 |
FORD TAURUS
This fall Ford will introduce a re-made version of its best-selling
Taurus family sedan/wagon-the so- called third-generation Taurus. So
what about the second generation version that arrived as a re-invented
model for 1996? After all, with sales of better than 350,000 a year,
there are lots of nearly-new ones out there from which to choose.
A few details. For '96 and '97 Ford offered a base GL model, a
better-equipped LX and the impressive SHO performance car that his since
been discontinued. For the last couple of years the Taurus lineup has
included the LX and a better equipped SE. For all those years the Taurus
has come with a daring ovoid styling that looks progressive but left
this family car with less backseat and trunk room than Tauruses built
before '96. Still, the most recent Tauruses had scores of technical
improvements over the cars they replaced: they were more rigid, far and
away more user-friendly, safer, better equipped and just flat out a lot
more pleasant to drive.
The real gem of the last Taurus re-do was the optional new 3.0-litre V6
engine that has four valves per cylinder operated by dual overhead
camshafts. Horsepower: 200, which is higher than the V6s in Camry,
Maxima and Accord of similar vintage, as well as the base V6 offered in
the rival Chevrolet Lumina. This engine, by the way, is an evolutionary
version the 2.5-litre V6 in the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique.
The base V6 for the Taurus was a much improved version of the Vulcan
3.0-litre V6 pushrod engine. Again, compared to older versions of the
Taurus, horsepower was up five to 145 ponies. More importantly, a more
rigid block made a world of difference in terms of smoothness.
If you have a choice, go for the multi-valve six. It's so smooth you can
balance a nickel on its edge when the engine is running. At higher
engine speeds it's got lots of go, although it does take a moment for it
to get wound up. In other words, for brisk passing you'll need to floor
the throttle.
By comparison, the pushrod engine is rougher and noisier, and it's not a
good match with the automatic transmission. That is, it's slow to
downshift for passing and shifts can be relatively harsh.
The '96 and newer Tauruses did not need a major tune-up for the first
160,000 kilometres, but regular checks and changes of fluids and belts,
air cleaners and the like remained a must. In particular, make sure the
previous owner/s removed and inspected the long-life spark plugs at
least once a year, or you could be stuck with a..."stuck"
spark plug or two. Note, too, that for long-term durability all Taurus
models used metal timing chains designed to last the life of the engine.
This is a plus when compared to many competitive models that use timing
belts that need to be replaced generally at about 80,000 kilometres-at a
cost of several hundred dollars.
In terms of driveability, the newer Taurus models were vastly better
than the cars that came before them. Ford's structural engineers
improved the torsional stiffness of the body shell by 87 per cent. The
payoff came in a ride that's nearly Camry-quiet. Listen hard at highway
speeds and there just isn't a squeak or rattle in the package. Not only
that, the stiffer body also allowed the suspension engineers
to focus on tuning the suspension for ride and handling, without having
to worry much about tuning out inputs from a flexing body. Wind noise
was down, too. Still, the Taurus has never absorbed bumps as well as
certain rivals and some might find it harsh on rough roads. Steering is
precise, but light. Brakes strong, with optional anti-lock. Inside, all
of the gauges are round and easy to read. The then-new integrated
control panel in the centre of the dash houses controls for the sound
system, heating, air conditioning and vents. Knobs and buttons on the
panel are big and well marked, and the whole thing is reachable without
any sort of stretch at all. Apparently, though, this panel has not been
a hit with buyers and for 2000 a more traditional layout will be
standard. Headroom in the back seat is limited for six-footers. For
cargo versatility, the rear seatback folds flat.
Generally, the Taurus has done okay on the quality front, although used
buyers should be alert to transmission issues, water leaks, steering
problems, suspension noises and poor performing air conditioners.
Two-and three-year-old Tauruses retail for attractive prices, so if your
family is on a budget, a Taurus should be on your test-drive list.
CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail):
Ford Taurus LX sedan w/3.0-litre V6
1998-$17,600 (original MSRP: $23,996)
1997-$17,025 ($26,195)
1996-$13,700 ($25,095)
1995-$11,575 ($23,895)
1994-$9,450 ($23,495)
1993-$6,975 ($22,595)
BUYER'S ALERTS: For Taurus more recent Taurus models built after
'96, be alert to a safety recall related to the transaxle park mechanism
(TSB 96S50, Sept. '96), as well as one for a brake fluid light indicator
malfunction (96S34, Feb. '96). For transmission issues note a possible
intermittent neutral condition with no forward and/or reverse (98-3-7,
Feb. 98), as well as harsh shifts (97-26-5, Dec. 97; 97-11-10, May 97;
97-15-12, July 97) and an issue related to the torque converter not
engaging (97-26-12, Dec. DEC 97).
You should also test for a loss of power steering assist decelerating
from 80 km/h (96255, Dec. 96). Look for a rattling noise during
acceleration that might be related to the suspension (97-26-11, Dec.
97), as well as a clunking noise (9723, Jan. 97; 97-13-3, June 97; 9725,
Jan. 97; 96131, June). Listen for chirping or squeaking from the blower
motor at low speeds (97-25-5, Dec. 97). Also, be alert to
possible water leaks in the passenger compartment (97-24-2, Nov. 97). A
rattling or buzzing might be caused by a loose catalyst or muffler
shield (97-16-6, Aug. 97). List for a creaking noise from the A-pillar
(962515, Dec. 96) and poor performance from the AC unit possibly related
to an O-ring issue (96207, Sep. 96; 96208, Sept. Sept. 96). Look for
accessory drive belt slip (97-25-1, Dec. 97); high effort or rough feel
when operating door handles (97-15-2, July 97); wind noise around the
doors (97-15-1, July 97); headliner sag in the rear (96241, Nov. 96) and
a check engine light that might come on due to poor gas, a bad spark
plug or a problem with the accessory drive pulley (9676, March 96).
THE VERDICT: Tauruses built for '96 and newer are more stylish
and more fun to drive, but have tight headroom in the back seat and a
smallish truck. Overall reliability is pretty good and prices on the
used market are reasonable.
|
CHECK THE SPECS
1996 FORD TAURUS GL
Market segment: mid-size sedan.
Typical market competition: Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda
Accord, Chrysler Intrepid/Concorde and Eagle Vision, Buick Regal,
Chrysler Cirrus, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 626, Oldsmobile Ciera and Cutlass
Supreme, Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Passat.
Engine: (front-engine/front-wheel drive) 3.0-litre V6 (pushrod
type); sequential electronic port fuel injection; 145 hp at 4,525 rpm;
torque rated at 170 lbs-ft at 3,250 rpm.
Transmission: four-speed electronically controlled automatic.
Steering: rack-and-pinion, road-speed-sensitive variable
power-assist.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear disc with anti-lock system
(ABS).
Tires: 205/65R15.
Fuel economy: (litres/100 km) N/A.
Wheelbase: 2,756 mm (108.5 in).
Curb weight: 1,523 kg (3,358 lbs).
Pros
* Swoopy design inside and out
* Loaded with features
* 24-valve V6 is silky and strong
Cons
* Needs more refinement in integrating transmission and engine
* Lacks rear-seat headroom and trunk space
* Not a quality match for Camry and Accord
OVERALL SCORE: 6.5 (out of 10)
ROAD TEST REPORT CARD
for 1996 Ford Taurus GL w/V6
Access: B-
Driving position: C+
Instruments/Controls: C+
Visibility: C+
Climate Control: B
Steering: B
Brakes: B
Handling: C+
Acceleration: B+
Engine: B+
Transmission: C
Interior space: C-
Trunk/Cargo: C-
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B-
DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD
Overall: C
Mechanical: C
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: C
SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: yes
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best):
four stars/four stars
INSURANCE HISTORY
Theft claim cost rating: better than average
Collision cost rating: average
Comprehensive cost rating: better than average
|
