Overview & Reviews

After it hit the market for the 1986 model year, the Ford Taurus quickly became a sensation in America. This front-wheel-drive midsize family sedan looked like no other Ford before it and won over car shoppers with its comfortable and roomy cabin and affordable price.

Throughout its first decade of production, the Ford Taurus was consistently one of the best-selling cars in America. As the years wore on, however, the Taurus' popularity declined considerably due to stagnating design and more desirable competitors. As a used car purchase, we'd probably consider something else. Although Ford briefly killed the Taurus in the mid 2000s, it was soon resurrected as a  revamp of the Five Hundred full-size sedan.

The current-generation Taurus is still mechanically based on that car, but looks entirely different and offers notable improvements in powertrains, interior quality and features. Although this Taurus is certainly a competitive car, other, more recently redesigned full-size sedans are generally more appealing.

Current Ford Taurus
The Taurus is a large sedan cast in the traditional American mold. In other words, it's unabashedly large, sports more than a few chrome accents and provides a plush, quiet ride. The Taurus is offered in base SE, midlevel SEL, plush Limited and sporty SHO trims.

The typical Taurus will be front-wheel drive with the base 3.5-liter V6, a solid engine that cranks out 288 horsepower. All-wheel drive is optional. Also optional is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 240 hp and gets among the best mpg in the large sedan segment. If performance is on your mind, Ford offers the Taurus SHO and its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 good for a healthy 365 hp and a sub-6-second 0-60 time. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only available transmission for any Taurus.

Standard equipment highlights include alloy wheels, full power accessories, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system. Higher trim levels add niceties like bigger wheels, the Sync and MyFord Touch electronics interfaces, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a power passenger seat and leather upholstery. Taurus options, depending on trim level, include a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, massaging front seats, a navigation system (with HD radio) and a 12-speaker Sony-branded premium audio system.

In reviews, we've been mostly impressed by the current Taurus. The styling is distinctive, as is the cabin with its twin-cowl dashboard layout and ample feature content. Rear passenger space is a bit tighter than we expect from a large car and its rising beltline, thick roof pillars and tall center console can make the interior feel confining. On the other hand, the trunk is massive.

On the road, the Taurus provides a comfortable, quiet ride. Handling of non-SHO versions, however, isn't as impressive. Whereas other large sedans drive like smaller cars, the Taurus feels every bit its substantial size as it has a lumbering feel around turns.  The sport-tuned suspension on SHO models, especially those with the optional Performance package, noticeably sharpens up the handling while still providing a good ride. Performance ranges from ample with the turbocharged four and base V6 engines to thrilling with the SHO's twin-turbo V6.

Used Ford Taurus Models
The current Taurus is representative of the sixth-generation Taurus that debuted for 2010. Although it shared its powertrain and accommodating cabin with the previous version, most agreed that the sixth generation was a big improvement in terms of design, inside and out. This generation also signaled the return of the potent SHO model, which sported the most powerful engine ever seen in a Taurus.

From 2010-'12, the Taurus' base V6 engine made 263 hp. For 2013, that engine's output was increased to 288 hp, the car's styling was refreshed, the turbocharged four-cylinder debuted and the SHO could be had with a Performance package that included a firmer suspension, upgraded brakes and stickier tires. That year also saw the MyFord Touch electronics interface make its way to the Taurus.

The previous fifth-generation Taurus was technically produced only from 2008-'09, although prior to that, this particular car was known as the Five Hundred. Those interested in a used Taurus should keep this in mind, since despite its flaws, the Five Hundred was indeed a better car than the Taurus that was sold alongside it.

The 2008-'09 Taurus was a full-size sedan available with one engine: a 3.5-liter 263-hp V6 mated to a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive was available as an option. Trim levels included the base SE, the midgrade SEL and the loaded-up Limited. Even base models came nicely equipped with power front seats, a leather-wrapped wheel, an auxiliary audio jack, stability control and a full complement of airbags. The Limited came with items such as leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings and the Sync system.

