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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  What about the brakes! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jeepstr9 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Taurus for about 4 years now. I really cant complain expect for a couple of things. First and foremost are the brakes! Numerous problems with them. Second would be service from dealerships. Although not directly related to the vehicle, good service may make the diffrence of buying a from a certain maker or not.

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  Perfect Family Sedan - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By 8AMAKTA - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 mustang for this car, its been a blessing. My family needed the extra room for my newborn son and 4year old. My taurus has room for six which helps when you carry your friends or family. As a previous owner of a 96 taurus I love the way they drive and the space they have inside. Fuel economy is great and the A/C system is better than my 98 Honda Civic.

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  Outdated - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Electro - March 21 - 2:00 am

  For the most part its a decent car, as far as the mechanical aspect is concerned, unfortunately thats about it! Ford needs to come up with something NEW most if not all the other car manufacturers have already done this, the way I see it is, Ford is way behind in the times!

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  Sports Sedan On A Budget - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By grmc210 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus SHO is a great car for familys and fun to drive. If you get snow in the winter, it has great traction due to the front wheel drive. It has a nearly bulletproof Yamaha engine, but as for the rest of it, its a early 90s Ford, and may require some TLC. This car comes loaded from the factory. Usually leather/cloth combination seats, many of them have automatic climate controls and most of the options you would find on todays sport sedans. Dont expect to get one for the $1700 that this site suggests as high end. A 91 SHO in decent shape is probably going to run around $3000 or maybe a little bit more.

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  Decent Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mmark869 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Received car basically as a gift with 65000 miles, only catch was it needed a new tranny, car has 70000 miles now with new tranny. The car runs well, has a soft smooth ride, handles O.K. This car is not very good on gas, and like many american cars the steering is too loose! Very comfortable to sit in and the controls are right where they should be, for some reason I Love the strange looking round control panel. The stock radio is nice and the climate control works great, good trunk space too.

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  SOLD ON TAURUS - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By DennyB - March 19 - 2:00 am

  One of the best values on the market based on price for the features. With all the incentives this car was purchased for about $7000 below the $22000 MSRP. It has everything I need, including 4-sp auto,v-6, a/c, power doors,windows,locks,seats,brakes,steerin g,speed control,ABS,keyless entry,rear defrost,cd player,and power moon roof.My 95 Taurus has 80000 trouble free miles on it.

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  love my taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By cmac - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Taurus and I love the way it handles. The price was right for the features and the quality is there.

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  Taurus SES 200 HP - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By gga - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Although I have not had this car a long time, it has surely proven itselt. My biggest surprise is its power to go up hills, and it drives throught corners like they are not even there. This is a nice car, I just wish the gas mileage was a little better.

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  MY TAURUS WAGON - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By bryce hill - March 14 - 2:00 am

  The taurus se wagons are made fairly cheap. The quality of components that ford usess in thier manufacture is on the low side of quality. If the wagon or sedan has the overhead valve V-6 (12V) Vulcan engine expect lower performance. The suspension and ride quality is on the low side also. The taurus devalues quickly and costs much to own due to the low quality of craftsmanship on the cars components.

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  91 plus SHO - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By shokid24 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  the 91 plus option is so mean looking, it can kill. the engine is a 3.0 liter yamaha. the 220 hp is nice, and @6800 ft pounds of tq. is quite exciting. mine is the emerald green option which i beleve only 900 were made. i have a mazda transmission, all of which that are on the car is stock. the slicer rims are sleek, and sexy. the car is so fun to drive, fast of course, when road conditions permit. although SHOs do have significant maintenence required, but i beleive it is well worth it.