2002 Ford Taurus SEL Premium from North America - Comments

Oil gasket needed to be replaced- 26500 miles.

My blue Ford Taurus SEL Premium has every possible option (MACH audio system, rear spoiler, leather interior, moonroof, luxury/convenience package, power passenger seat). This car is much better than most people give it credit for. The acceleration from the 200hp Duratec V6 is very good and begins to really pull at 4400 rpm (where the engine makes it's peak torque). The engine could be more refined sounding, but at least it's smooth and reasonably quiet. The 4 speed automatic shifts smoothly and reasonably quickly. The transmission rarely gets "confused" and it never hunts between gears. The exterior styling is much more pleasing than any other 2002 midsize sedan. The graphite (gray) interior looks very European as well. Don't get one with the grandma-inspired column shift, it's just too embarrassing. Luckily, mine is a floor shift. The electronic all-speed traction control is a must for anyone who lives in snowy regions. The interior is very comfortable except for the front leather buckets which are a bit too firm for my tastes. The rear seat is fantastic. The steering/handling is very impressive and secure for a car of this size (though my Contour handles far better). The brakes are merely average at best. I wish my car had an air recycler with the digital automatic climate control, but the Taurus didn't get that until 2004. The ride is relatively firm, but never harsh. If you're short, don't get on with a spoiler because it makes it harder to see out of the rear while backing up. There is no housing for the moonroof that intrudes on headroom-thank goodness! If you're a music fan, the powerful AM/FM, cassette, 6-disc CD changer 6-speaker MACH premium sound system will be a big asset to you. However, it's kind of annoying to only have speakers behind your head in the back seat, as there are no rear door mounted speakers. Anyway, this car is very good and I would recommend a fully loaded model to anyone looking for a cheap (paid $10,000 for it), safe, powerful, roomy, and comfortable midsize sedan. I love my Taurus!

I have a 2002 Taurus SEL 24V DURATEC. I don't agree with your comment on the "grandma inspired gear shift". When I bought my Taurus in 2002, the column gear shift is what I was looking for because the car can then seat 3 up front and 3 in the rear. The Floor mounted gear shift takes up a whole seat where someone could be sitting.

Also my SEL has the electronic automatic climate control that can recirculate air; that you said only showed up in 2004 yet my 2002 has that feature.

Problems that might show up are: Broken rear brake lamp switch. Leaking power steering. Leaking master brake cylinder. Starter solenoid valve, catalytic converter broken internally, broken coil springs, and broken steering pump.

The only problem I haven't had on that list is the broken coil springs. I have put on 230,000 miles and only got stranded once due to a completely dead battery that was damaged internally and luckily I was at a shopping center and not in the middle of nowhere when it happened. There was no warning.

I maintained my car religiously.