1987 Ford Thunderbird

US · Compact Cars

The 1987 Ford Thunderbird is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine: Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged (FFS,TRBO), 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 5.0L 8-cylinder (FFS)
Transmission: Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain: RWD
Fuel: Gasoline
Economy: 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) combined

Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.

Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:

Engine / Powertrain

2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged (FFS,TRBO), 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 5.0L 8-cylinder (FFS)

Combined Economy

18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) combined

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

Automatic, Manual

Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.

Compare 1987 Ford Thunderbird ↗

Engine

Engine
Specification	Value	Source
Engine	Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged (FFS,TRBO), 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 5.0L 8-cylinder (FFS)
Displacement	2.3 L to 5.0 L
Cylinders	4 to 8
Aspiration	Turbocharged
Fuel type	Gasoline	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
Specification	Value	Source
Transmission	Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears	4 to 5
Drivetrain	RWD	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
Specification	Value	Source
Combined	18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)	EPA fueleconomy.gov
City	16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)
Highway	22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.

87V139000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Reported September 4, 1987. View on NHTSA

Data sources

EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 22, 2026

Data verified: October 23, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

1986 Ford Thunderbird
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((FFS,TRBO)), 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 5.0L 8-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
1988 Ford Thunderbird
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((FFS,TRBO)), 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 5.0L 8-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1987 Ford Thunderbird have?

Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((FFS,TRBO)), 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 5.0L 8-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1987 Ford Thunderbird?

Combined fuel economy is 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1987 Ford Thunderbird front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: RWD.

Are there recalls for the 1987 Ford Thunderbird?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.