Ford Taurus LX

'96 Ford Taurus LX
The dolphin-slippery Ford Taurus promises to remain distinctive in a market niche that inspires me-too styling. We've received many favorable comments about the new look from fellow four-door-driving motorists. In addition to its unique exterior, the Taurus delivers a winning combination of solid performance from the 3.0-liter/200-horse V-6 and roomy accommodations for five adults. Our staff stays divided over the seat comfort, as the curve of the leather front buckets doesn't match that of all spines. After the car's first month with us, the ashtray stuck shut like a stubborn clam, cutting off access to the all-important power point used to keep our cellular phones and radar detectors working. Shortly thereafter, the passenger-side windshield wiper became inoperative due to a stripped gear. After the car sat at a Ford dealer for a few days without being repaired, we tried a second, equally busy dealer. A week rolled by as they waited on parts. Finally, after numerous phone calls and pleas, the dealer corrected the problems by "borrowing" wiper parts from a new, showroom vehicle.