This is my personal favorite generation of the Ford Taurus, many people dislike the way these look but i really like the way they look, and also these cars are from what i heard very reliable and they along with the 4th' generation witch i also love, are still on the road to this day, but they are however getting harder to find in good shape, no one preserves these cars, most people just see it as a cheap car option and work it to death without taking care of it, and that really upsets me, i hope you take good care of this car, not many of them left in that good of condition, well from what i can see at least, anyways this was a great review, i enjoyed it, this car really needs more love, yes even the non SHO models, this is a super iconic car for the 90's and all newer rounded cars owe it to the 96-99 Taurus, that's just my opinion though, and I'm not sure if this is your first car review or not but if it is you made a good start, i also thought the little test driving bit added a lot to this.
Thank you so much for your comment, it means a whole lot! This car was taken care of really well by the previous owner and I look to continue that. I personally haven't seen many of these on the roads, especially this generation. Sad to see these be almost non-existent or in very poor condition. And yes, this is my very first car review! I look forward to making more, and getting better at it. Thank you again for your comment!
@JaysModelWorkshop I share your rare opinion on those cars. The styling is as it's should be the with the oval thing logic, everything outside fits good - even the unusal rear window (my favorite part of this styling is the whole rear end tho). U love it or hate it. It's a really shame most people dont understand that styling and hate it. I care and love driving my '96 Taurus sedan with Duratec in Poland. Also my friend from Ukraine have '98 Taurus sedan also with Duratec, he love it too and care of it.
@Jonathan A I totally agree, but shouldn't leave the 4th' gen in the dust, all though it did take away some of the things that made the 96 special, it still kept most of that 3rd gen Taurus look and charm, and still looks great.
@@distinctiveblue8337 Awesome man! always nice to see people support my favorite car, it's a nice change from seeing people hate on it, anyone by all means should have their own opinion, but to make others feel like a fool for liking something is taking it way too far, everyone has their preference, and mine is the 96 Taurus, awesome that you and your friend own one! please take good care of them, and show them the same love people show for older muscle cars and newer cars, because these cars deserve it in my opinion, they're such beautiful cars, and along with the 4'th gen and previous gens need better preserved, so future generations can appreciate them, i myself am fairly new to the road, and still looking for one of those cars.
Nice video! My dad had a silver '96 Taurus GL for 11 years and I absolutely loved it so much. I miss it so much and i loved the styling its by far my favorite.
I miss my Ford Taurus own a 1999 but it had the 24 valve DOHC Duratec engine it was the bigger V6 option with 200hp, when stepping on the gas it would give a deep loud rumble and launch, first time I heard it thought it was car next to me look to see nobody there lol They have a nice ride smooth and quiet when shutting the doors feels solid like closing refrigerator door, interior with the cloth and heavy vinyl so much nicer than the cheap plastic most cars have today, you should get a lot of miles out of it.
Thanks for sharing your experience! This car continues to be amazing. Even with my smaller engine, I still get that loud deep rumble every time I floor it and it never gets old! They just dont make cars like they used to these days.
@@theinsiterofficial Change the trans fluid and filter. Plan a few hours to drop the pan and know it just messy, not complicated. And look up DENSO TT spark plugs, Twin Tip plugs for that waste spark system.
Took my young family to Orlando in July 1998 with American Trans Air from Scotland. The following day I picked up my rental car, it was a Ford Taurus in gold, just like yours. While inside it was pretty specious, the boot (trunk) was pretty small. We took three suitcases, but only 2 fitted in the boot. The other one went on the middle seat between my sons. This suitcase was very light, it fact, almost empty. Why ? I filled it with clothes for my boys, easily 60% cheaper than at home in Scotland, even got some for myself. Did over 2,000 miles in 16 days, Tampa, Naples, Allegator alley then Miami Beach. Happy memories of a fantastic holiday and a great car 😁
Great video. I’m also one of the few who likes this generation of Taurus. The design maybe controversial but it’s different than the boxy cars from this era. I did own a ‘97 GL, in green with a green interior. It definitely was unique that I first hated but grew to love. I was lucky to find a Mercury Sable at the junk yard that had the same green interior but with green leather power seats w/lumbar that I was able to swap them over and have the power seats functioning. Added the faux “wood” trim from around the radio and door panels and just made the interior a little different. Definitely had some great memories with it during my early to mid 20s.. I got it when it had 195k miles and was able to get it up to 264k before it finally decided to die. Ended up getting a 2003 “Centennial” Taurus before trading that in for a 2012 Fusion witch is what I currently own right now though I am thinking of getting a 2016 or newer SHO for my next car.
I was thinking the same thing, very cool mats. You know, this is basically the successor to the 1973 Ford Gran Torino Jeff Bridges drove in The Big Lebowski. If you follow the evolution line from that car, you end up with this car. Couldn't help but look at those mats and think of The Dudes rug, they really tie the room together, or in this case, the car interior♥️ Cool video and cruiser👍
Ok so in the process of buying one right now for a daily and curious how I can tell which v6 variant I have I heard there’s the duratec and the Vulcan version and apparently one is a boat anchor and one is actually a good motor curious as to which it is and how I can identify
Nowadays getting a V6 is the hype and you can forget about the column shifter and front split bench seats. Automakers don't like making that for some reason anymore, was so spacious and convenient to shift that way! If I had to choose, I'd take this over the SHO any time of the day for that old convenience I really like.
