Faults:

My first car was a 2000 Ford Taurus SE Basic package FWD, automatic transmission, 3.0L Flex Fuel Vulcan OHV motor.

The only issues that I have had with this model are the typical maintenance issues, like oil changes and tires.

One issue I have had is coolant overflow tank had spider cracks and leaked when under heat and pressure, 40 buck fix.

I also changed the plugs, wires, front/rear brakes at 150,000.

I changed the original alternator at 160,000 out of my own will, mainly for security reasons.

This car has been a great vehicle.

General Comments:

I have had ONLY good luck with this vehicle, and have heard a lot of comments on transmission issues or fuel related issues, but I have over 200,000 miles on my 00 Taurus with the original transmission and engine, and have not had any major issues.

I done all recommended maintenance, and believe that could be why. Many state that their issues are before 100,000, I believe it could be either lack of maintenance or misuse/abuse, which could be contributing to their issues.

I currently have over 210,000 now, and would not hesitate to take on a long trip; strong car, motor, and transmission.

Faults:

All three shift solenoids stopped working, soon followed by the torque converter clutch solenoid.

General Comments:

I bought this car at a salvage yard for $400 because of how good of shape it was in. The car overall had been well maintained and the entire car was in excellent cosmetic shape. All it needed was a new transmission and a new head gasket, which was simple enough for me, since I do it all myself anyway.

The only problem I have had with this car, like many Taurus/Sable/FWD Continental owners, is the transmission. The infamous Ford AXOD transmission family (including the AXOD-E/AX4S and the AX4N) is a reputed nightmare due to its poor construction and very short life. The original AXOD transmission was known for seldom outlasting 50,000 miles without severe problems. Just know this if you plan to buy any of the three aforementioned cars.

Transmission aside, this has been an excellent car. The seats are comfortable enough to make a trip in without getting back pains, handling is exceptional and it has plenty of power. It's everything I expect of a good daily driver.

Since the 2000 model does not include a CD player, I took a CD player out of a later model. (The vent control switches bolt into the housing the same, but the wiring harnesses are different.) If you want a Ford CD player in a 2000 Taurus, all you need to do is remove the vent control switches from the original radio housing and install them in the new CD player housing. They're held in by screws and changing them is very simple.

Faults:

Battery needed to be replaced.

Transmission fluid container needed replaced, was cracked.

General Comments:

I owned this car three or four years and it was GREAT!! I really cannot say this car gave me much trouble at all. It started up all the time, drove me where I wanted to go RELIABLY. Only reason I sold was to get into a four-wheel drive, which now I am trying to get back into a sedan like a Taurus, because it was so good to me!

It really didn't do bad in the snow with the right tires. I did have a mysterious transmission fluid leak that ended up just being a crack in the container; cheap fix.

Also the battery needed replaced, it was very corroded, but it was the original battery and about 8 years old when that happened.

This was even a RENTAL CAR that I had purchased, so I shudder to think it might have been abused. But, it was awesome for me and I would 100% recommend anyone to buy a Ford Taurus -- there is a REASON they have been around so long and that Ford continues to make them, they RUN WELL!

They are comfortable, classy, luxury features and reliable running. Seats are comfortable, everything worked in the car except the lighter fuse must have blew out; I couldn't plug my cell charger in it. Oh well. Never bothered to get that fixed.

Sold the car at 145K and I hope it's running well for the guy who bought it. I can safely assume so because it was a GREAT car! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 5 stars out of 5.