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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  SHO me the way - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By regfootball - July 4 - 2:00 am

  55,000 miles. Fast if you step on it. In need of brakes tires struts. Car feels beat up, but its a Ford over 50k miles I should expect that. Radio stinks, no in dash CD. More sound deadening would be nice. Front seats are way comfy. Engine sounds awesome. Slow off the line, above 3500 rpm it starts to kick it. Trunk could be larger. Paint, body still good. Harsh ride over bumps doesnt help. Steering and handling very good when tires were newer. Excellent touring car passing power awesome. Tranny kicks down slow. Be aware: design defect with v8 SHOs and camshaft design. Ford trying to hide it. Ford should fix this for ticked off owners. V8sho dot com.

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  A car that lasts? - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Frannie - July 3 - 2:00 am

  At first it was a nice roomy safe car, then the transmission started going anf all the radiator hoses got holes in them. If I were you and wanted to keep think car longer than a few years, I wouldnt buy it!

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  Taurus - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Justin_TX - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Car belonged to my grandmother until the headgasket failed (as many Ford 3.8Ls do) at ~68000 miles. Coolant leaked into the crankcase... spun a bearing and threw a rod. I got the opportunity to replace the engine... Its a nice car when it is running. Seafoam Green is probably the ugliest color in the world though.

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  2003 Taurus Wagon ride characteristics. - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Shermg - July 1 - 10:00 am

  It rides like a tank. Every ridge in the road from tar to slight indentations becomes a loud bump. Inhigh speed expressway driving it is excellent until the road has cracks in it and it is very annoying going bump - bump-bump. Ive had it checked and everything is as it should be. It still rides poorer than any car Ive had. I traded a 1997 Escort wagon with 70000 miles for it. It has 15000 miles on it. The escort rode like a dream compared to this Taurus wagon

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  Free Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Company Car Driver - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a company car given to me but I still love it. With all the driving I do, a flaw comes through quickly and this is one of the best all around cars for the money. Its roomy, quiet, safe and does everything well, although nothing exceptionally. Very good in snow. Head and shoulders above Dodge Stratus but probably not as relaible long term as Accord or Camry. We trade the cars at 80,000 and previous company Taruases have run well.

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  love it - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By rma672 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  My 98 taurus is my first new to me car, and i love it. Bought it with 57000 miles on it, and just turned 68000 miles with no major problems. The only things that have gone wrong, is that my day time running lights went and my power locks were a little weird. Overall i love it, its a great car, very dependable and lots of power for just the 3.0 v6.

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  Great Family Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By bracko - June 30 - 2:00 am

  We have enjoyed this car in Texas region a lot. With two small children, the oversize trunk is a compromise to having a huge SUV with poor fuel economy. We feel that the safety of this vehicle is superior with great traction control for inclement weather and side curtain airbags. Inside is super comfortable with all the options of a luxury vehicle at a very affordable price!

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  A Lot to Love - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By lewme - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Since this car is used as a sales reps vehicle, its racked up over 40k miles in less than a year. Its all been in comfort and without any problems. The seats are the most comfortable in any car Ive owned--even after 8 hours behind the wheel. The drivers "dead pedal" makes for a very comfortable driving position. The A/C is powerful and the stereo sounds great.

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  Better than an SUV - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By LouisF - June 30 - 2:00 am

  As a single 40-year-old male, I resisted the idea of buying a wagon initially. The prospect of almost doubling my fuel mileage, while actually gaining cargo space gave me the push to try it. Having lived with it for more than a year, I wouldnt go back to an SUV ever again. The Taurus wagon handles so much better, gets so much better mileage, holds more stuff and is a much better value than any SUV in its price range. Im a true believer, though I still wouldnt call it a babe magnet.

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  a few problems but the dealer made good! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By chevy lover - June 28 - 2:00 am

  car was great until 40k. loud squeal under the hood. took three times for dealership to fix it. they made good with a free loaner (which was an ses and i hated to let go back). Turned out to be a bad water pump (1st), check engine back on (2nd), tension pulley bad (3rd). i chalk it up to poor part quality from fords suppliers!!!!