Until recently, the worst things with the car were related to interior panels. The driver's side door panel keeps separating from the door, and I had to get it bolted back to the door to prevent it from coming off entirely. Also, the cup holder's outside panel has come off twice, and no longer works properly: it doesn't stay open without a cup in it.
More recently, however, several small electrical things have started to fail. The dashboard lights are going out at the extreme left and right edges, making it difficult to read the fuel and RPM gauges at night.
The tape player never worked to my satisfaction. Like most car players, it plays music tapes just fine, but if you want to listen to a talking book, you have to crank up the speakers. And even then, you're not guaranteed reliable audibility.
The main problem with it now, however, is a little more serious. The engine's sound has changed drastically, and it no longer runs as efficiently as it once did. I only get approx. 17 miles to the gallon now, when I used to get in the 30s.
Also, the acceleration is no longer the same: it takes a few seconds sometimes before the acceleration kicks in after I step on the gas. And it seems to be going higher on the RPM gauge before shifting gears during acceleration, as well.
Related, probably, to both the electrical and the engine problems already mentioned, when I go through water, the engine wants to die. Also, twice, I've turned right, with no water on the road, and the engine almost died.
One last issue. It didn't come with floor mats, so within a month, I had a hole in the floor by the pedals. I since got mats, but that wear seemed a little too fast to me.
When I first got the car, it drove very well. Handled well, good acceleration curve, good mileage, etc. No problems or complaints there.
I'm not the greatest on keeping it in good health, however; mainly forgetting to get an oil change every now and then. I don't know how much this contributed to the eventual problems it's had, but I'm sure it had something to do with it.
Until 2002, I drove the car every day, long distances on the freeway. I commuted to work and school: over 26 miles each way.
Overall, I'd have to say that I've been satisfied with the car. Since it's an American model, I wasn't expecting it to last too long after hitting 100k anyway. I just need it to last a little longer, until I can afford a good replacement.
Well it sounds like you don't look after your cars so they don't last. I have the same car and will regular maintenance replacement items, fluids, hoses, belts, brakes etc. it has run like an appliance with no major issues. Engine is still strong and everything works as it should.
I bought a new 96 Taurus GL. I have meticulously maintained the car with special attention to fluid changes at the recommended intervals. It has 127,000 miles and I have noticed the following problems:
1.Fuel economy has gone from about 29 mpg hwy down to 18.
2.Engine is much louder than it was about a year ago.
3.Burns a quart of oil for every 2500 miles driven. Last year never used a drop!
4.Cannot get rid of a pesky Service Engine Light display. Different diagnostic shops including a Ford dealer have told me it is many things from a transmission shifter solenoid to a faulty emissions sensor. I haven't noticed a change in the car's performance for 10,000 miles since it came on and now I'll just live with it.
5.Engine hood release sticks even with lots of lubrication.
However, The car has been dependable, handles well, and I have been satisfied with it!
Tuneup Tuneup Tuneup! At 100k change your spark plugs, spark plug wires, pvc valve, change the fuel filter (should be done every 20k), Have the coolant flushed and filled, Have the transmission flushed and filled and have the filter replaced.
A few more tips... spray your MAF sensor with eletronics cleaner, also next time your Check engine light comes on bring it to the dealer. Chances are it's a DPFE sensor ($36). Most independent mechanics don't no specifics about different cars, just common problems.
I bought a 1996 Ford Taurus LX brand new. It was fairly expensive and loaded at the time, but it has been worth every penny and more. I have 109,000 miles of almost trouble free performance. I needed a Mass Air Volume meter recently and ball joints. I give it and oil change every 3000 miles. I still have the original plugs, never have changed the gas filter and never have changed the transmission fluid or transmission filter. Naturally brakes, batteries, tires, and fan belt have been replaced.
The car has been extremely reliable and I consider it very well built. The Duratec engine is still silky smooth and powerful.
I have plenty money to buy a new, high end car and I would normally except I've gotten to love this vehicle.
Please let me know if you've had similar experiences.
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