1997 Ford Taurus LX review from North America
"Serious bang for the buck with the Duratech V-6"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear sway bar broke at about 75,000 miles. It was replaced with no additional problems.
I don't understand why Ford uses plastic control bars on the front suspension. One of these broke at approx. 70,000. Auto insurance met me half way because of a wreck 9 months prior. Cost for me was around $85.00.
My door ajar sensor goes haywire when the ambient temperature is above freezing, causing the dome light to stay on and the automatic door locks to malfunction. Can't afford to get it fixed just yet. I just have to remember to lock the doors manually and take out the dome light bulb when this happens.
Right before the warranty expired, the A/C quit on one of the hottest days of the year in '98. Ford corrected this problem with no additional difficulties.
General comments?
I love this car, even with it's occasional stumbles. The Duratech V-6 is one of the best engines Ford has to date. It has some serious thrust when the throttle is applied.
My family feels safe in this car. I've driven to Florida from Kentucky in relative comfort. Rides pretty good for a mid-size.
I would definitely buy another Taurus, but would like to have rear disc brakes installed as an option. I love the factory 4 wheel disc brakes on my '97 LX.
Recommended reviews
| Good, and the work is worth it |
|
| One big headache |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 17000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 27th January, 2003 |