Faults:

This car has had a few problems, but what can you expect from a twelve year old car. The biggest problem thus far was the cushions for the sub-frame being shattered and thus causing bad alignment and the subframe to jump when I accelerated.

I have had hose problems, but those were easily repaired.

The AC doesn't work, but this is no problem to me considering I never use it on any car.

It has minor rust problems which were easily repaired with some sandpaper and a little elbow grease.

General Comments:

This car has great pick up, a mechanically sound engine and transmission. It is in almost flawless condition inside and out and the only complaint I would have about it would be the wide turning radius. Otherwise has great handling and an excellent smooth ride.

I would buy this car again if I could.

Faults:

Well to begin, the power steering pump squeals whenever you step on the gas pedal. It's not so noticeable after the car has warmed up, but on cold starts the car sounds bad!!

The alternator went out 3 days after I bought it. The going price for an alternator is about $200!!! So I ended up buying one the following week. But after installing it, I found out that the wiring from the alternator, battery and starter was worn out. So I paid to have the wiring re-done to insure complete recharge.

Unfortunately the car wouldn't start after a 30 minute drive in any direction. I thought I had caught the problem at the oxygen sensor. I replaced that 2 weeks after having the car.

I fooled myself by thinking the sensor would solve the problem with the car not wanting to start after being driven over a long distance. Well, I was told to check the starter. The starter holds a lot of heat and can seize up if too hot; which would cause it not to turn over after being shut off.

My calipers froze up resulting in a complete brake overhaul!!!

The radiator had a crack in it the length of the radiator so I replaced that.

General Comments:

Yes the car is quick and comfortable, when it was brand new it probably was great.

In the month that I've had the car, it has sat in a garaged being fixed for one reason or another. I really enjoy the car to death, but I don't think I can afford anymore repair bills.

Faults:

Power steering pump pulley wobbled to the point of grinding, I'm currently in the process of replacing the pulley.

The soft button EATC is crap.

My transmission sometimes upshifts at odd times.

Plug well seals, cam seals, intake gasket and spark plugs. The upper 60K tune-up needed to be performed.

02's were bad.

Biggest problem of all; it seemed 'dangerously slow' when I first purchased it, which was very odd for a SHO. That was the reason why I got it for a low price. Ended up just needing the MAF to be blasted out with some carb cleaner because it was dirty.

General Comments:

I have to admit, when I first purchased this car, mechanically, it had seen better days, but the interior was immaculate for a 13 year old Ford. No tears in my seats, all my power windows and seats worked perfectly, stereo worked perfect, which was amazing in a Ford with 167k miles.

It had a few common SHO centered problems, such as oil in the plug wells, and was running VERY rich, which was resolved by about $250 in parts from a local Autozone, and a good day's labor with a local SHO enthusiast, who was nice enough to help me. The parts included plug well seals, cam cover seals, plugs, wires, intake gasket, and O2's. After those parts, and 2 cans of carb cleaner run through my EGR with the intake off, and the MAF, it was like the years just melted away on this car.

It is a 1993 ATX 3.2 liter automatic, which was a horrid year for the automatic transmission, hence the sloppy shifting under WOT sometimes (not slipping luckily), but is easily remedied with a newer transmission computer (D4U1) purchasable on eBay, or from a local SHO vendor. I'm replacing mine next week, along with installing a tuner chip to help get every last drop out of the engine.

Currently it's stuck in my street because of the power steering pump/pulley. Of course it's a Ford part, soiling the gem of Yamaha design in the engine bay.

Big Pros: Serious performance, renowned for long engine life if taken care of, 'King of the Sleepers', practical performance to a tee.

Big Cons: Not a car to be taken lightly. If you plan on owning/maintaining a SHO, you have to become a member of your local SHO community, and learn about your car, because when an SHO needs help, your mechanic will most likely not be there to help you.

One last side note:

I'm only 18, this is my first car, and I love it to pieces, despite the challenge and cost of owning it. Sedan insurance, sports car performance. And there is nothing more satisfying than annihilating V-6 Camaros and Mustangs, and seeing the look on their faces as a Ford Taurus casually passes them doing 110.