1998 Ford Taurus SE review from North America

The transmission had to be replaced at 75,000 miles.

The door ajar indicator light and dome light did not function properly.

Radio stopped working at 82,000 miles.

The only real problem we have had with this car is the transmission and that was a big problem - $1850.

The dome light issues we have had and others have had were annoying, but we fixed it by shooting WD-40 into the door latch. We have had no problems since.

I may have been at fault for the radio failure, because it was coincidental with providing a jump start to another car. It may have been a surge that blipped the radio, because it was left on at the time. I don't blame Ford.

Overall, this has been a very comfy, pretty reliable, and fairly powerful car. We always thought it was good-looking too.

In addition, we got it for 12k with 26,000 miles. Factor in the $1850 for the trans and it is still a bargain.

I do know others have had problems and I don't diminish them, but we love our 98.

We recently bought a 2004 Taurus SES, but kept the 98 instead of trading it in. The 98 would have been worth a lot less in trade than it was worth to us. The 2004 is tighter, quieter and faster, but I still think the 98 is more comfortable and prettier.