When it goes, it goes big. Be prepared
Transmission problems, engine head problems, starter problems, idling problems, clearcoat peeling off.
Great car until 100,000 miles. Then the wheels fell off to coin a phrase.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th August, 2000
Rather powerful and roomy, but unreliable
Radiator problems, problems with barometer gauge (?), plastic and rubber interior parts coming off. Broken CV-joint. Oil leakage. High-pitched noise emanating from the rear of the vehicle. Head-lights burned out. Caliper replacements. Light on radio quit working. A-C broke long ago. Trunk holds water after rain (where spare tire sits).
I haven't taken the greatest care of the vehicle, but it still has too many problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 12th June, 2000
Rt & lt C/V joints x2.
Struts all way around.
A/C pump.
Fuel pump.
Water pump.
This cars best asset is the engine - it has 163,000 and runs like a top without any oil burning.
The torque on the C/V joints wear them out every 60-70,000 mi.(replacement costs approx. 500.00 dollars++ each time).
You have to keep on top of squeaks and rattles.
My auto is a 5 speed and I have yet to touch the clutch or transmission.
Given this car has some high performance properties it does take more than the usual upkeep...but if you need a family type car with the ability get some sports car fun and power it's a trade off.
Ride is somewhat stiff, long trips are fairly comfortable. Has a very adjustable drivers seat.(electric, powered lumbar support and later bolsters)
All in all...the drive train is the best part of this auto the rest of the car is "all Ford" if you know what I mean.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 29th June, 1998
Wow, a ford that doesn't burn oil, amazing. my 90 SHO had 175000 miles and burned through at least a quart every tank of gas.
My '91 SHO doesn't burn any oil. The above commenter must have had an oil leak, that was most likely burning on the catalytic converter.
Many reasons why an engine burns oil. I've had cars with only 25,000 miles on them burn through oil like crazy. But I have also had cars with 150,000 using no oil at all. Mostly depends on how they are looked after, but most manufacturers will tell you oil consumption is normal, but this isn't strictly true.
14th Dec 2002, 19:58
I agree. I used to own a 1990 Taurus LX that I bought used with about 110,000 miles on it. The car was nothing but trouble. The transmission was just about gone. It had a tendency to not downshift from 3rd gear when slowing down to turn. Motor mounts had to be replaced twice. The air conditioning did not work and the power steering was problematic. If you own one of these cars, it's best to take good care of it or get rid of it before it hits 100,000. Definitely don't buy one of these used unless you can get good maintenance records.