1997 Ford Taurus Consumer Reviews Page 4

Pretty, but high maintenance

Written by: Rob in Peoria on 08/23/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

I liked the looks, but wish I had done more homework before buying. In little over a year we've put more money into this car than we paid for it - new tranny, brakes (twice!), and tires. Hopefully I can help someone else keep from getting sucked in by the sporty appearance - if you love your mechanic, or more specifically, love making his boat payments, buy this car. It also rides rough and is noisy (wind noise is terrible)

Favorite Features

Sporty exterior, moderate gas mileage, comfortable seats, lots of trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the tranismission, larger brake rotors (so they don't overheat and warp under normal driving conditions) make the windows a bit more airtight so they don't scream in highway wind speeds.

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my first car

Written by: ccbabe1689 on 08/11/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr G Sedan

Review

When I got this car, my battery DIED the second day I had it. Now it starts up funny. Transmission is iffy but otherwise the car is great.

Favorite Features

comfy seats, lots of room in back and trunk.

Suggested Improvements

transmission.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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comfortable car

Written by: anynomous on 06/14/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

Nice car. Transmission needs improvement. It seems to pause in between shifts. Descent gas mileage. Car is comfortable for long trips and the trunk feels bigger than my 94 cherokee.

Favorite Features

trunk, comfort, cd changer

Suggested Improvements

transmission

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Taurus

Written by: Bob Woods on 04/20/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

This sedan is fun to drive, its like a sports car but hauls four people in comfort. Mileage is less than I would like, 24 highway 19-20 city. Has some wind noise at high speeds in crosswinds, but on long trips is easy on my back and legs.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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do all fords suck?

Written by: tonya ogden on 04/14/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

problems with the transmission, motor, battery, speed sensor, door panels, heater, windshield wipers, power seats, 2 tires were on the car were the wrong size, and head gaskets, there is more but i lost track.

Favorite Features

i drove the car off the lot jan/2003. and i have maybe been able to use the car for 6 mo. in those 6 mo i did get good gas milage and i like the interior.

Suggested Improvements

stop making fords? let me trade my lemon?

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Safe, Cute and Friendly

Written by: D. Tru on 04/09/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

The Taurus was my first car. I bought it from the rental fleet at 22k miles. Also, this car initially served as a training vehicle for my wife and my friend, and it took abuse from renters and us pretty well. Key buying decision factors were size, safety and style, but the Taurus turned out to be very dependable and with timely maintenance required very few repairs over the years (battery, tires, and struts).

Favorite Features

Roomy - fits 6 people if needed. More baggage capacity than Cherokee or 4Runner. Low maintenance cost and unexpected dependability. Style - both interior and exterior. The radio/stereo console design is pretty cool. "Power everything" - nice for the price. Safety ratings are great.

Suggested Improvements

The curvy backs of the seats are not comfortable for tall people on long trips. A small cushion solves the problem. Fuel economy to horsepower ratio can be improved.

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Average Describes It

Written by: TaurusNC on 03/08/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

Bought this vehicle out of a rental fleet. Perhaps that is the reason I had constant problems with mechanical items. Heat, waterpump, radiator had issues from day one. Ride and handling were nice when the car was up and running. Ended up donating to charity after waterpump blew at 85,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Always liked the body style and interior. Was comfortable and handled well.

Suggested Improvements

If continue to sell as a program car in rental fleet, build it to stand up to heavy wear and tear from renters.

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Fixed Or Repaired Daily

Written by: sg on 02/05/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

Fuel system shut-off in its own. Door clip loose. Fuel gauge still shows inaccurately. There was a recall on this, but even the one the dealer replaced with shows the same way. Fuel guage shows inaccurately until the end. From a quarter tank it would suddenly go to empty tank. Service Engine light comes all the time. Head lights are dull. Driver side door is loose.

Favorite Features

Great roominess. Comfortable seats and split rear seat

Suggested Improvements

Should have recalled the Power Window Motor.

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Very Reliable

Written by: broberts on 01/30/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Wagon

Review

I bought this car new in 1997 and it has been very reliable. I wish the gas mileage was better as my overall average is only 20. 27-28 on long highway trips.

Favorite Features

Seats are very comfortable. Radio and AC/heating controls are easy to use.

Suggested Improvements

I would like to see the doors redesigned so as not to receive knicks from other car doors. Basically the door protectors are for looks. I would also like to see larger map holders on the sides of the door.

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My Red Taurus

Written by: higman97 on 01/09/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Taurus 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

This vehicle was supplied to me brand new as a company vehicle. I drove the vehicle brand new and purchased it from the company in 2000. The vehicle has been one of the best vehicles that I've owned. It is extremely reliable and has been a nice vehicle to own and drive.

Favorite Features

I particularly like the color and the handling of the vehicle. I have also come to appreciate the folding seats in the rear for hauling larger items.

Suggested Improvements

I wanted a more accessible DC outlet for my cell phone as the one in this car is in the ash tray and it was not attractive having the ash tray open to have the cell phone plugged in.

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