1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0 V6

Summary:

Nice looking car, but something always goes wrong

Faults:

Transmission broke down at 110,000 miles.

The actuator in rear passenger door has gone bad twice since I bought the car in 1998.

The interior lights do not function properly and I've had to take it to my mechanic three times so far to have them fixed. One time they drained the battery.

Check engine light has been on for one year, despite having the mechanic run a diagnostics on it with company provided software.

The interior roof padding has started to peel off.

General Comments:

This is my second Taurus. The first one was a 1994 model which had a different design than the 1996 version. I miss the power and pick up that the 94 model had with its 3.8L engine. Although the 96 model is roomier than the 94, it seems as though Ford stripped the GL model off of some options like power seats and trunk lock that were available in 94. The 96 model with its 3.0L engine does not have any better gas mileage than the 94 with 3.8L, but has significantly lower power.

Overall, I enjoy driving this car. It has a slick design and is comfortable for the driver, especially on long trips. The console is wrapped around nicely and the buttons are within the reach.

I have to admit that I am disappointed with the frequent trips to the shop I had to make with this car. The resale value has plummeted drastically, though not surprising.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2002

20th Oct 2003, 09:40

My wife and I drive a 1995 Ford Taurus, with the 3.8 V6. This car has 325,000 miles on the original engine. Still runs very quiet, on the original exhaust. I would buy another one, but I am afraid that the new one may not give that kind of service..

23rd Dec 2008, 13:13

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus (and had a 1991 Taurus) both wagons. My transmission seemed to be going out around 110,000 miles too but it turns out it was a computer chip. They replaced the chip and the problem was fixed -- two years ago. I STRONGLY recommend going to transmission shops, rather than general mechanics. The price is usually cheaper and they're usually more honest and knowledgeable.

25th Apr 2010, 13:52

Uh, an honest and reliable auto shop? Does one exist?

26th Apr 2010, 11:26

Yes, there is one. In fact there are lots of them. The problem is how to find them. I suggest looking for small shops that have been under the same management for many years.

26th Apr 2010, 19:07

"Uh, an honest and reliable auto shop? Does one exist?"

You know it's very unfortunate when you have a bad experience with an automotive repair shop, but to say that every single one out there isn't honest and reliable is very unfair. I know of many good reputable repair shops.

1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L

Summary:

A total LEMON

Faults:

I have replaced the rotors twice.

I have replaced a $300+ sensor relay chip.

The tensioner seized on the highway and snapped my drive belt causing my car to overheat.

The overflow tank for anti-freeze/coolant fluid split open and I lost most of my coolant.

A switch had to be replaced in the transmission when the car started to shift hard into gear.

The air conditioning compressor is shot.

The cigarette lighter fuse blows regularly.

The brake light comes on regularly even though I have the proper amount of brake fluid in the car.

The car starts to shake at higher speeds (110 km+). I have had two wheel balancing and two wheel alignments and it still does it.

The brakes still squeak even though the brakes in the front have been replaced twice and in the back once.

The front wheel hub assemblies have been replaced once and are on the way out again.

The car has refused to start on a number of occasions because of the fuel pump switch.

My power steering pump is on its way out.

My temperature gauge read hot then drops to cold on a regular basis.

My airbag light stays on for quite a while.

My trunk leaks and now smells mouldy.

My car won`t engage into gear as of this morning. The gear shifter just slides from park to first gear.

General Comments:

When the car actually runs, it handles very well.

However I now understand why people talk about Fords being a "fix or repair daily" and "found on road dead" kind of car.

I will never by another ford as long as I live!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th July, 2002

14th Feb 2005, 14:36

1. This car (Taurus GL 1996 s/w) it is my boss (if it's willing to starts, then I'm lucky, otherwise, I got to stay with it and wait until he calm down, especially after warm-up)

2. Tension pulley once seized, and caused belt burning and overheated the engine at 140,000

3. "Service Engine Soon" light on and off out of my control and no mechanics can figure it out with aid of computer

4. one cylinder did not work caused a high cost of $354 at 142,000

5. Transmission shifter hardly function properly

6. Transmission Burnt out on highway with full load (6 people-2 adults 4 little kids), cause fire threat to public and cost $1800 minimum fee just fixed the torque converter at 147,000

7. Power steering fluid was leaking from pinion costs whole pocket bucks and still leak

8. windshield wash fluid comes out from my click under its own willingness,

9. Two months ago, the alternator failed. since then 'my boss' quited to work and sleeps on the yard due to another alternator put on (nothing was touched) at 150,000

10. It was decided that this 'My boss' will be given away since no body wants to pay money on it.

11. While, it's a good looking car. I probably get some bucks back from its appearance.