1986 Ford Taurus 3.0 V6 Vulcan from North America

Summary:

Ugly, with a nice interior and several issues

Faults:

Brakes went out.

Electrical system failed.

Alternator went out.

Power steering pump went out.

Drains batteries.

Fuel injection went out.

Dash lights go out frequently.

General Comments:

The car hasn't been driven in almost 10 years, and was in really good condition when I got it. I have barely driven it 75 miles, and it is already starting to fall apart. It has sat dead in the driveway for the majority of the time I've had it.

It is fairly comfortable on the inside, and the air conditioning and heater have worked great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th August, 2010

30th Sep 2010, 13:49

There must be a bunch of cold contacts, possibly because of corrosion. You could hunt it down by unplugging and reconnecting all wiring harnesses under the hood. That alone could remove enough oxidation to get the juice flowing again. Then check all grounding straps, unbolt them for a good cleaning. Finally, learn how to measure voltage drops.

1986 Ford Taurus LX 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

A fast car, but something I wouldn't even give to my enemy!

Faults:

My brakes and rotors were always going bad. I could not keep brake pads or rotors on this car.

Paint was peeling off of the top of the car.

Power windows and locks quit working.

Master cylinder finally went out on me. That was going to cost me, so I got rid of it.

General Comments:

Car was super fast!

Car rode good!

Seats were comfortable!

Lots of room!

Paint was peeling off of the top of the car.

Radio wasn't very good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st July, 2003

19th Mar 2004, 20:11

The problem of your pads and rotors wearing out so quickly may have been due to stuck calipers, which although wouldn't cost much for the parts themselves may be a little costly for labor. Plus, this was the first year of production for the Taurus, so it may have been a lemon.

1986 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

An excellent American Automobile!

Faults:

Just this weekend, the battery in the car went out. I beleived it was the solenoid and unhooked it. I had the battery tested and it was bad. So I bought a new battery and hooked up the solenoid. However, when I put it back on, I put the connector from the battery to the wrong end of the solenoid. I put the wires on the battery and the car jump started without the keys in it. I disconnected the battery and the solenoid popped So I had to buy a new one. The steering wheel also squeaked, but I put some oil on it and the squeak stopped. So far, it has only costed around $70.00.

General Comments:

I moved to Utah from Oregon earlier this year and needed to get a motor vehicle. I went to an auto auction and won it at $275. I got all options available! The Taurus, aside from what I hear, is really nice. The 3.0L V-6 engine runs perfect and it accelerates pretty good for itself. Ford transmissions are known as probably the worst, but this car has a new one so I couldn't beat it. The car is extremely roomy (but not like my Galaxie). Plus everything works. It passed emissions and safety easily, but of course, it all depends on how the car was treated. It looks brand new, not a scratch or dent on the outside and not a tear or stain on the inside. I entend to take the car to Arizona when I move in the Summer, then I tend to drive it 'til it dies. After that, I'll get a '95 or '96 Taurus or Explorer SUV. But the car does perfect for me. No problems! I would have gotten it if it was even at its book value! Hey, if all the rumors I hear about Taurus's are true, aside of the transmissions, then I got real lucky.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2002

15th Jun 2010, 12:21

Hello friend, congrats on your Taurus purchase; sounds like you got a good one -- I hope it keeps you happy many years.

I've been driving mine 23 years now, since buying it new from a batch at the end of its first year in production... I treat it well and it returns the favor for the most part. I don't drive it as much anymore due to health problems (77k original miles, maybe 20k since getting a free refurb clutch and tranny around 10 years ago due to a dumb mistake the dealer's garage made).

Mine is an MT-5, and my biggest complaint has always been a lack of power (2.5l 4 with just 90bhp!) But it got 35+ mpg on the road when new... now I'm happy if I get 25mpg, LOL!

It's fine above 2000 RPM on the highway, but it can be doggedly miserable in town; shifting to 3rd just to get through an intersection doesn't make me any friends at stoplights.

Today's cars with the same size engine (and getting nearly as good mileage) make DOUBLE the power without any special tricks (supercharging, turbo, etc.)! Ditto for some compact SUVs!

Of course, I paid only $9,995 in 1986, while today's new cars can cost 2-3x that... but mine also has very little in terms of safety items (or entertainment) considered "basic" by today's standards.

So I was wondering about the rumors you've heard about the Taurus line... could you elaborate, maybe give us a few, or just give a URL where we might find a list? Thanks!