2001 Ford Taurus SES review from North America

Spark knock since nearly new with 87 octane fuel; fine with 89 or higher octane.

Premature wear on rear brakes; rear drums were worn to the steel in the lower third; drums on front portion were nearly new in appearance. Replaced all brakes plus drums and rotors at 75k.

Had to have crankshaft bearings replaced at 57k; it was excessive clearance. The oil light would flash below 1000 rpm if engine had been running approximately 60 minutes or longer.

Anti-lock brakes periodically engage on level ground and in dry weather. Began at around 50k.

Excessive fuel consumption since purchase. In similar driving environment, one tank has yielded 12 mpg with the next yielding around 20 mpg.

I have dumped gallons of fuel injector cleaner and carbon cleaner in this car, to no avail on fuel consumption and pre-detonation issue.

Sometimes it makes terrific power, sometimes it strains to pull itself.

Sometimes brakes have a hard pedal when first started. Draining all brake fluid and flushing system did not fully remedy the problem.

Don't buy anything that started life as a rental.

Do maintain it as close to recommended as you can. I have, but it has still been problematic.

I have missed my '96 Thunderbird a lot since buying this car.

It is comfortable to drive and looks great on the inside, despite it harboring a child from age 5 months to age 7.

I've driven many other Taurus's of this vintage, and none have had the challenges this one has had.