Faults:

The transmission had to be replaced at 75,000 miles.

The door ajar indicator light and dome light did not function properly.

Radio stopped working at 82,000 miles.

General Comments:

The only real problem we have had with this car is the transmission and that was a big problem - $1850.

The dome light issues we have had and others have had were annoying, but we fixed it by shooting WD-40 into the door latch. We have had no problems since.

I may have been at fault for the radio failure, because it was coincidental with providing a jump start to another car. It may have been a surge that blipped the radio, because it was left on at the time. I don't blame Ford.

Overall, this has been a very comfy, pretty reliable, and fairly powerful car. We always thought it was good-looking too.

In addition, we got it for 12k with 26,000 miles. Factor in the $1850 for the trans and it is still a bargain.

I do know others have had problems and I don't diminish them, but we love our 98.

We recently bought a 2004 Taurus SES, but kept the 98 instead of trading it in. The 98 would have been worth a lot less in trade than it was worth to us. The 2004 is tighter, quieter and faster, but I still think the 98 is more comfortable and prettier.

Faults:

My starter has been replaced twice.

My rear brake rotors/pads have been replaced twice.

My coolant reservoir tank cracked and emptied out all my coolant.

Since then, my heater rarely blows hot air.

I've got the brown colored coolant now.

My service engine soon light was on for a long time (was the DPFE -- differential pressure feedback -- sensor. About $80.00 and 5 minutes solved that problem)

The interior lights would stay on (the WD-40 trick seemed to work fine).

The engine knocks something awful when accelerating after filling the gas tank up with anything, but a premium name fuel. After I put in better gasoline, the knocking immediately goes away.

I am getting a strange noise coming possibly from my front axles now - only when the transmission is in a driving gear and the car is braked. If in park or neutral, there is no noise.

My air conditioning is starting to work somewhat intermittently just recently.

I do get hard shifting from time to time, but it is when I accelerate around 40-45 mph.

The cruise control rarely holds my speed when going down even the slightest of declines. I have found myself going nearly 20 mph over the speed limit on medium grades if I don't watch the speedometer.

General Comments:

This car is fairly comfortable to drive for long periods of time. Although I'm a big man, I don't find the same discomforts with the seats that others have found.

The acceleration and handling of this car keeps me well satisfied.

Faults:

Front rotors at 55,000 and again at

135,000 miles.

Battery at 140,000 miles.

Heater core at 139,000 miles.

Plugs and wires at drive belt replaced before a trip at 144,000 miles.

Dome lights will often stay on when the door is closed. Spraying with WD-40 corrects it.

General Comments:

Awesome power even at 150k plus miles. Always starts and runs flawlessly. Gas mileage always averages 28 MPG. Everything is still in excellent shape including the original exhaust system.

The only money I spend on this vehicle is on oil changes and tires.