1988 Ford Thunderbird
US · Compact Cars
The 1988 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 Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.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
- 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
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
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 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Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity.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 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.
96V071000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Reported April 25, 1996. View on NHTSA
88V033000: 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.
Remedy: INSPECTION OF VEHICLES AND WHERE NECESSARY REPLACE REAR AXLE SHAFTS AND REAR BRAKE ROTORS.
Reported March 15, 1988. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Data verified: October 22, 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
- 1987 Ford Thunderbird
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((FFS,TRBO)), 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 5.0L 8-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1989 Ford Thunderbird
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder supercharged ((FFS) (S-CHARGE)), 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird?
Combined fuel economy is 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Ford Thunderbird front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.