Faults:

Rebuilt transmission at 126,000 miles.

Replaced AC condenser.

Pretty much rebuilt front suspension over the years.

Had problems with interior dome light, but a squirt of WD-40 in the door latch repaired.

General Comments:

I drive this car primarily on the highway and put at least 400 miles a week on it. Very comfortable and easy to drive.

Overall, I've been satisfied with the vehicle, although some of its suspension problems came around 50,000 miles and annoyed me at the time.

Purchased for $14,000 and have provided regular maintenance. Planning to keep it at least one more year. I'm in no hurry to part with it.

Faults:

I've had to replace one fuse for lighting.

The passenger side window motor failed.

General Comments:

I bought this car at 58,000 miles and was told to start looking for another car in 10,000 miles or so. Since then, just over 60,000 miles later, other than routine maintenance, I've had to replace a whopping fuse and one window motor.

The 24V DOHC engine responds nicely when I need it. As long as I don't 'heavy foot' the gas, the Taurus gets decent gas mileage for a '98. The body is light. When I do need power, the engine responds quickly and accelerates smoothly, keeping me safely away from other CA drivers.

The ride is relatively quiet. The suspension is good and braking never feels sluggish.

The car is fun to take on Sunday drives with good visibility from all windows and an AC plant that cools the car quickly. As a single guy, the body style on the SE is sufficiently sporty enough to shake off the 'family car' label.

I've heard other Taurus owners either really love their car, like me, or really hate it. I wonder if there are two different plants that produced the 98s and if that might be the source of the mixed reviews.

Overall, I'll be looking at another Taurus when I replace this one, hopefully a long time from now.

Faults:

Immediately had a problem with loud squeaking brakes and sometimes prematurely wearing brakes in the rear.

Daytime running lamps stayed on, removed fuse.

Car is now immobile because of bad steering. Don't know problem yet.

General Comments:

I have read the various comments on this model car on this website and I feel fortunate that I have not had some of the same experiences. I have replaced the rear brake pads three times. The last time I bought top of the line pads and the brakes are now quiet and stop well. I never investigated the daytime running lamp problem because that is the only thing on that fuse. I have had a few people tell me that my steering problem is either the rack and pinion or the tie rods. I have read on here that those are both normal problems.