1996 Ford Taurus LX review from North America

Chronic problem with a faulty temperature gauge and/or relay, repaired twice under warranty and has re-occurred again (gauge works most of the time, but the needle will sometimes will bounce around).

Faulty water pump in the first month of ownership.

Alternator went out 12/01.

Nondescript occasional clunk in the front end, but all suspension and steering parts are okay whenever checked by myself and my mechanic, tires & brakes wear fine.

Tape player made random and very infrequent garble noises since purchase, but would not do so whenever at the dealership. Tape transport works, but the audio has been all garbled since Fall '99.

First Ford owned, really gambled on the first production of new design; the car has been reasonably reliable and comfortable to drive.

Handles well because of the strong structure and with good tires (OEM Generals were not good, wet traction was marginal with them).

The 200 HP, DOHC 24-valve Duratec engine is refined, pretty quiet, and provides very good (not "neck snapping") acceleration coupled with reasonable mileage (21-23 average mpg highway). Much nicer than base 3.0 Vulcan V6 I experienced with Taurus rental cars.

Very nice limited production purplish-grey leather interior, in appearance. wearability and comfort.

Excellent factory JBL audio with sub woofer, only branded on '96 models.

Automatic climate control works well.