Faults:

3 broken springs. Dealer would fix the front on warranty, but not the rear. Go figure. Maybe they don't like back seat drivers either.

Rotors pulse. These cars are known for it. Brings my pulse up a few notches every time.

The fuse for the cruise control blew. I was really cruising too.

The mega fuse blew. Found it after a mega search, and replaced it.

The power antenna died. Super glued it in the up position. I think I'll get a patent on that process.

One front speaker died. As the Beatles would say, Let it be.

The timing belt tensioner pulley let go. Oh, the tension of spending $730.

The trunk release and hood prop clip were broken when I picked it up from that repair. Gorillas on my list.

Blown head gasket. They want $850. Speaking of heads; I think I need mine examined for buying a Ford product.

General Comments:

Although it handles quite well due to weight distribution, there are so many more reliable cars that are out there. Ford is the last one I'll consider next time.

Faults:

There haven't been many problems at all with the car. It has been the most reliable car I've ever had. I've had it for 6 years and have not spent over $1,000 on general repairs, which is very good.

Here's everything:

Tension coil on belt snapped.

Carpeting has started to come up.

Cup holder broke.

Vent directors broke a little.

Gas mileage has decreased.

Lost some power it seems.

New tires (which is expected after almost 10 years)

General Comments:

I have found that the car can really take a beating. I've been in 2 fender benders and a very large wreck where my car got air time. You can't even see a scratch on it. It just won't dent. I did have to get an alignment after the wreck.

This car's power is OK for an economy car and the handling is great. After I got new tires on it, the handling was so much better. It maxes out at about 115 mph flatland.

I put in a new head unit and a sub woofer. The factory speakers are very good. I never had to replace them. I was amazed at the sound quality of them.

I am going to sell the car because it is getting almost ten years old and I don't know how much longer it's going to last.

Faults:

Brakes, rotors, calipers shot by 60,000 miles.

Motor blower switch ignited and melted wiring behind switch. Hey! No hot or cool air in the car - that's fun!

Chunky discolored coolant possibly due to internal plastic component that has been known to disfunction.

Blown water pump - thought it was thermostat - COSTLY when you have a technician that scratches his head because he's not familiar with this aspect of the Mercury family.

Speedometer says 150mph at idle.

Engine temps freak out due to faulty cooling and water pump system - car in shop for WAAAAY to long.

General Comments:

My car has run like a champ since I bought it several years ago. My previous cars have been BMW's and I wanted to go with an American car that was easier and less expensive to fix. I didn't realize that the 6-cylinder version of this vehicle was going to turn out to be more (extremely more) expensive to fix - not only more than the 4 banger - but more than my BMW's! Combined!!