Overview & Reviews

Floor mats become standard on all Taurus models, and the base V6 benefits from improved fuel economy. All but the base LX get security approach lamps, while LX and SE come standard with six-passenger seating. A slew of no-charge options are available on various Taurus models for 2002: SE gets a free power driver seat and CD player; SES comes with free leather or a moonroof (regionally available); SEL adds leather or moonroof, or both (regionally available). SEL also has standard adjustable pedals for 2002. A new SEL Wagon debuts. A new SEL premium package includes a Mach audio system, side airbags and traction control. Optional on SES and SEL is a new Luxury and Convenience group, which provides an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and heated side mirrors. Four new colors round out the list of changes.

• Excellent value for the money, high level of safety equipment and crash protection, available as a sedan or a wagon, usually discounted with rebates and incentives.

• Rental car stigma, poor expected resale value, no rear disc brakes on the sedan.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 128.00

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  198K miles, still going - did I get lucky? - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By newvegasnerd - April 29 - 12:19 pm

  I inherited the family car as my first car, and I couldnt have asked for more out of it. It has gotten me from point A to point B 20 miles and back everyday for almost two years now, and it is showing no sign of slowing down. All the meat and potatoes of this car are original, engine, tranny, etc. Nothing big has ever been replaced. It is a heavy car it absorbs the road well. Not a very good snow car - it is a heavy sedan without anything stellar to help it out in the snow/ice. Excessive road salt has started to rot out underneath the doors and the wheel wells - no stopping that. All in all if you can find one of these used cheap with somewhat low mileage, it makes a perfect first car.

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  Lots of problems - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By cbn4equine - June 10 - 3:29 pm

  Im 19 now and as a first car, it was alright. My "trans axle" light came on regularly with no known cause. Hoses came loose causing A/C not to be cold. Last fall I ended up hydroplaning on a main highway. I was (idiotically) not wearing my seat belt when I hit water, lost control, and hit the guardrail on both ends of my car. I spun 360 then 180 and landed in front of the exit sign going 295S to 64E. Luckily, I was not hurt. I tried to turn the car back on, but the wreck completely destroyed the front. One thing that stuck out was that the airbags never deployed when I hit the guardrail and began spinning. If you consider yourself a safe driver then this car may be a good fit.

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  6 years and 60k miles later - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By mikepm - July 28 - 8:20 am

  My mom bought this car for me when I was in college and its fairly comfortable to drive. Maintenance wise, atleast $300 per year in the things that had to be fixed. Thats not including the things that are currently wrong with it and too expensive to fix. Had a mechanic tell me he loved Fords and Chevys because he makes so much money off them (from repairs)

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  It always starts! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Kristen E. - May 30 - 1:11 am

  We purchased this car from the original owner. We have had to replace shocks, sway bars, and a wheel bearing at 100,000 miles and have had to machine the rotors twice over the past 25,000 miles. Other than the somewhat pricey repairs, we have enjoyed this car. Nothing special about it really, but it always turns over, even in our sub-zero Wisconsin winters. We have taken this car all over the Midwest, and it handles well on the Interstate, even in heavy snow. In fact, it handles the snow better than our AWD Trailblazer did. Our model definitely lacks in pick-up, but its not like we bought a station wagon for sheer performance. As far as fuel economy, it beats any mini-van of that model year

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  Taurus Good Car Until The Transmission Goes - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By honest316 - December 25 - 10:50 pm

  We owned the 2002 Taurus for 13 years. It is comfortable, safe, and has a reliable motor with reasonable gas mileage. The transmission went out while on vacation. Not knowing what to do we took it to a Ford dealership thinking the repair would be reliable and last for a long time. Not so. The torque converter was replaced and we made it back home but the problems persisted. After much research I found out the transmission has a design flaw and other inherent unsolvable problems and any "fixes" do not usually last. Too bad because otherwise this was a pretty nice vehicle.

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  2002 Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By GreginCT - August 25 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased in 2006 with 47K. In 2 years, Ive driven it 40,000 miles. Cam shaft synchronizer, water leaking into blower motor and warping rotors have been the problem. Otherwise, starts and runs fine. I get 23-24 mpg city and 25-27 all around. Ive gotten 30 mpg on the highway in winter time. Cheap to buy, run, insure and fuel. As someone earlier pointed out, its not exactly the target for car thieves. Good, reliable, low cost transportation. My third Taurus. Buy this car and spend your money on other things.

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  2002 Taurus - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By GregoryGalllo - May 9 - 12:28 pm

  Good car for the money. Water leak by blower motor, trans shifts erratically, and the ride is somewhat rough, but it runs well. I get 22-26 mgg (have gotten 30 on highway only). It is my third Taurus. Theyre cheap to buy, insure, refuel and operate. Plus, real low on the theft list.

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  I will never buy an American made auto again - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By bearls1017 - August 19 - 7:34 pm

  I purchased this auto with 26,000 miles. At 30,000 the check engine light came on. After taking it in to the dealer 6 times, they finally realized the heads needed rebuilding. It had over 36,000 miles on it then. After the fight, they rebuilt with no charge to me. Now, at 70,000 it needs it again. This is a piece of junk and I will never buy an American made car after all this.

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  Problems with 2002 Taurus - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Sherri Chaney - May 16 - 10:46 pm

  This is our 3rd Taurus. We thought we would really like it. It looks nice and handles well. However, Ford neglected to inform us before our purchase that it has an emission control problem which causes it to sputter and stall. Weve had ours for about 1 month. They tell us they are aware of the problem and are working on the solution. Hope they find it soon!

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  Definately - Fix Or Repair Daily - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Dawn - October 31 - 10:00 am

  In the shop more than on the road. Poor milage even on the highway. Nice car to have if you prefer to drive a rental car while yours is in the shop.