Overview & Reviews

A few new exterior color choices are added and there are minor changes to a couple of optional equipment packages.

• Good crash test scores. Nice interior ergonomics. Excellent optional Duratec powertrain.

• Stying is a bit over-the-top for some.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 100.00

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  I think we had a lemon. - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By denise - November 13 - 1:45 pm

  The Taurus has a great ride and is comfortable. We had many problems with the transmission beginning at 60,000 miles. Its ultimate demise came when the catalytic converter went bad on us at 70,000 miles. We drove the car until it finally stopped at 85,000 miles.

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  Love this car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By David - October 9 - 10:11 pm

  This car has been a super purchase. It fits a family of 5 (me, wife, 3 kids) and luggage in the back or on top. I can even separate the kids and put some in the back rumble seat to keep them quiet and at peace. The added tow package has made towing a pop-up camper or small trailer easy and made this vehicle even more flexible. SUPER gas mileage and great reliability. The only challenge has been meeting the VERY strict NY state emissions standards with the California engine, but we finally solved the emission sensor issues and life is good. I only wish it had a CD player!

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  Dont be so hard on Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Lynn Daczyk - July 4 - 3:38 pm

  This has been a good utility and trip vehicle for me. Normal maintenance. Worst problem was blowing a freeze plug at 130,000 miles and, with my not watching the temp gauge, ruined the engine. Replacement was reasonable (lucky me, on a trip!) and its been running fine, now at 150,000. Gas mileage is 26 in the city, 30 on trips. Doesnt use oil.

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  1997 - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Dan - May 27 - 8:04 am

  I like the car very well. Has good power and is comfortable. Have owned my car for almost six years, have had very little trouble with it.

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  RELIABLE - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Jeroen Walstra - January 6 - 10:02 pm

  The car cost me $3070 in repairs over 5 years. We had very few problems and provided ample space for a family of 5. Even friends can be taken along as a result of the folding seat in the back.

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  Reliable and inexpensive - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By David - October 25 - 9:52 pm

  Ours was in good condition when purchased at 86,000 miles, requiring only fluids and filters. In the 40,000 miles since then there has been one problem (camshaft position sensor - car was still drivable), and everything else was wear and tear related. A few annoyances - wind noise on passenger side, rusty A pillar on driver side, some misaligned interior trim pieces - but overall its very likable - it has a "Millennium Falcon" appeal with the swoopy styling and all the junk you can carry inside. Transmission seems a little delicate (overheated the fluid while driving to Big Bear from LA and needed it flushed). Wouldnt buy one new because of depreciation, but its a great used-car buy.

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  major headaches - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By bigstan - September 20 - 6:20 pm

  The Taurus is definitely made to be a throw away car. The car had a rebuilt transmission when I bought it and I had to replace the tranny again at 102,000 miles. Now at 140,000, it is slipping again. The oil pan is now leaking as well and the a/c just went out, Had to replace speed sensor as well, cost $500 bucks. It rides rough, is loud, and uses brakes up very fast. I take great care of my cars and wonder how much trouble I would have had if I didnt. I am now giving up on Fords.

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  A sorry gift - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Pops - July 31 - 9:59 am

  Because they depreciate so fast, especially with high mileage, I was able to buy this Taurus very cheaply. It is rated well in safety so I gave it as gift to my son. Excellent car with few problems until the tranny went at 120,000. I should not have replaced it. Since then it has been ball joints, struts, oil pan and gaskets and major brake work. Now at 150,000 it needs another tranny, serpentine belt pulley, exhaust, and wheel bearings. The Taurus is probably a good buy with low mileage, but sell it before it gets much over the 100,000 mark. Long term buyers should go with foreign makes.

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  Spacious, inexpensive, and smooth - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By HT - July 21 - 6:55 am

  This is a great used wagon for the money if you can find one that has been used gently, i.e., was maintained on conservative intervals. Theres easily enough room for 5 people, and the cargo space is truly enormous. The base Vulcan engine (145 hp) lacks power but is quiet and smooth. The upside of the cars tremendous weight is its stability and, while no one wants to go head to head with an SUV, this biggie wagon feels solid. Ive been quite happy.

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  Decent car, but hard to repair - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Perry Reed - May 2 - 2:14 pm

  The SHO is a fun-to-drive vehicle. Although the ride is somewhat harsh, it handles well and has more than adequate power. Mileage is decent for a car with this much power. The interior is well-laid out and the controls are easy to reach. The car is well-optioned, and includes climate control, which is nice to have. My major concern is the poor camshaft design, which really ruined the owning experience of this vehicle for me. Also, they could have made sure that parts are more readily available. For example, the electronically-controlled suspension has unique, expensive struts. They would have been well- advised to update the V6 from the previous SHOs rather than go with a new V8.