My wife drives a 1994 Ford Taurus purchased Dec. '94. It was a good car until March '98. At that time speedometer quit working, then transmission began shifting roughly, until it finally would not shift into overdrive. Local Ford dealer repaired damaged/defective parts, replaced all seals and gaskets, but did not rebuild transmission. Car returned to service April 3, 1998. Given 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on repair. Car had 88,000 miles on odometer. October 5, 1998, transmission begins slamming into low gear when slowing to stop car. Immediately returned to dealer. Transmission rebuilt. Dealer (or Ford) absorbed cost citing irresponsible transmission mechanic (who since April had been fired because of poor workmanship). Car returned to service November 5, 1998 (yes, dealer kept car going on five weeks). Odometer reading: 99,000. November 19 (two weeks to the day) transmission will not shift out of low gear. Back to dealer, who replaces defective solenoid controlling fluid pressure in transmission. Pick up car Nov. 24. TWO DAYS LATER transmission won't shift again. Back to dealer at 15MPH, wife squalling. Stuck solenoid has damaged clutch. Rebuild transmission again! Thought we would get the car back today, car put back together, mechanic test driving car; but at end of day, car back up on rack. We have decided to trade car for new Oldsmobile, if transmission will shift long enough to get car up the street one block to Olds dealer. Had considered new Taurus, but not anymore! Fortunately, we have a WONDERFUL Ford dealer, ELK VALLEY FORD owned by Al Cobb, who has been completely understanding, helpful, and apologetic. He had car professionally detailed to try to make up for keeping it so long in October, has offered us loaner cars to drive while ours is being repaired, even offered his demonstrator for us to drive. We hate not doing business with him again, but distrust Ford products now. Let me end by saying, we also have a 1985 Ford Tempo 5-speed with 220,000+ miles that, barring regular routine maintenence, has only had to have a water pump replaced. Still has original clutch! Runs, drives, and looks GREAT! Why can't Ford build 'em like this anymore?

JT Fayetteville, Tennessee Dec. 5, 1998