The interior hardly won design awards for its visual flair, but the controls were logically arrayed and there were plenty of storage areas. Legroom was plentiful front and back, and the distinctive driving position was SUV-like in elevation -- a boon for shorter drivers, but potentially a headroom-robbing annoyance for taller ones. This Taurus' trunk was nothing short of gargantuan.

These are all core attributes shared with the Five Hundred it replaced, along with outstanding crash test scores, good outward visibility and competent handling that didn't detract from ride comfort. But the Taurus' meatier power, quieter cabin, comfier ride and higher level of feature content (including the excellent Sync electronics interface) make it a more attractive choice than the Five Hundred.

The previous (fourth) Taurus generation ran from 2000-'06. Although the basic body shell was identical to the third-generation Taurus, this version dispensed with many of the oval-themed components used before and the result was a more attractive car.

A pair of 3.0-liter V6 engines (155 hp and 200 hp) were the engine choices and a four-speed automatic remained the lone transmission. Four trim levels were offered: base LX, midlevel SE models and luxury-themed SES and SEL. Even the LX provided air-conditioning and power windows, while springing for the SEL meant you got the 200-horse V6, an in-dash six-CD player and automatic climate control. By the end of this generation, just two trims remained (SE and SEL) and the wagon was dropped. Also, in a fit of American carmaker rationale, the better of the two engines (the 200-hp V6) was discontinued as well.

In an Edmunds.com 2000 family sedan comparison test, the Ford Taurus finished a respectable third out of nine cars, thanks to strong performance (it had the 200-hp V6), solid handling and ride dynamics, and a user-friendly cabin. Six years down the road, however, it was easily eclipsed by more competent rivals from Japan and Korea.

The 1996-'99 third-generation Taurus was an odd duck that considerably softened the formerly best-selling car's appeal. Evidently using Ford's oval symbol for inspiration, the Taurus designers went overboard on ovals, with the car's grille, rear window and dashboard's center stack having the ellipsoid form. Trim levels were comprised of base G, midlevel GL, luxury LX and high-performance SHO.

The high point of this third generation was the debut of the Duratec V6 that made 200 hp. It was offered alongside the dated, 145-hp Vulcan V6. The high-performance Taurus SHO was fitted with a 3.4-liter V8 that made 235 hp. No manual gearbox was available, however, so like every other Taurus, the SHO had a four-speed automatic. In our road test of a 1999 Taurus (with the base V6) we found performance acceptable but unrefined, the transmission sometimes slow to downshift and the ergonomics confusing. On the upside, the seats were comfortable, handling was composed and the brakes (with optional ABS) were strong and progressive.

The second-generation Ford Taurus ran from 1992-'95. An evolution of the original, its lower-profile nose and slightly crisper lines tastefully updated the car, while hardware improvements included new safety features such as antilock brakes and a passenger side airbag. Trim levels initially stood pat at L, GL, LX and SHO, though a sporty SE debuted in the last year (1995) of this generation.

Most Taurus sedans and wagons came with either a 3.0-liter V6 or 3.8-liter V6. Horsepower was the same at 140, but the larger engine provided more torque. This generation's SHO was available for the first time with an automatic transmission. (It was manual-only before.) Auto-equipped SHOs had a larger version of the muscular V6 (3.2 liters versus 3.0), though engine output (220 hp) was the same for both SHO engines.

The first-generation Ford Taurus ran from 1986-'91. Compared to the boxy architecture of its competition, the jelly bean (and aerodynamically efficient) look of the Taurus was a breath of fresh air. A 90-hp inline-4 (with either a manual or automatic transmission) and a 140-hp V6 (automatic only) were offered. The former engine was a joke in a midsize family sedan, so it was eventually cancelled. On the other end of the spectrum was the hot-rod SHO, which featured a ripping 3.0-liter V6 designed by Yamaha that made 220 hp and sent this family sedan to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Thanks to its handsome looks, solid overall performance and accommodating cabin, the first Taurus was a home run for Ford that rode the top of the sales charts for much of its early life.