Had an 02 Impala with the split bench and column shift. And I completely agree. Wish they would bring it back. I prefer to shift at the column. Feels more natural imo.
@@coryminnick1256 I agree. My first experience driving fortunately had the column shifter. It was a Ford Escape. Thats still had a center counsel, but they made it in a way that your knees can spread out without hitting it. Then years after, my first experience driving with bench seats was was with my grandparents, Lincoln Town Car. The future is really going to miss out on both of these features from cars. The ones that have are aging more and becoming less populated on roads as we speak.
Nice car man! I've got way too many of these haha. I have two 96 SHOs, a 97 SHO, and a 96 Mercury Sable. The Sable being the most comparable to yours with the 3.0 Vulcan v6. One thing these Vulcans have major issues with is rusty coolant. If it's not changed at bare minimum once a year it'll clog the heater core. These need a really thorough flush with water and an iron cleaner. Good luck with it man, it's nice to see such a pristine one as most of these have crushed.
@@theinsiterofficial I've owned two 99 models with the OHV engine and concur with changing the coolant yearly. I presently also own a 98 SHO with the V8 3.4 engine. Don't be envious of the bigger engine. They are far more complicated to service. The braking system, tires and motor require parts that are difficult to find and expensive, when you do. Many times I've thought, "I didn't have that problem with the 3.0L". You can go to any junkyard and find parts for the OHV or DOHC. Not so, with the SHO. I have enjoyed adding 2000-2007 features to my 98, though. Puddle lights from an 03, do look good. Interior lights from the 96 (only) doors, make a subtle difference on the 98.
What a good review! (so good that im rewatching it) I really like sports cars and classic cars (yes, muscle cars too) but I also like 1990s and 2000s commuter cars like this. Thanks for the video :D
These can go over 300,000 miles like mine getting close to that, best 900$ I ever bought and also I got get from the back at 20 miles an hour, holds up pretty good but now I might have to repaint
Very nice car and great video! I've always liked this generation of the Taurus. I've been looking for one as a secondary vehicle, but haven't been able to find one in decent condition.
OMG, I have the same year, model, and color (except for the climate dash, I have the climate control buttons instead of the knobs and the speedometer has the 20 40, 60 etc in bold instead of the 10, 30, 50 as in this one) Had it since after I finished High School back in 2013 (had only around 78,000 miles and now nearly has 95,000) Works very good though the A/C needs constant recharging as there’s multiple leaks / cracks in the lines by now.
Even if i didn’t like this generation of Taurus especially compared to the previous generation. The 1998 facelift with the red rear index lights replacing the horrible looking amber ones, the new grill and these hubcap design seen on your car, even if minor detail changes did a miracle in improving the look of the car. This Taurus went from being ugly (1996-97 models) to be nice looking with only those tiny detail changes I mentioned. Interestingly for 1999 the lowest trim with these hubcaps looked even nicer than the more expensive trims with the ugly alloys! Your car actually looks better than a Taurus SHO. Drive safe and take care.
Everyone seems to hate this generation....as a brit with a mild interest in odd looking cars....i cut this Gen some slack...i hope its owner takes great care or it
They say these were ugly. I wasn't fond of the radio and hvac controls but I actually liked the exterior lines. When it's time to replace rear struts they're not fun but a little easier than camry or accord. The front struts..don't make yourself available to replace them. Find a shop.
Have the option to purchase this car for 1500 at 100000 miles and from what i can tell it works great! Shifted smoothly and sounded great. Should i get it? I just need something that'll last
There are a few things I’d like for you to check before purchasing, mainly, if fluids have been kept up with and changed when needed. It’s a 25 year old car so expect the car to feel “loose”. I do believe if everything checks out, this is an amazing car and with proper maintenance can go much further than 100,000 miles. These cars are absolute tanks.
I We had a 96 Sable...great car...but the transmission shifted so hard int second you had to lift your foot off the accelerator first Or face violent whiplash trans is a weak point on these cars....also the ride..the suspension is awful every bump went up my spine...ours ended up getting stolen in 2008
I just got one. Where the heck is the CD carousel? The owner's manual does a poor job of explaining its location and the internet does not have the answer.
Try checking under the carpet in the trunk area on the left side near the antenna. A while back I remember seeing additional radio components there when I did a complete detail, but mine isn't equipped with the CD carousel. But if yours is, it should be there. And yea, that owners manual is really a hit or miss with some of the information lol.
Working on these OHV engines is so much easier than the DOHC or SHO engines. Wait till you need to replace the alternator, you'll appreciate it's location compared to the DOHC. If I were you, I'd look under the driver's door and check for rust on the frame. This model is bad for rusting in that location. Your cloth seats are so much warmer than leather and hold your body when going around curves. When someone makes a crack about driving a 24 y/o car, just remember how complicated cars are now and every time newer cars go into the shop it's hundreds of dollars to fix them, not so with these models. Ford was way ahead in styling on these cars and most people didn't accept them back then.
Spongy brake is the top clue of air in the brake line. Brake fluid should look clear. See the RU-vid channel ERIC THE CAR GUY. For that ABS light or anything electronic, see RU-vid channel SCANNER DANNER.
@@theinsiterofficial Ford used 110 and 120 mph speedometers on the Taurus, during 96 through 99. I think that 110 may have been for California models only. I have seen 110 speedometers on Ford Rangers using the OHV engine, as well. My 98 SHO has a 150 mph speedometer, but I know for a fact that the stock V8 engines were only capable of 141 mph fresh from the factory.
