Ford Taurus Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.04/5 Average
1,954 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1661 through 1670 of 1,954.00
  • Transmission is a criminal offense!!! - 1998 Ford Taurus
    By -

    We purchased our 98 Ford Taurus because it got such a good rating on the Edmunds and Consumer Reports sites. This car was reportedly owned by someone that worked at the dealership and only had 40 K on the odometer. At 81 K, our transmission failed and we had to get it rebuilt to the tune of $2700!!! This was for a car we were still paying on and had < 100 K miles?!?! Ford wouldnt do anything about it either. If you buy one, get the extended warranty.

  • Ford Taurus: The Most UNDERATED VEHICLE - 2002 Ford Taurus
    By -

    My 2002 Ford Taurus, was bought via the internet, after compaig 10 different models--equipment, features, price, etc. In my opinion, the Taurus is one of the most UNDERRATED CARS OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS! The car simply does what you want it to do! The quality, and attention to detail is evident in all aspects--drive train--body integrity-- interior, etc. Not to mention,that Taurus, is Fords "Official Race Car"- winning the NASCAR Winston Cup Manufacturers cup in 2002.

  • SHO - Drivetrain Good, The Rest is Bad - 1994 Ford Taurus
    By -

    The drivetrain has held up well. Everything else has fallen apart or off. Sunroof leaked. Paint flaking off. New radiator, new radiator tank. New starter. Ford mechanics cant get the "Check Engine" light to go out - I gave up. The engine is VERY expensive to maintain. Parts crack and break in the interior even though it is garaged in a mild climate.

  • Great Family Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I traded in an Explorer for this vehicle and couldnt be more pleased. This is my first car in 10 years and I absolutely love it. I like the redesign of the Taurus. It rides smoothly and handles very well. If your looking for an everyday vehicle for commuting or family use I highly recommend this car.

  • 132000 Miles Strong - 1997 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Bought this in 1998 with 57,000 miles already on it. 75,000 miles and countless kids later and it has never left me stranded. A fine family vehicle

  • Been a good car - 1998 Ford Taurus
    By -

    No major repairs since new now has over 77 thousand miles. 24V engine is very nice. Only a few things about the car that needs addressed. First of all the transmission, since day one, when you put the pedal down to pass someone the transmission is like "What?" and seems confused as whether to downshift or remain in the same gear. Then it jerks after it figures out what to do and finally downshifts. Secondly, it takes about 10 minutes upon initial startup before botton on the gear shift lever will push in. Lastly the bubble design makes rear head room tight and the trunk small. Other than these issues it has been a great car.

  • I like my Taurus! - 1999 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I was apprehensive about buying an American made car but the Taurus has performed beautifully and there has not been any problems with it, even considering the fact that I bought it used-a 1999 in 2003. A very comfortable car and a smooth ride. I would highly recommend, with any used car, to buy a warranty. I did just in case and so far havent had to use it. Id rather be safe than sorry. This is a good car with a lot of features with out the insanely high price tag. Feel good about buying this car.

  • Nice car - 2002 Ford Taurus
    By -

    This is my first Taurus its a SES with leather, adjustable pedals, luxury/convenience group. The ride and handling are great and the standard engine is all the power that I need and am happy with gas mileage. It was made in Atlanta and fit and finish is great.

  • What was I expecting from a ford? - 1993 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Wow, i have so many mixed feelings about this car that i dont know where to begin. Yes, i loved the SHO when i first bought it. However, the constant are dissapointing. The transmision on the car has been replaced 3 times before 100k. The electrical system is a nightmare. The coolent system is in disrepair. I will never recomend a ford, unless you are prepared to be wrapped in thier Coccoon of Horrors.

  • Dont know what to do - 1996 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I purchased Taurus when I retired, 40,000. Id never had trouble with Ford cars before. Ive had to pay to have motor mounts put on and the engine light stays on and everytime I go and pay to have it fixed the light comes back on a few days later, so I just leave it on now. The transmission is also going on the car. Ford dealers are awful people to deal with. With all this wrong with the car, it still rides good and starts up without trouble never leaving me stranded. Im afraid to get rid of it because all the cars Ive had before (GM) were even worse than this one. Next time Ill try a Chrysler.

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