User Reviews:

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  our Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Rtom45 - June 10 - 9:54 am

  My wife uses the car daily for short drive to and from work. We use the car at least once a month for trips across the state. Its comfortable and practical for both. Car is good in the snow (Erie, PA). We bought our first Taurus in 99 and were happy enough to buy this Taurus in 04. We like the newer styling also.

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  2002 Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rrhh - June 6 - 3:18 am

  Bought with 46000 miles on in like new condition for less than $9k. Runs very smooth, has quiet and comfortable interior. Compare to "cramped" 2001 Honda Accord LX 2.3L I owned before, this Taurus is a winner.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Jason - June 2 - 12:43 am

  First car and have had it for 6 months and its been great. Was just rear ended the other day at about 25-30 mph and the Taurus held up fantastic. The car that hit me was a Corolla and it was totaled but my car only has bumper damage. Has lots of room for passengers. Ive driven about 5,000 miles so far and its at 75k and no problems with the car yet. Its pretty good with gas but could be better.

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  Company Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By bstephens - May 27 - 11:45 am

  You know, this car isnt quite as bad as I had originally thought it would be. My company gave me this car 8 months ago and I handed over my 97 Honda Accord to my brother. First let me say that the Taurus drives nowhere near as well as the Accord did. Its too sluggish. When I punch the gas to try to pass someone it always hesitates. The engine revs up for a few seconds before it kicks in and goes. Also, when I have the A/C on the belt is always chirping. My fiance has a 2004 Accord EX that just blows this car away. I dont understand how Ford could ever expect to compete with a Toyota or Honda and win. We definitely drive the Accord on trips together. Goodbye Taurus.

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  satisfaction - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By glenkail - May 22 - 1:55 pm

  The only thing I wish I could have had on my Taurus would be the keyless entry we have on our Mercury. Once in a while people get lucky we have two great cars and I like the design of the Taurus from every angle. I have a friend who has a Toyota and I pointed out to him the building differences -- doors that have hinges strong enough to close vaults and the feel of strength and quality in the interior. He agrees with me and says his next car will be a Ford. Incidentally -this is my fifth Ford. The only thing that was and is disappointing was the paint on the windows around the doors its deteriorated.

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  2003 Taurus SES Sedan - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By JacknCali - May 15 - 3:53 am

  I really like my Taurus . Good, reliable vehicle with surprisingly good gas mileage on the highway. Low maintenance cost. Disappointing rate of depreciation. Seats are uncomfortable.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By #1Ford - May 11 - 1:29 pm

  We have over 80,000 miles on the car and have only had minor repairs on the trim over the door. Other than that the car has been maintenance free, and gets 29 mpg, We drive it 40 miles one way to work every day, and would love to see Ford keep it in their lineup and not replace it.

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  Ford - You lost us! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Lee - May 9 - 6:24 pm

  Our last 4 cars have all been Fords, before trading this one in for a Toyota Sienna van. Our first was a 91 wagon, which was awesome for its economy, and reliability (it finally gave out with 210k miles). The Windstar van was a mistake, and the last 2 Tauruses were only slightly better. We unloaded this wagon with 98k miles for fear of transmission problems. There also was little effort by the company to address our complaints (which included both calls and a letter). We would have loved to stay with a domestic maker, but it just didnt make sense. Ford - we were your customers, and you lost us!

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  Good, solid car. - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By DavidL - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is totally satisfactory, and pleasant to drive. Good power, good looks.

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  5-Passenger SE Value Package - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By JDUB81 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  For those of you interested in the Ford Taurus SE, I would highly recommend the 5-Passenger with SE Value Package. After test driving the 6-Passenger Seating version, I realized the front center seating would never be practical for any adult. Also, the 6-disc CD changer is mounted in the rear trunk which would not be convenient for long road trips. However, I was impressed with the 5-Pass version w/ floor mounted shifter and 6-disc CD changer in the center console. Not only is it easy changing CDs, but also adds some extra storage next to the CD player. Now I dont have to worry about hitting the CD changer when I throw my golf clubs in the trunk.