Faults:

I don't know a lot about cars. However, I just bought my '99' Taurus SE at 94,000 miles at the end of February of this year '05'.

Few weeks ago my wheel was hard to turn and my car was leaking tremendously. My mechanic informed me that my power steering pump went out and rack and pinion. $700- fix. It seems to be having the same problem.

My car and steering wheel shake when I brake, and when I come to a complete stop my car jerks as though it wants to drive on its own.

I called Ford and asked them if there were any recalls on a rack and pinion and she apologized and told me NO!

General Comments:

Overall, so far I am angry, especially when I got on the Internet to see that I wasn't the only one with this problem.

Too many, people is having this problem and it needs to be a recall. We need to do something about this. Ford need to take responsibility. Please feel free to contact me at heven08@aol.com. Thank you!

If we dont complain or take the action then who will?

Faults:

Have already posted a review, but forgot some things.

Replaced CV joints.

Tie-rod ends.

Replaced front wheel bearings.

Replaced ball joints.

General Comments:

Once on a trip from NC transmission would not go into overdrive.

Drove almost the whole distance in 3rd gear at 70+ mph back to Ohio.

Has not done it since. Engine runs like it's new.

It will do every bit of 110 when asked.

Faults:

Coolant reservoir replaced right after buying the car due to a crack in it.

Tensioner was bent and had to be replaced in order to keep the belt on.

Had to replace alternator at 90,000 miles.

Wipers seem to come on by themselves at random times.

The front passenger door at times doesn't register that its closed leaving the "door ajar" and dome lights on. (this can be fixed by spraying WD-40 on the hinges.)

General Comments:

Overall, I like the car, but its sad that I have a truck with 290,000 miles on it, and I haven't had to put any money into keeping it running. In the 2 months I've owned this car, I've put over $600 into it.

Its comfortable to drive though and has plenty of leg room.

I like the access to the trunk through the back seat.

Faults:

Steering rack replaced at 97,000 miles. Battery replaced at 110,000 miles.

Brake pads may need to be replaced soon.

General Comments:

This update comes as the car has just passed 112,000 miles. I will provide future updates as I continue driving the car.

Overall, I'm very happy with the Taurus. It has been a reliable and smooth running car and the interior/exterior are in such good shape some people think the car is brand new.

The acceleration is good for a car with the base engine, and the handling is excellent. A good car to drive on long trips.

I change the oil regularly, and keep up with all the scheduled maintenance for the car, including transmission fluid and coolant flushes, tire rotations, and the car seems to be holding up very well. I drove my last Ford up to 211,000 miles before giving it to a family member who still uses it every day.

Other than the steering rack (which I feel was a little ridiculous to have to replace), I feel the limited wear 'n tear repairs (battery/brake pads) I've had are fairly typical and I've had to do the same things to every other car I've owned, foreign or domestic.

PROS: Excellent paint/fit and finish. Comfortable interior that still looks new. Great factory stereo system, good performance and handling. Adequate power from the standard Vulcan V6. Transmission shifts as smooth as butter.

CONS: Steering rack replacement was a MAJOR expense ($800 worth)...and when is the last time you heard of a steering rack going bad anyway?! This problem should be recalled as a lot of late '90s Tauruses seem to have it. Driver's seat is a little wrinkly looking.