1997 Ford Taurus GL review from North America

Had to replace the right-hand tie-rod at 70000 miles. Took the car in for service after hearing a clunking noise and was told it was the tie-rod. Have not heard the noise since the tie-rod was replaced. Cost: $60.00.

The tires wear unevenly. Don't know yet if it is the front or rear as I have the tires rotated and didn't notice the wear until later. They wear on the inside. Had the vehicle four-wheel aligned and the front was adjusted slightly; we'll see if it helps.

Besides the above minor problems, I love this car. My mechanic repeatedly tells me that the vehicle is in exceptional condition, even after 102000 miles! I have had chances to trade-in the vehicle for new vehicles, but have always talked myself out of it because I can find nothing wrong with this car! It still drives like new, goes down an open highway very comfortably, does not use any more oil (or any of the other fluids for that matter) than a new car does, and is quiet with no squeaks or rattles whatsoever. I have test-driven brand new cars that don't drive as well as this car, or do not "feel" as well-built. Anytime the odometer reaches 100,000 miles on any vehicle I get a little nervous as I frequently travel long distances, but with this car I feel totally safe. My wife usually drives the car and she loves it, too. We both take very good care of it, with proper maintenance and decent driving habits. Have read numerous reviews of faulty vehicles, but after owning this car I don't understand them, as my car is the same car from the same build plants. I think if you take care of your vehicle like you should, it will pay huge dividends in the future.