Faults:

The brakes malfunctioned at one point and didn't have full power. Had them checked out and the mechanic said they were in perfect condition. Haven't had a problem sense.

General Comments:

I've had it for almost a year and had no real trouble that wasn't my fault (accident). It's a car that seams to have problems, like weird noises once and a while, but nothing is ever wrong with it. The only problem I have with the car is its lack of downshifting. Pulling up to a light, but not stopping does not always downshift. Other than that I love the car, its fast, powerful, and so far very reliable. Recently went through winter. Car starts every time in zero degree weather.

To sum up, I love the my Ford Taurus SE 24V DOHC 3.0L Duratec Engine. I can accelerate from 80 to 100 mph in seconds.

Faults:

The radio display would intermittently go blank. The entire assembly was replaced twice under warranty and once out. When Ford finally fixed the display issue on the third try they made me pay 10% of the cost. The defect began under warranty. I am furious I was forced to pay anything when it was finally fixed.

Both rear taillight assemblies and bulb connectors were replaced twice under warranty.

I bought the car in the town I commuted to. When I tried to have service work down in the town I lived the local dealership refused to do the warranty work. I called Ford. Ford called the dealership. Ford called me back and said there was nothing they could do. I had to hunt around each time I needed warranty work done.

At 54000 miles the transmission shift cable broke. When I first describe the symptoms to the Ford dealership they immediately said broken shift cable. I then called a transmission shop. After describing the symptoms they immediately said broken shift cable. I see another review hear of a 98 Taurus with a broken shift cable. From the immediate diagnoses from the repair shops and the review I assert there is a defect with the shift cable on 98 Taurus's. This type of failure leaves the car useless and stranded wherever it occurs.

It is completely unacceptable for a car with only 50,000 - 60,000 miles to have this type of failure.

Faults:

Transmission downshifts sometimes pretty rough from 2nd to 1st gears when decelerating.

Engine has been solid as a rock, along with the bolt-on components.

Had 2 wheel alignments done on this car, the last to replace tie-rod ends and ball joints.

Several intermittent electrical problems have happened since I owned the car:

Mysterious problem (which is being looked at now) where the car is warmed up and in park, but the engine accelerates as high as 4,000RPM!!!

Interior door lights will come on and stay on after closing door, and the doors stay unlocked. When I press the power lock, it locks the door, BUT immediately unlocks all the doors, like I pressed the unlock button!

Had the multi-function switch (turn signal/wiper/hi-beam) replaced due to a problem that would make the headlights not work half of the time.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable to ride in, great for cargo area, but the 3.0 V6 feels a little sluggish.

The car looks great in the colors I got (dark red with gray cloth interior.) and the 4-wheel disk brakes seem to stop the car very well.

The electrical problems with this car are uncalled for, especially for a car that should compete with the best of the mid-size vehicles.

My dealer seems more intent on selling services than fixing real problems...

Overall, I like the car-- I just wish Ford could figure out a way to make a reliable version of the Taurus.