Pros: Classy, stylish and powerful. Makes a statement
Cons: Needs more low end torque. Wide doors, tight head room with moon roof.
The Bottom Line: An excellent combination of style and power with just a few shortcomings. Ford dropped it because coupes don't sell anymore and it was priced to compete with imports.
I bought mine new and haven't put too many miles on it preferring to "save" it. This is my second Mark VIII with my first being a used 1993 model. The 1998 is far more luxurious inside with better seats and vastly upgraded materials on the doors, the dash and the console. Although the 1998 is rated at 290 hp vs the 280 for the 1993, the 1993 actually felt more lively. My two main complaints with the 1998 are the poor low end torque and the transmission. Concerning the torque, my guess is that Ford has purposely programmed the computer for most driving situation for the sake of fuel economy. At about 3000 rpm you can feel a change that is akin to an afterburner. From 3000 rpm on up the engine is STRONG. I would like to see more of this type of performance from 0- 3000 rpm. The transmission is no different than that found in a lot of Ford products. My biggest complaint is it's delayed downshifts especially from 3rd to 2nd. Ford has also programmed the computer to retard the timing at each shift so that the shift will be smoother. This results in smooth but "mushy" shifts. The transmission is one area (and perhaps the only area) where the GM product is obviously superior. Ford also had a lot of trouble with their Mark VIII transmission in 1993 and 1994. The front brake rotors are another weak point. I've had to have mine resurfaced three times in 14,000 miles. I plan on replacing them with better quality after market rotors which should take care of the problem. Incidentally, you will have the same problem on T-birds and Cougars. They're just poor quality. One final little complaint is the lack of head room in models with a moon roof. If you are over 6 feet tall, you are in trouble. What do I like about this car? Just about everything else. Would I buy another? Absolutely, if they were available. Incidentally, I plan on installing a "Superchip" that is supposed to add another 30 hp and 28 ft lb of torque and extend and firm up the transmission shift points. If it really works it will have removed my two biggest complaints about this car. Finally, if you want to remove some of the jiggle out of the steering wheel and make some of the road noise go away, jerk off the factory Goodyear tires and put on a set of Michelein MXV4 Energy+ tires with a V speed rating. End of problem.
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