Faults:

Motor mount has broken three times since I bought it. The torque on this engine is too powerful for motor.

Various oil leaks: Motor oil, transmission oil, power steering fluid.

Power steering hose kinks often.

Brakes squeal soon after repairing.

Transmission slips horribly. Tried to repair several times, but still slips.

Shorts in fuses - various lights go on for no mechanical reason.

Radiator repaired twice since I bought it.

CV boots replaced three times.

Three wheel alignments done since purchase.

Tie rods needed replacement.

Battery replaced twice.

Started broke twice since purchase. These are the only times I got stranded.

What else...? Water pump went bad, car overheated, and almost blew my head gaskets.

Overall, alot of money went into this car.

General Comments:

I would never buy Ford again. Mechanics everywhere have told me they see Fords in their shops all the time. Especially the Taurus!

Although car is comfortable and reliable, after the first 4 years of use the car will start to have major mechanical problems. Other friends with Taurus's have the same problems.

The only other positive thing I can say about this car is that it is a good looking car, and very popular. (Why?)

Faults:

I have had to replace the water pump, EGR valve, both rear drum and brake assemblies, catalytic converter, motor mounts, and a power steering pump hose.

General Comments:

Just like with any car, this Ford Taurus requires very regular maintenance in order for it to still run. With this car, you must treat it right because I can tell that it cannot handle rough driving like some other foreign cars can.

Despite the some of the repairs, however, at 130,000 miles it still runs smooth even in very hot or cold temperatures.

Faults:

The head gasket failed at approximately 120000 miles. Due to neglect, the repair costs escalated.

Replaced engine with re-manufactured one at 120000 miles. I Purchased it from a national wide comapnay and I have no complaints.

Due to new national regulations I couldn't refill the A/C without substantial cost.

The rear left window has ceased to function.

The front engine mount failed, but was replaced for little cost (around $50).

Some small rust spots have started to appear.

General Comments:

The car has more than adequate horsepower and torque (155 hp. and 250 ft./lbs.) and has lead to much smoking of the tires.

Acceleration is above average for contemporary vehicles.

However handling could be stiffened some.

The interior is nicely done with comfortable seats and luxurious accomodations.

The driver seat adjusts for any accomodation.

However the dead pedal is inadequate at best.

Except for the minor rust problem the exterior has aged fine.

Gas mileage is average at around 20/24 but can be expected for a 3.8 liter engine.

Some of the interior plastic around the seats has become brittle with age.

The lack of anti-lock brakes has lead to much fun in the snow.

Faults:

The timing cover gasket blew at 110,000 miles. The dealer said I also needed to have the water pump, fan belt, and thermostat replaced at that time.

Cost: $1000 with Ford's 12 month/12,000 mile parts and labor warranty.

The fuel injectors or something "jumps" when I accelerate from a stop going up a hill. I have yet to figure out what the problem is.

General Comments:

I am an 18 year old male. I use this car to travel back and forth from college to home, a 500 mile round trip.

I purchased the car from the police office in my home town. It was used as an office vehicle.

This car drives very well. I can actually compare the steering to my previous 1984 Mercedes. The handling is great.

The interior is very roomy and comfortable. The seats are plush, and surprisingly, I can sit comfortably in the rear seat (I'm 6 feet, 2 inches tall).

The trunk is huge.

The air conditioning is great. I usually have to turn it off to keep from freezing.

My V6-3.0 liter Taurus gets 32 miles per gallon on the interstate and about 18-20 in the city.

The engine is quiet at highway speeds, but it is loud at idle.

The transmission shifts up and down very smoothly.