserts. The SC model gained new trim including the Thunderbird emblem embroidered on the upper seatbacks.

The base and Sport Coupes were discontinued for 1993 leaving the LX and Super Coupe. The High Output 5.0-liter V8 engine was once again optional equipment.

1994 Ford Thunderbird
The Thunderbird received extensive updates for 1994, including changes to its powertrain, additional safety features, and a redesigned interior. In the front were a more curvaceous hood, new headlamps, larger air intakes in the bumper cover, and the relocation of the Thunderbird emblem from the front edge of the hood to the upper air intake slot in the bumper cover.

The interior wrap-around cockpit-style instrumentation complimented the sweeping curves of the door panels and the flowing lines of the dashboard surfaces. The steering wheel, radio, and climate controls were new, and the LX trim package was offered with a choice of new fabric or leather seating surfaces. The updates to the interior done to enhance driver comfort and convenience, and accommodate the dual front airbags.

The 1994 Ford Thunderbird consisted of the LX and Super Coupe. The base engine in the LX trim level was a 3.8-liter V6 fitted with sequential electronic fuel injection and offering 140 horsepower. With the help of a supercharger and a compression ratio of 8.2:1, power rose to 210 horsepower and torque to 330 lb-ft. This engine, with a five-speed manual transmission, was standard in Super Coupe. The Eaton M90 roots-type supercharged gained a larger, square style inlet, Teflon coated rotors and a larger attaching inlet plenum. The previous AOD automatic transmission was replaced by an electronically-controlled 4R70W four-speed automatic.

The 5.0-liter Windsor V8 was replaced by a Modular single overhead camshaft 4.6-liter unit and was standard in the LX Coupe. It had overhead valves, a 9.0:1 compression ratio, sequential fuel injection, and delivered 205 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6-L V8 used an updated powertrain control module while the base and supercharged V6s continued to use the older EEC-IV units.

Pricing for the 1994 Thunderbird began at $16,800 for the LX Coupe and $22,240 for the Super Coupe, an increase from the $15,800 price for the LX Coupe and $22,030 for the Super Coupe a year earlier. A total of 130,750 examples were built in 1993 and 121,082 a year later. 1993 was the most popular year of the tenth generation Thunderbird, followed by 122,909 in its inaugural (1989) year, and the 121,082 built in 1994. In its final year of 10th Gen styling, Ford produced a mere 36,582 examples of the Thunderbird.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2015