Faults:

This is my first car. I got the car new.

Water is getting in front driver's headlight.

Air-Bag light on when car was new. Dealer fixed.

Sometimes the car will sputter and act as if it doesn't want to take off, but it has never died.

General Comments:

Excellent MPG on Highway 32

City 20mpg.

Very much room in car and trunk area.

Very nice seats and controls.

Excellent drive on snow and mud roads.

Good car, just keeps on going.

Got new with leather for only $16000- which includes a premium 100000-mile warranty and free oil changes for as long as I own the car.

Nice Car. Very good looks.

Faults:

I've had very few maintenance or integrity issues with this car. I believe the front rotors to be slightly warped and the Continental brand tires are out of round. The car has been returned to the dealer twice for recall work, but no problems were noted prior to the recall notification.

I've found the interior cloth seating is susceptible to wear and easy to blemish, as also described by another reviewer.

General Comments:

This is one of four Taurus' our family purchased in May 2003. We have had very good experiences. This particular car averages 31 miles per gallon with mostly Interstate driving and occasional short-distance and city mileage. This car is a huge improvement over the vehicle it replaced (GMC Jimmy) in mechanical integrity and comfort. While I wouldn't recommend against manufacturer's suggested maintenance, I do run fully synthetic oil changed at 10,000 mile intervals and 87 octane. The engine runs extremely smooth and quiet with no indication of wear or power compromise.

Faults:

I had to replace the radio receiver, it was not broken, but the stock unit was unable to pick up the radio station that I listen to. In fairness, the station that I listen to is far away and thus has a very weak signal.

General Comments:

I am generally very impressed with the Taurus. I had been driving a sporty car (Mustang), but with a young child I needed to get a sedan. The idea of getting a Sedan was not something which I looked forward to. My opinions are changed after having owned this car for a while.

The interior is roomier than any other car I looked at in my comparison shopping. The seating is luxurious and comfortable. The controls are within easy reach of the driver and are clearly labeled and/or shaped so that I can make adjustments without taking my eyes off of the road. I am mildly disappointed that the audio and ventilation controls are housed in a single unit, making an upgrade to the stock stereo somewhat less attractive. The road feel is not as mushy as other sedans that I tested. It is not as agile as my old Mustang, but that is understood since it is a different car.

The Duratec V6 has plenty of power. I do notice a very slight hesitation when I push the accelerator hard. The tachometer rises immediately, but it seems like there is a slight delay until I feel the push of power. This is likely because I am used to driving sports car. I wish the fuel economy were a little better (I get about 24 MPG). Most of my driving is stop and go, so I guess that is not so bad. I have not really taken a long trip with this car; I am guessing that the highway miles would be much better.

Maintenance with this vehicle is easy. At this point, I have only had to do routine things like change the oil, check the air filter, etc. I have had no problems with the vehicle at all; it is just as reliable as my previous Ford.

I am still amazed by the value of this car; it is truly a diamond in the rough. Other vehicles in this category cost much more and offer fewer amenities. My Taurus has every available option, save the auto-dimming mirror and wood trimmed dash. I still feel like I cheated someone to get such a beautiful car for such an inexpensive price. This car is an amazing bargain, it is the perfect family sedan, yet I can get into the accelerator and have some fun on the open road when I am by myself.

I will enjoy this car for many years to come. I know that Ford plans to phase out the Taurus in favor of the new Ford 500. I can only hope that the 500 can fill the shoes of its predecessor.