1997 Ford Taurus GL from North America - Comments

Had to replace the right-hand tie-rod at 70000 miles. Took the car in for service after hearing a clunking noise and was told it was the tie-rod. Have not heard the noise since the tie-rod was replaced. Cost: $60.00.

The tires wear unevenly. Don't know yet if it is the front or rear as I have the tires rotated and didn't notice the wear until later. They wear on the inside. Had the vehicle four-wheel aligned and the front was adjusted slightly; we'll see if it helps.

Besides the above minor problems, I love this car. My mechanic repeatedly tells me that the vehicle is in exceptional condition, even after 102000 miles! I have had chances to trade-in the vehicle for new vehicles, but have always talked myself out of it because I can find nothing wrong with this car! It still drives like new, goes down an open highway very comfortably, does not use any more oil (or any of the other fluids for that matter) than a new car does, and is quiet with no squeaks or rattles whatsoever. I have test-driven brand new cars that don't drive as well as this car, or do not "feel" as well-built. Anytime the odometer reaches 100,000 miles on any vehicle I get a little nervous as I frequently travel long distances, but with this car I feel totally safe. My wife usually drives the car and she loves it, too. We both take very good care of it, with proper maintenance and decent driving habits. Have read numerous reviews of faulty vehicles, but after owning this car I don't understand them, as my car is the same car from the same build plants. I think if you take care of your vehicle like you should, it will pay huge dividends in the future.

I think it's very fortunate that at least one person in the world hasn't had problems with the door ajar light on the Taurus being constantly lit. To imply that this problem might have anything to do with not following the service schedule is a bit of a stretch though. I've had mine in for service umpteen times just because of the problem and the dealership has yet to fix it. I also am unable to get the windshield washer fluid to flow when trying to clean the windows. Very dangerous and just plain terrible when driving on wet, salted roads. If it weren't for these freaky seemingly electrical problems, my Taurus would be a great car.

I have had the same problem with my Taurus. It's generally well maintained except for the door ajar coming on from the driver's side door every now and then. It's annoying and my door will not lock as well as the lights staying on. I found that just by rubbing the connectors with rubbing alcohol and even just cleaning the connector with a rag it will work fine afterwords. Never have had any problems with the wiper blades and it still runs strong after 87k.

Just wanted to pass on to all. My daughter bought the 1997 SHO as her first car. We had a few mechanical problems with it, but the lot she bought it from was very helpful in getting the car fixed. Where I am pleased with the car is how tough it is. She put it to the test. On her way to work she rolled it end over end. It landed on the wheels and she shut off the engine and stepped out of the car. She had a bruise on her chest from the seat belt and a swollen nose from the airbag. That's it. As a father I would replace her transmission every year knowing it is built ford tough.