1992 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L from North America

Summary:

Good car for Grandpa

Faults:

Brakes are sub-standard -- rotors warp easily, causing the pedal to pulsate during a stop. After several attempts to fix the factory rotors I had an after market set put on, but they only lasted a few months before the same problems began to show up again. Rear drums lock up easily during a panic stop and the rear end slides to the left.

Coolant hose developed a leak while I was on the return trip from a vacation. It was Sunday and I couldn't get a direct replacement, had to improvise to replace the bad section. Later on I got a recall notice about the problem.

Overheats easily.

Has always used a lot of oil.

Some minor problems with the fuel injection.

General Comments:

I regret not getting the 3.8L engine; people have told me it has a lot more torque, uses less oil and gets close to the same mileage.

No problems to speak of with the transmission, except that the down shifts when slowing down come late; for instance, after turning a street corner I begin to accelerate and the transmission will then downshift.

I will admit that the car handles decently for average driving and that it has good ergonomics.

Body seems strong. A full size heavily loaded van backed into my left rear fender while I was driving past a line of parked cars -- it knocked my Taurus sideways but didn't do much damage to it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th June, 2001

1992 Ford Taurus SHO 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Ford did many things right. Fast, luxurious, reasonable

Faults:

The car came to me as a favour at a very good price and so needed a few repairs.

The oil pressure sensor was leaking, I need new rear struts, and it's due for a tune up.

The tranny is good except it's finicky going into reverse sometimes.

General Comments:

The car is powerful. It will beat or keep up with anything in it's class. Beating a 240SX is a joke, and GTPs aren't any better even though they're 5 years newer.

Decent on gas if you're careful, but still a fast car.

Handling is good with the right tires.

Interior and factory system are awesome.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2001

5th Sep 2001, 21:35

SHOs need a lot of work come 60k and up, to keep them from being a pile of junk. I have almost bought 2, the last one was a 91 and I had my load ready. It had 76k on the motor, original owner and everything, and the guy took it out for the last day and blew the motor, Yamaha made it decent till 60k miles.

19th Mar 2005, 18:33

180xxx miles and mine is still running strong. that's well over 60000 miles. so they are great cars till you make them break. this car will out run most cars with V8 motors. I have a 92 with a 5 speed and I can out run any stock 5.0 mustang. I've already out run 4 of them. if anyone gets a chance to buy one jump on it.

29th Aug 2006, 08:32

Wow, somebody took a car WAY PAST the 60,000 mile mark (up to 73,000 miles) and the engine broke SURPRISE SURPRISE. Right now you should now I am talking about the first comment someone made here.

That's why they call it a SERVICE INTERVAL. When the SERVICE INTERVAL comes you should do one of two things 1-take it in for service (timing belt, valve adjustment and water pump) or 2-park the car until you can afford to get it fixed. It should be noted that the v6 SHO is a non interference engine. That means if the timing belt breaks the valves will not hit the pistons.

It's ashamed that the clown that owned the car didn't have the good sense to follow these procedures. This is the reason so many new cars are sold every year, people do not WANT to follow service routines. They ruin their cars.

Say it with me people "I cannot drive my car 13,000 miles past a MAJOR SERVICE INTERVAL and expect not to BREAK IT!!!" Geez.