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..."?!

1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L Vulcan from North America

Summary:

Nice car, odd styling, but good over-all

Faults:

Replaced the power steering pump twice as well as the power steering rack. Not Cheap!

Daytime running lights switch has blown twice resulting in loss of daylight running lights.

Hubcaps lose the grey colour and fade to yellow.

Stereo/climate control unit has cracked twice. No lose in controls just looks really bad.

Headlights are yellowing badly even after using the compound to reduce the discolouring.

General Comments:

When the steering system is functioning properly is handles very well for a vehicle of this size.

It is comfortable enough, but the non-powered seats make it difficult to get a good driving position.

The styling in controvesial; not my favour, but the price was right when the lease on my Escort was up so I took it regardless.

Generally a nice car ; has never my family or I stranded no matter what, even with the main belt shredded off it managed to go for another 55kms to our house.

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

Review Date: 13th November, 2005

28th Nov 2006, 08:25

Not a bad review, I'm assuming this car was often parked in the sun or was driven in a salty area.

1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

This car is built for many miles, but it needs help getting there

Faults:

Transmission went at 79,000 miles.. replacement is getting worse after 52,000.

Calipers in the brakes wear down too fast, but fortunately the mechanic fixes it for free due to a warranty on all parts. It wears brakes down to the rotors after about 12,000 miles.

Shakes at highway speeds.. occasionally has trouble starting for no apparant reason.

The brake light switch doesn't work, so my brakelights are currently not functioning.

General Comments:

I owned a 92 Taurus before this, and I loved it's reliability. That's why I picked another one up.. however it has had it's share of problems. The good news is is that I can still beat it up and it handles the abuse, and it never stranded me anywhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th November, 2005