1996 Ford Taurus GL review from Mexico

The main problem with this car is the transmission, at about 138000 miles it started to shift on it's own to neutral. If you're at a stop light for more than 30 seconds it neutralizes and it does this mostly on warm days. Some times it does not do it at all. You have to set it in neutral and then back to (D) to drive off. The car is still like this since then, I have not cared to fix or change the transmission yet because other than that little detail everything works just fine, it shifts perfect and drives great.

The engine is great. Even though it has so many miles, it runs like new. It idles very smooth and you can hardly feel the engine on while you're in the driver's seat. It is not very fast, but I found that it does have a nice roaring and groaning sound to it. I added a cold air intake and it made a difference.

Basic maintenance has always been done by me even though not exactly on time like the 3000 mile oil change done at 3500 miles, and small things like that.

I replaced the alternator at about 135000 miles and also the serpentine belt and tensioner.

The suspension is not all that great. Some times you can feel and the little cracks on the road, but it is sturdy. I think I'm going to try getting new shocks for it soon.

The inner tie rods have to be replaced soon. Some times you can here a popping or crackle sound from the front suspension. I lifted it from the front and started to move the tires from side to side and found out that the tie inner tie rods are messed up.

The alignment on this car is great.

I have put this car through hell and back and it still has lots of life in it.

The brakes do tend to wear sooner than expected, but it might be because of the way I drive. I've already changed all 4 2 times in the time that I have had it. Although I have not had to change the rotors.

Some times you have to crank the engine 2 or 3 times to get it to start nut some times it starts at the first crank. I don't know why that is, it has been like this since I got it.

All the work has been done by me so I do tend to save a few bucks by not taking it to the shop. I like to keep my cars clean and reliable.

The car is nice and roomy. Lots of trunk space.

The car handles great. It's not meant to be a fast sports car, but it some times surprises me.

I would recommend this car to any one, but mention the fact that it does require good maintenance. I don't think this car will give up on me any time soon.