2001 Ford Taurus SES review from North America

A/C compressor bearing wearing out. I suspect the factory set shift point of 6000 RPM at full or almost full throttle may have helped kill this compressor. The AC in this car uses the same compressor that all Fords seem to use, and probably was not intended to be spun 6000 RPM very often.

Ford may have taken its hotrod sedan SHO off the market, but this car is pretty close with the 24 valve V-6. There were three engines available this year, with the FFV, Vulcan, and 24V. We specifically looked for a car with the 24V engine. The car is very comfortable with the dealer installed leather seats, has a good CD stereo, impeccable brakes, and sure-footed handling for a sedan type car. What is most impressive is the performance of the V-6 engine. It is a "dual-cammer" that likes to run between 3000-6000 rpm. While its no race car, the Taurus has no problem reaching its governed speed of 110 m.p.h. Acceleration is on par with many large V-8 powered cars of the 1960's. (I know, I owned many of them.) Whats most interesting is how quiet and smooth the engine is at all speeds. I highly recommend seeking the 24V engine if looking for a Taurus. The overdrive auto. trans works flawlessly. I am not a Ford only fanatic, but its difficult to find fault with this car, especially for the price. I think I would have to pay a LOT more for some "Euro car" to match this performance and comfort level. Congrats Ford!