For 1978, General Motors downsized its mid-size A-body line (with exterior dimensions closely matching its "compact" lines) the redesign was well-received, with the Oldsmobile Cutlass becoming the best-selling car in the United States in 19. However, by the 1979 model year, the Thunderbird had become obsolete in comparison to both its competitors and within the Ford model line. In only three years in the marketplace, the model line proved successful, selling over 955,000 examples.
Though reduced in size, the downsized Thunderbird saw increased competition, marketed against the Chrysler Cordoba, Dodge Charger,ĭodge Magnum and the quartet of GM A-body coupes ( Buick Regal, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix). Replacing the relatively obscure Ford Elite, the Thunderbird remained in the personal luxury segment, becoming the Ford counterpart of the Mercury Cougar XR7. Previously a Ford version of the Continental Mark IV coupe, the 1977 Thunderbird adopted the Ford Torino intermediate-segment chassis. In response, Ford repackaged the Thunderbird for the 1977 model year. The eighth-generation Thunderbird was assembled by Ford at Atlanta Assembly, Lorain Assembly, and Chicago Assembly the former two facilities are now closed.ĭuring the late 1970s, fuel economy became a leading objective of the redesigns of American-brand automobiles as part of the introduction of CAFE, manufacturers that sold cars in the United States were required to average 20.0 MPG for their passenger cars by the 1980 model year. In response, the 1983 ninth-generation Thunderbird received an extensive redesign of the exterior (though sharing nearly identical chassis underpinnings), as Ford sought to remarket the model line. While better-handling and more fuel-efficient than its Torino-based predecessor, the eighth-generation Thunderbird was poorly received by critics and buyers, leading to a collapse in sales (combined 1980–1982 production outsold 1979 production by only 4,000 cars). For a second generation, the Thunderbird remained the Ford counterpart of the Mercury Cougar XR7 while the Cougar again served as a complete line of mid-sized cars in various body styles, the Thunderbird was offered solely as a two-door personal luxury coupe. Introduced to commemorate the 25th year of the Thunderbird, the eighth generation was substantially downsized, transitioning further into the mid-size segment. The eighth generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury coupe that was manufactured and marketed by Ford from the 1980 to 1982 model years.
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