1996 Ford Taurus LX 3.0L Duratec from North America
Summary:
For an American car made in 1996, this car is a wonderful car, and is a pleasure to drive.
Faults:
Transmission has been replaced 2 times.
Thermostat would not work right and would make the car overheat very quickly; was replaced.
When the outside temperature is over 85 degrees, and the air conditioner is on, the car runs extremely close to the overheating line on the temperature gauge.
Engine currently burns about a quart of oil every 1,500 miles.
After about 20 minutes of use with the climate control on, the air smells like burning oil at random times.
Exhaust system was replaced.
Radiator hoses were replaced.
Rear speakers went out, and were replaced.
Weatherstripping on passenger door was replaced.
Cup-holders will not stay open without a drink inside of it.
Recently, I have noticed a loss of power, compared to a year ago, along with a huge dip in gas mileage. Right now, I get about 16 MPG city, and only about 22 MPG highway.
General Comments:
I really like this car. It drives nice, has a lot of initial power, passing power, and it handles nicely. The air conditioning starts working soon after the vehicle is started, and the JBL audio system is outstanding.
Honestly, for an older American car with 160,000 miles on it, I am perfectly satisfied with this car.
There have been problems with the transmission, but I have come to the conclusion that the majority of its' problems were due to how I drive the car, instead of the manufactures lack on engineering.
There have also a lot of things replaced, but once again, most cars that have 160,000 or more miles on it will have the same things replaced, and they will have the same problems as mine does.
The loss of power and the dip in fuel mileage is probably due to it's old age, and is a sign that this car will be "on it's last legs," soon.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 18th November, 2005
15th Jan 2006, 18:15
Wow, the first thing that comes to mind is I thought you were being sarcastic when you started saying how you were satisfied with the car, especially after a "things-gone-wrong" list that is one of the longest I've seen in here.
The majority of your problems are typical ford car problems. I would have to say, and I don't say this to offend, but if the majority of customers have the same standards as you, I don't see how Ford will ever make a car that hang with the japanese. I mean, "transmission replaced twice" and then: "...I am perfectly satisfied..."?!