1988 Ford Taurus
Should You Buy a 1988 Ford Taurus?
The 1988 Ford Taurus is a mid-sized sedan that offers a blend of practicality and performance, featuring a 3L V6 engine that produces 157 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. With a front-wheel-drive layout and a 5-speed manual transmission, it provides a responsive driving experience. While the MSRP of $14,995 positions it as an affordable option for buyers, the vehicle's reliability score of 95.9/100 suggests it can be a dependable choice for daily driving. However, prospective buyers should be aware of its mixed reputation regarding safety and electrical issues, as evidenced by the 462 total complaints reported to the NHTSA, particularly concerning the ignition switch and frame structure.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or families looking for a reliable daily driver with decent performance capabilities.
Strengths
- +Strong reliability score of 95.9/100
- +Affordable price point at $14,995
- +Decent horsepower and torque for a mid-sized sedan
- +Front-wheel drive offers good traction in various conditions
- +Spacious interior suitable for family use
Weaknesses
- -High number of fire incidents reported (65)
- -Significant complaints regarding electrical system issues
- -Limited seating information may deter family buyers
- -Potential safety concerns due to crash incidents
- -Outdated design may not appeal to modern buyers
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1988 Ford Taurus has a notable number of complaints, particularly with 65 fire incidents and 18 crash incidents. The most frequently reported issues involve the electrical system, specifically the ignition switch, which has 58 complaints. While there are no deaths reported, the presence of injuries and the nature of the complaints may raise concerns for potential buyers. Overall, while the Taurus has a solid reliability score, these issues warrant careful consideration during the purchasing process.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.8 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 19
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Width
- 70.9 in
- Height
- 54.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 105.9 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,886 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –