1998 Ford Taurus SE review from North America

At 31k, rear brakes were grinding, replaced all because of grinding damage.

Cover on Storage container in between bucket seats, is broke.

Terribly harsh ride quality, feels like I am 4 wheeling. Cannot even tune radio if I hit a small dip in road, hand flies off radio, forget trying to drink a coffee. Rides like a truck. Seats have little lumbar, very little underside padding, and are not comfortable.Ergonomically, car is cramped, and that little foot pad on drivers side floor is very irratating. Did I say seats suck.

Transmission shifts very sloppy and has a lot of lag, (and this is only after 35k), can't wait till 80k if it lasts that long.

The car does handle like an Indy car, very responsive. Very nice large trunk. Great on the highway as long as you don't hit any bumps. Engine has a great amount of snap to it, not a lot of torque though.

As far as ride quality and comfort, this car is rubbish. I have a 1957 Ford that was 10,000 times the car this is in, ride, comfort, ergonomics, looks, power, (very tourquey compared to Taurus), quality of materials, and is much more pleasurable to go on long drives with, and it floats over everything in its path. And oh yeah, did I mention I get a solid 18 mpg highway out of a V-8!!!

It is discouraging to see what American cars have come to. Sure they are safer, more economical, but at what cost???