Faults:

The door switch that turns the insides lights off and causes the door ajar light to stay on has gone bad on three out of four doors so far.

The EGR valve has gone bad.

The camshaft position sensor failed.

Had to replace two front rotors, and one caliper.

One electric window stopped working.

The power steering pump went bad.

The idler bearing for the drive belt went bad.

General Comments:

I like the comfort of the car and the controls are convenient.

The car mechanically and electrically is a piece of junk. I treat my cars with care and keep them serviced, I have easily put around 200K miles on previous cars that I have owned, but I don't see this one lasting near that long. All the things listed above happened and the car doesn't even have 70K on it yet, I mean come on??

I can't keep this one repaired for long enough to get rid of it before something else tears up. I will never buy another one.

Faults:

Front passenger window motor failed at 25,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.

Oil leak that was fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

One fantastic car!!! I loved it - was smooth, quiet, comfortable, reliable. 3.0 duratech is a gem of an engine, only complaint I had was the gas mileage was so-so. Never had a mechanical problem and only one minor electrical problem. Surprisingly quick and agile - room for six and all their luggage.

Faults:

Rear sway bar broke at about 75,000 miles. It was replaced with no additional problems.

I don't understand why Ford uses plastic control bars on the front suspension. One of these broke at approx. 70,000. Auto insurance met me half way because of a wreck 9 months prior. Cost for me was around $85.00.

My door ajar sensor goes haywire when the ambient temperature is above freezing, causing the dome light to stay on and the automatic door locks to malfunction. Can't afford to get it fixed just yet. I just have to remember to lock the doors manually and take out the dome light bulb when this happens.

Right before the warranty expired, the A/C quit on one of the hottest days of the year in '98. Ford corrected this problem with no additional difficulties.

General Comments:

I love this car, even with it's occasional stumbles. The Duratech V-6 is one of the best engines Ford has to date. It has some serious thrust when the throttle is applied.

My family feels safe in this car. I've driven to Florida from Kentucky in relative comfort. Rides pretty good for a mid-size.

I would definitely buy another Taurus, but would like to have rear disc brakes installed as an option. I love the factory 4 wheel disc brakes on my '97 LX.