1994 Ford Thunderbird Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Ford stylists have done an excellent job on the '94 LX coupe. They have retained the distinctive Thunderbird appearance yet have taken it to the next generation. The styling is more aerodynamic-front and rear fascia treatments and curved door lines give it the crouching, low-hood, air-piercing look now popular in sporty cars.

Our Thunderbird was nice finished in Deep Emerald Green Metallic, with a green cloth interior. The cast aluminum wheels, part of an optional preferred equipment package, underscored the car's sporty presence. We liked the look and thought it compared favorably with the Camry, while presenting a cleaner, more contemporary profile than the Grand Prix.

Interior Features

Gauges, controls and switches on the Thunderbird LX are conveniently placed, easy to operate and well-lighted. We liked the positioning of the gearshift lever in the console (our vehicle was equipped with the four-speed electronic-shift automatic transmission)-it twisted toward the driver for firm, positive control. However, we didn't care for the small, dish-like storage area or the cupholder that prohibited comfortable use of the armrest.

Ford redesigned much of the Thunderbird's interior for 1994, incorporating standard dual air bags. Other occupant safety features the Thunderbird boasts include energy-absorbing visors and door trim panels designed for impact protection.

The front bucket seats in our test vehicle included a six-way adjustable seat for the driver. We found the seats were very comfortable and supportive-among the best we've ever experienced. The driver's seat however, lacked adjustable lumbar support. And all the seats seemed a little bit too narrow, which may present a comfort problem for wider-hipped people. Headroom in was good - but remember, this is a sport coupe, and tall people could have clearance problems in all entries in this vehicle class.

Another thing: Ford claims this car will seat five. OK, perhaps five people could sit together comfortably on short trips-but based on our testdrive experience, we think cramming three passengers in the rear seat for anything longer than an across-town jaunt would constitute unjust punishment. And adding to their discomfort would be lack of rear-seat legroom, which is limited when the front seats are all the way back.

We found the interior to be quiet and comfortable-perfect for listening to the premium sound system that included an AM/FM stereo receiver, a cassette player and a power antenna. While Ford's vaunted JBL sound system is not available on the Thunderbird LX, this one nevertheless sounded great.