Faults:

A/C compressor bearing wearing out. I suspect the factory set shift point of 6000 RPM at full or almost full throttle may have helped kill this compressor. The AC in this car uses the same compressor that all Fords seem to use, and probably was not intended to be spun 6000 RPM very often.

General Comments:

Ford may have taken its hotrod sedan SHO off the market, but this car is pretty close with the 24 valve V-6. There were three engines available this year, with the FFV, Vulcan, and 24V. We specifically looked for a car with the 24V engine. The car is very comfortable with the dealer installed leather seats, has a good CD stereo, impeccable brakes, and sure-footed handling for a sedan type car. What is most impressive is the performance of the V-6 engine. It is a "dual-cammer" that likes to run between 3000-6000 rpm. While its no race car, the Taurus has no problem reaching its governed speed of 110 m.p.h. Acceleration is on par with many large V-8 powered cars of the 1960's. (I know, I owned many of them.) Whats most interesting is how quiet and smooth the engine is at all speeds. I highly recommend seeking the 24V engine if looking for a Taurus. The overdrive auto. trans works flawlessly. I am not a Ford only fanatic, but its difficult to find fault with this car, especially for the price. I think I would have to pay a LOT more for some "Euro car" to match this performance and comfort level. Congrats Ford!

Faults:

The vehicle has two different front end vibrations. Both vibrations have been present since the first day that I purchased the vehicle on October 10th 2001, brand new.

The first front end vibration is a driving vibration which occurs between 55 mph and 62 mph. At these speeds, the steering wheel rocks from side to side violently. At 70 mph or higher, the steering wheel rocks from side to side at an even faster pace and the entire car vibrates.

The second front end vibration is a braking vibration. When braking at the above mentioned speeds, the steering wheel and vehicle vibrates more violently.

From October 2001 until current, Ford has replaced the front brake rotors three times. Ford has replaced the brake calipers once. Ford has replaced all four tires twice.

Both vibrations still exist. My warranty expired at 36,000 miles and there is nothing else that Ford can do.

I have rented and driven three different Ford Taurus Sedans. The 2002, 2003 and 2004. All three rentals had the exact same front end vibration.

General Comments:

I truly regret having purchased this vehicle.

I will never purchase another Ford vehicle.

I dealt with four reputable Ford Dealers simultaneously, and my problem remains.