Earlier models had transmission problems. I think this has been pretty much remedied in the 4F55E aka AX4N.
It'll have one of 3 different 3.0 liter engines. They all use timing chains. The Vulcan, which is an older-style pushrod type engine. It's been around a LONG time and is durable. It's not particularly powerful though.
The Flex-Fuel is a Vulcan that's been tuned to be able to use E-85, a mostly ethanol blend. It will use either regular gas or E-85 so it's really no big deal.
The Duratec is the newest and most powerful of the three. It features a double overhead cam (DOHC) design and has 200hp/200ft/lbs of torque. It also has proven to be a reliable engine. They've been in use since 1996 in Tauruses and are also found in Escapes and a few Mazdas, including their MPV minivan.
If you want 4 wheel disc brakes, you have to get a wagon. They weren't even available on sedans. The disc/drums on the sedan come with ABS too though, and they seem to work well.
Correction: DOHC stands for Dual Overhead Cam. The Taurus Duratec engine is a 24 valve 3.0 V6 engine which is very reliable. The Jaguar X-Type has the same engine built on the same block, but it has 40 more horsepower than the Taurus Duratec engine. (I am an owner of a 2002 Taurus SEL Premium.)
Mine has the Vulcan engine whitch I think you will find in most of the Taurus out there. Its no race car but it does give a good MPG and the power is enough for most people. Bob
GOD BLESS THE USA Member of IPCO- International Pest Control Operators Public message board-
My '98 wagon had the Vulcan. Dependable engine. However, I was rear-ended by a little old lady (nowhere near Pasadena) at a red light. That forced the purchase of a new one. I LOVE the Duratec!
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