Reliability & durability
IMHO This is the Best Car Ever.....
It is a Ford Made by the Ford Motor Company of the USA. Ford has never taken money from the Government like the other two USA car makers.
I am a 40 year plus GM buyer but not in 2011.
I own a Ford now and it will either be the last car I ever own or I may just buy another Ford when I wear this one out.
Right now I have 20,000 miles on it and the only maintenance has been oil/filter change and new wiper blades. I saved the original blades for spares since they were in fine condition and just wanted to be extra prepared for our trip.
Again.....Best Car Ever.....
No I do not work for Ford. This is just an awesome automobile.
Powertrain performance
The six speed transmission is smooth and reliable.
It is the best car I have ever driven in the mountains. The manual downshifting in hill country is the best I have ever seen. Smooth and I can hold most hills without using the brakes at all.
Power is a plenty. More than I need but when you want it it is there. Smooth power and fast acceleration for interstate travels the Taurus is awesome.
Fuel economy
With 28 to 30 mpg on the highway with a vacation load of luggage, food and other equipment she takes to the road with ease and comfort I never had in any car I previously owned. Mileage is close to the intermediate size Buick I used to drive but this car is much more comfortable and worth the mileage difference.
Handling
Flat in the turns. Best handling car of any that I have owned. No Buick ocean liner bouncing. Just firm road hugging. No sway. Cool, very cool indeed.
Cargo capacity
The trunk is enormous. Back seats fold down so I can use it around town for my hobbies. You would be amazed at what you can fit in that trunk.
Seat fold down is great for vacations where you can access stuff in the front of the trunk from the back seat area. Both sided not just one like some cars.
Get the one with the 8-way adjustable front seats and the heating and cooling in the seats.
I would not trade this for a new foreign car of any make. None of them are better than my Ford IMHO.
Cheers, Buy it you will like it.