Mechanics Hate Us

The 2006 model year will end the heralded Taurus name and for this writer it’s a bittersweet time as Ford retires what once the best selling vehicle in all of America.

When Ford introduced the Taurus together with its cousin the Mercury Sable in the mid 1980s the vehicle represented a radical exit from the standard American auto of the day. Reasonably enormous, front wheel drive, and terribly aerodynamic, the Taurus quickly rose to the pinnacle of the American car sales charts and was the fastest selling auto for many years in a row. A much delayed “reskinning” did not happen till 1996, some a decade after the Taurus and Sable were first released. The new style, understood by some to be ugly, quickly cost Ford sales as newer and more modern Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords out gained the line. Slight changes in style incorporated with the 2k model year took some of the edge off, but by then the Taurus was said to be too wrinkled and outmatched by the competition.

I acquired an all new 1994 Taurus and kept the vehicle for 7 years, racking up 117,000 miles before deciding it was time to trade in the automobile for something newer. I found the ride to be comfortable, the inside room to be expansive, and I enjoyed the overall style of the vehicle. I was also one of the first folks to get a Taurus in the then new Hunter Green color, an attractive deep green that was admired by many .

When 2001 rolled around, I elected to lease a Saturn L series rather than going with the Taurus. I needed something similar in size with the Taurus and at that time Saturn had a lease deal that might not be beat. In addition, I wasn’t impressed with the Taurus which I felt had been out-engineered by other autos in its class. So, I took home the Saturn and donated my Taurus to the Kidney Foundation.

The 2005 model year represented the final year that Ford would offer the Taurus through dealers; for 2006 the Taurus is only as a fleet automobile and it is unchanged from the previous year’s model. The slow selling Sable was mercifully put to rest one year earlier.

For Ford, concentrating on wagons and SUVs meant neglecting much of their automobile line up, including the Taurus. Bigger and stronger SUVs, including the Expedition and Excursion, were introduced as America’s tastes continued to shift from passenger cars to SUVs. In addition, the ever popular F Series pick up vans went through regular style and engineering changes every four years or so as did the Explorer, Ford’s midsized SUV.

Higher gas prices and changing tastes are once again impacting Fords’ line up. The beefy Excursion is gone and new autos including the 5 Hundred and Fusion are now part of the line up. These two new models represent a fresh change for Ford and a guarantee the attention once given to the Taurus would be given to the new models. For that, I am glad.

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Hi,
Does anyone know how to correct a problem with the wiper control on a 1997 ford taurus gl.I replaced the control lever but they still work irratically and then they will only shut off when the car is turned off……

Why do they say the ball joint end has to be removed to change? Can I do this myself with basic tools? Don’t have hub nut wrench or ball joint puller, I do my own brakes, is this harder?

I backed off a slight ledge and the rear wheel of my taurus slipped off bending the rear axle. its a 2005. the wheel is off track and I have to hold the steering wheel at about a 75 degree angle to keep the car straight. So what I need to know is how much will this cost to repair and would it be safe to drive temporarily.

Didn’t say what motor size, but usually it’s on top or about a half hour job or so

I had a wreck yesterday, and was told by the wrecker driver that it snapped the front suspension. The left front fender was also damaged. I have collision ins. but I’m afraid it will cost more than my car is worth to fix it. The guy that hit me didn’t have ins. and left after finding out That we were all not seriously hurt.

I need to know how to change the oil pan gasket, step by step. The labor charge for this repair is outrageous! If I can find the manual, I have someone with the know how to take everything apart and put it back together-they are just unfamiliar with this model!

My problem is that the car will not start . It just clicks , it will not turn over. I think it may be the starter . I would like to try tapping it to see if it starts. The battery is ok .

A couple of days in the shop. Its a major pain. You should replace both head gaskets,with better aftermarket gaskets. Fords are crap.

I live in topeka KS and if you know of any shops around the area that would be gladly appreciated as well
thank you