1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L from North America

Summary:

A horrible car indeed

Faults:

Transmission blew at 137,000Km. Cost 2500 Canadian dollars to rebuild.

Engine light has been on since a week after I bought the car. Nobody has been able to fix it for more than a week at a time.

May or may not start in the morning unless it is cranked for about 3 minutes. Will not start if car is just off the highway until it cools down.

Makes loud high pitched noise just after starting for 10 seconds.

Idle is rough even after tune up.

AM radio is full of static, even if need transmitter.

Loud noise is heard after a full turn in either direction.

Repairs costs are high.

Drinks gas like a jumbo jet.

General Comments:

Car is nice to drive when it runs.

Lots of room for a car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th December, 2002

26th Dec 2002, 14:28

I babysat a Sierra Wagon that showed similar tendencies. All I can say is "Poor you" for buying a pig of a car. You have my condolences.

1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Nice looking car, but something always goes wrong

Faults:

Transmission broke down at 110,000 miles.

The actuator in rear passenger door has gone bad twice since I bought the car in 1998.

The interior lights do not function properly and I've had to take it to my mechanic three times so far to have them fixed. One time they drained the battery.

Check engine light has been on for one year, despite having the mechanic run a diagnostics on it with company provided software.

The interior roof padding has started to peel off.

General Comments:

This is my second Taurus. The first one was a 1994 model which had a different design than the 1996 version. I miss the power and pick up that the 94 model had with its 3.8L engine. Although the 96 model is roomier than the 94, it seems as though Ford stripped the GL model off of some options like power seats and trunk lock that were available in 94. The 96 model with its 3.0L engine does not have any better gas mileage than the 94 with 3.8L, but has significantly lower power.

Overall, I enjoy driving this car. It has a slick design and is comfortable for the driver, especially on long trips. The console is wrapped around nicely and the buttons are within the reach.

I have to admit that I am disappointed with the frequent trips to the shop I had to make with this car. The resale value has plummeted drastically, though not surprising.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2002

20th Oct 2003, 09:40

My wife and I drive a 1995 Ford Taurus, with the 3.8 V6. This car has 325,000 miles on the original engine. Still runs very quiet, on the original exhaust. I would buy another one, but I am afraid that the new one may not give that kind of service..

23rd Dec 2008, 13:13

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus (and had a 1991 Taurus) both wagons. My transmission seemed to be going out around 110,000 miles too but it turns out it was a computer chip. They replaced the chip and the problem was fixed -- two years ago. I STRONGLY recommend going to transmission shops, rather than general mechanics. The price is usually cheaper and they're usually more honest and knowledgeable.

25th Apr 2010, 13:52

Uh, an honest and reliable auto shop? Does one exist?

26th Apr 2010, 11:26

Yes, there is one. In fact there are lots of them. The problem is how to find them. I suggest looking for small shops that have been under the same management for many years.

26th Apr 2010, 19:07

"Uh, an honest and reliable auto shop? Does one exist?"

You know it's very unfortunate when you have a bad experience with an automotive repair shop, but to say that every single one out there isn't honest and reliable is very unfair. I know of many good reputable repair shops.