Faults:

At 200,000 miles, things are just starting to break due to sheer exhaustion.

Air conditioning has gone out for the second time in 5 years (75,000 miles between occurrences)

Transmission has been slipping for quite a while, but has not stranded me...ever.

I have had no major problems other than routine maintenence issues (spark plugs, brakes, etc.)

General Comments:

I am shocked at the number of complaints listed in the reviews of the Taurus as I find it a superior car.

This was my company car and I developed a strong bond to it while I racked up the 130,000 miles with that company.

When I was downsized, this car was part of my "severance package" and I feel that it was the most valuable part.

When others say that the interior shows wear early on, I feel that it is more of a conformation to your body type than a "wearing out"

I would purchase another Taurus in a heartbeat and would recommend one to anyone.

The fuel economy could be a little bit better, but the lack of fuel economy is more than compensated by the reliability.

Performance was great up until about 20,000 miles ago when the engine and transmission have started to show their age.

The body has not rusted, nor has the paint peeled despite having been an "outdoor stored" car since I bought it. When it is washed, it still looks like it came off of the showroom floor.

I cannot find a single fault that would dissuade me from recommending it to anyone.

Faults:

The temperature gauge broke right away. I replaced it under my 30-day warranty.

I noticed (to this day) my car has very bad idling problems. I drive to a place and shut off the car. When I turn it back on (only if under one hour later) the car revs, then the engine nearly stalls (but sometimes does) and all the power dims. This repeats itself until it eventually fixes itself.

The rear windshield wiper snapped off in the middle of the road (Not fixed yet).

The battery bolts wore out. Towed and replaced for $116.

The fuel pump electronic controller died in the middle of a busy intersection. I pushed it with the help of some news paper guy and it needed to be towed. The problem (controller and deformed rear-right tire) was fixed for $510.

When slowing down, the power dims and (if they are on) the headlights dim as well.

The drivers side door panel is coming loose.

One of the door locks snapped off.

Not a lot of body damage and other wise a smooth drive.

General Comments:

This car cost me around $3600 from a public dealer (talked down from $3900). Like I said, the temperature gauge broke a week after, so it was replaced for free.

Up until 100,000 miles the car ran decently. However, I am now riddled with strange problems. I am not complaining, because all are one-day do-it-yourself jobs (door locks, wipers, etc.) but I am lazy, so it is OK.