I read reviews on the Freestyle before buying the Taurus X seeing it's the same car, and a lot complained about the tranny going after 100K but I figured Ford would have fixed that by now. NOPE! Like it was engineered that way, we hit 100K and started hearing small noises. Previous to that the car started shifting hard at around 95k. As we crept up to 101K noise got louder. We had to already replace the passenger side axle so we were hoping it was just the driver's side. Had that looked at and the mechanic said the axle was fine and the noise sounded like the torque converter.

Two days later my wife calls me on her way to the dentist with the news. Noise is beyond loud and it sounds like the car is falling apart and there is a heavy oil smell coming out of the vents. Had it towed to the mechanic. He looked at it over the weekend and Monday he called me and said I need a new transmission. $4,000-$4,500 to replace it. Another mechanic said he would rebuild it for $2,800. We still owe $6,000. I would love to sue Ford. A transmission should last well above 100K miles! I'm afraid if we spend all this money fixing the tranny something stupid like the engine blowing will happen next. Then I'd tow the thing to Ford headquarters and dump it in their front lawn!

Growing up my father was a Ford man. In my teens he changed his mind and never bought another one. I went against my better judgement and his and bought one anyway because it seemed like a really nice car for my family. Let's face it, Ford gives you a lot more for your money. I also just learned they also give you a lot more headaches for your money. Henry has to be rolling in his grave.