A very reliable and good performance automobile
I have absolutely no complaints about my ford taurus GL, I have taken very good care of it and it still performs like it did when I purchased it. It is comfortably and roomy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th August, 2004
Solid while under 100k
Until recently, the worst things with the car were related to interior panels. The driver's side door panel keeps separating from the door, and I had to get it bolted back to the door to prevent it from coming off entirely. Also, the cup holder's outside panel has come off twice, and no longer works properly: it doesn't stay open without a cup in it.
More recently, however, several small electrical things have started to fail. The dashboard lights are going out at the extreme left and right edges, making it difficult to read the fuel and RPM gauges at night.
The tape player never worked to my satisfaction. Like most car players, it plays music tapes just fine, but if you want to listen to a talking book, you have to crank up the speakers. And even then, you're not guaranteed reliable audibility.
The main problem with it now, however, is a little more serious. The engine's sound has changed drastically, and it no longer runs as efficiently as it once did. I only get approx. 17 miles to the gallon now, when I used to get in the 30s.
Also, the acceleration is no longer the same: it takes a few seconds sometimes before the acceleration kicks in after I step on the gas. And it seems to be going higher on the RPM gauge before shifting gears during acceleration, as well.
Related, probably, to both the electrical and the engine problems already mentioned, when I go through water, the engine wants to die. Also, twice, I've turned right, with no water on the road, and the engine almost died.
One last issue. It didn't come with floor mats, so within a month, I had a hole in the floor by the pedals. I since got mats, but that wear seemed a little too fast to me.
When I first got the car, it drove very well. Handled well, good acceleration curve, good mileage, etc. No problems or complaints there.
I'm not the greatest on keeping it in good health, however; mainly forgetting to get an oil change every now and then. I don't know how much this contributed to the eventual problems it's had, but I'm sure it had something to do with it.
Until 2002, I drove the car every day, long distances on the freeway. I commuted to work and school: over 26 miles each way.
Overall, I'd have to say that I've been satisfied with the car. Since it's an American model, I wasn't expecting it to last too long after hitting 100k anyway. I just need it to last a little longer, until I can afford a good replacement.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th April, 2004
Tuneup Tuneup Tuneup! At 100k change your spark plugs, spark plug wires, pvc valve, change the fuel filter (should be done every 20k), Have the coolant flushed and filled, Have the transmission flushed and filled and have the filter replaced.
A few more tips... spray your MAF sensor with eletronics cleaner, also next time your Check engine light comes on bring it to the dealer. Chances are it's a DPFE sensor ($36). Most independent mechanics don't no specifics about different cars, just common problems.
I bought a 1996 Ford Taurus LX brand new. It was fairly expensive and loaded at the time, but it has been worth every penny and more. I have 109,000 miles of almost trouble free performance. I needed a Mass Air Volume meter recently and ball joints. I give it and oil change every 3000 miles. I still have the original plugs, never have changed the gas filter and never have changed the transmission fluid or transmission filter. Naturally brakes, batteries, tires, and fan belt have been replaced.
The car has been extremely reliable and I consider it very well built. The Duratec engine is still silky smooth and powerful.
I have plenty money to buy a new, high end car and I would normally except I've gotten to love this vehicle.
Please let me know if you've had similar experiences.
Wait... In 2004 you still used the tape player? Just curious. I have one in my 96 Taurus and I don't know if it works or not. Not really worried about it. But it is just unusual to hear a complaint regarding a tape/cassette player, that's all.
6th Aug 2004, 18:06
Well it sounds like you don't look after your cars so they don't last. I have the same car and will regular maintenance replacement items, fluids, hoses, belts, brakes etc. it has run like an appliance with no major issues. Engine is still strong and everything works as it should.