Faults:

The air conditioner compressor coil went bad at around 87,000 miles. The cost to have it repaired at a dealership was $300.00.

Every once in a while, the headrest shake back and forth causing an annoying noise within the cabin. It usually happens over jagged roadways.

General Comments:

The car is fairly quick with the 3.2 liter V6. Passing on the freeway or merging into traffic is never a problem. The ride is somewhat soft, therefore, the handling is only mediocre. The brakes, being four wheel disc, are adequate for a car that is somewhat on the heavy side.

The interior is very roomy and the seats are very comfortable. The trunk is large enough to hold 3 large suitcases.

Faults:

The car has used 2 drive belts since I have had it.

Driver's seat is wearing out (possibly because I drive it a lot).

The transmission slips and shudders. 2 tranmission shops have told me that it needs rebuilt soon.

Some rust has appeared on the bottoms of the front doors.

Driver's door makes a horrible vibrating sound if I turn my music up (I have after-market speakers).

Wiper switch is bad: when I turn the wipers off they go straight up instead of down.

General Comments:

The 3.8 Liter V6 provides lots of power. I can even use it to pull a small trailer with no problem.

Except for the shaky transmission, the car runs very well.

The handling is pretty good for a family sedan that wasn't built for great handling.

The interior is very basic. All controls are easy to use. The cup holders that pull out from under the stereo are useless. There is not enough room to fit a cup in them. Besides, the cups sit right in front of the stereo, which is not good for the stereo in case of bump in the road.

Faults:

Auto transmission failed abruptly, without warning, and completely.

Constant loss of coolant. Couldn't find the leak, but the dealer said it was near the water pump.

General Comments:

Until transmission went out - on the highway, leaving me stranded - car was dependable and comfortable.

Only later learned how many others had trouble with the transmission as well.

Feel Ford should have done a recall on the transmission, or aided with the cost of repair for low mileage cars like mine.

The last Ford I'll ever buy.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car in the time that I have had it, it has been very reliable so far.

General Comments:

Comfortable and very pleasing to the senses for an "old school" American car.

Good, smooth base engine that provides plenty of power for most needs.

Cabin interior squeaks from time to time from inferior plastic moldings and fittings.

Easy to maintain and dealer support is phenomenal.

Decent gas mileage for such a heavy vehicle, uses regular 87 octane fuel for cheaper running costs.

Bland exterior sometimes makes other drivers judge the vehicle a "grandpa's car". This is both a good and bad thing.

Overall a very solid and reliable car so far. If bought from a private party, take it to a mechanic and have them give it a thorough check-up.

Faults:

The air conditioner temperature solenoid failed at around 87,000 miles. Part was about $89.00 but labor to install was $250.00.

The digital heater control unit failed at around 89,000 miles. Replaced broken unit with one from a salvage yard. The cost was $50.00 and installation was self-performed.

The compact disc player unit failed around 93,000 miles. The cassette portion of the unit still works, so I have not replaced the compact disc player yet.

General Comments:

The car is very quick for a four door sedan. It can outrun most other four-door cars out there with the exception of a few.

The handling of the car is mediocre. Obviously, Ford set the car up for touring rather than racing. The ride is mildly rough and body roll is moderate.

The brakes are very good. I have yet to experience any fade.

The styling of the car is pretty bland. Aside from subtle side extensions, driving lights, low rear spoiler, dual exhaust, "SHO" insignias on the rear bumper and doors, and larger wheels, the car looks just like any other Taurus of that year. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It makes for real "sleeper" car.