Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

Over 200 Taurus and Sable owners have already signed up. That's a good start, but more are needed to provide solid results for all model years.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Vehicle reliability research

 

Very interesting. This could be a useful tool.

 

True Delta will be an excellent tool. I sign up during it's start and it hosts a wealth of information not available on other sites. I highly encourage folks to offer up their assessments of their vehicles.

Jack

 

Thanks, Jack. The more members help to get the word out, the more time I have to further improve the site.

We do need more Taurus (and Sable) owners. The August results include only the 2008, and even that year is asterisked for a marginal sample size. For what it's worth, the 2008's repair rateappears to beabout average, maybe a bit better.

To help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

 

237 owners signed up so far. A good start, but more are needed.

Vehicle reliability research

 

The November results include the 2008 Taurus. The repair rate of 82 successful repair trips per year is worse than average, and much worse than the 2006 and 2007 Five Hundred.

The reason: a common problem with the front suspension, where the struts need to be lubed to eliminate a creak (not always successfully). A minor problem.

The sample size was marginal. Additional participants would be very helpful.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

We have updated results, and with 68 repair trips per 100 cars per year the 2008 Ford Taurus is about average. Most 2007 and newer Fords, including the Five Hundred, have lower repair rates. The 2008 has had one minor but common problem, creaking front strut mounts.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and include all model years from 1995 on, not just the 2008.

We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the Ford Taurus:

Ford Taurus reliability comparisons

 

We've updated the results for the Taurus to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 78, about average, front strut mounts a common problem

2001: 145, about average, close to "worse than average"

2000: 87, better than average

Very small sample sizes for the 2000 and 2001, and the results are quite different. Actual repair rate in both cases probably between these two numbers.

A big thank you to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Ford Taurus reliability comparisons

 

We've updated the results for the Taurus to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 71, about average, front strut mounts a common problem

2001: 107, about average

2000: 85, better than average

1999: 125, about average

Very small sample sizes for the 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Everyone who's been participating, thanks, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Ford Taurus reliability comparisons

 

We've updated the results for the Taurus to include owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 53, about average, front strut mounts a common problem

2001: 127, about average

2000: 109, better than average

1999: 59, better than average, probably not accurate

Very small sample sizes for the 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Everyone who's been participating, thanks, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Ford Taurus reliability comparisons