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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  01 Taurus LX - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By 2bee - January 11 - 10:00 am

  We should have spent time researching about this vehicle. I regret for spontaneous purchase of this vehicle. The most I should have done was waited to purchase either an SEL or SES for the same price or less. Failed air bags during a front impact, clunking noise in front suspension during a turn or braking and worned thread on wiper arm. Id noticed a poor pick-up during acceleration and the air conditioning pauses during acceleration. To protect us from any future major expenses after manufacture warranty expires, we had purchased an extended warranty.

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  Seven Years and counting - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Pat5176 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in Oct 95, first year of redesign. A few problems most notably the windshield and door seals. Car squealed at 65 mph. Big transmission problems!. The first two failed with only 40K. The car would surge and the tach would redline, you werent moving. Two months and numerous trips to the dealer before they could finally duplicate the problem. The new (?) transmission lasted two weeks before doing the same. Transmission or the dealers inept mechanics? Last one lasted 80K when three modules failed, $2400 rebuild. Other then that weve gotten almost eight years and over 130K miles out of it. Disc brakes never lasted very long, always need the rotors turned.

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  Taurus Rock - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By myartar - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The 90 Taurus was my first car, and I beat the living crap out of it. I would drive 60+mph on country dirt roads, drive it across fields, and all kinds of things youre not suppost to do in a "family car." The amazing thing was that even with the beating I gave this car, it kept on going. Only problems I ever had were minor things that come w/ age. It was hard to part w/ this beast of the suburbs, but I needed something good for long trips, and while I loved the Taurus, its fuel economy wasnt the greatest.

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  The American BMW - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By interplexor - January 6 - 2:00 am

  If BMW was based in the US, this would be their posterchild. A supple and lush small block 3.4 liter V8 powerplant coaxes the car to light speed in seconds. Freeway merges are simple. Point for a hole, stab the gas- and youre there. The car handles with composure & poise, the tires barely want to let loose. The gentle burble of the engine at cruising speed (80+ MPH) can put your children to sleep, and by the same token, can wake the dead when pushed hard. The glorious sound that engine makes at its 6,200 RPM redline is what dreams are made of. A simple, and comfortable interior finishes it off.

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  SHOcerely - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Steuart - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The SHO was an excellent car. It is too bad that newer comparable versions do not exist. My husband and I love our SHO however, we have had our fair, or more than fair, share of problems. Our SHO has 106,000 miles and has provided us with a few headaches. Ford is not well known for reliability. Unless the SHO is replaced with something comparable we opt not to buy Ford for in the future.

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  bad gone worst - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By stuck - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I CAUGHT THE CAR IN JULY/O2 AFTER 3 WEEKS I HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLING SYSTEM ON THE CAR. ON DEC/O2 I WAS GOING TO THE MALL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DESIDED TO GO AT 80/KMS AN HOUR. PHONE FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM,WAS TOLD YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.I ALMOST WAS KILLED IN THAT CAR. TRANMISSION REPAIR:1600- 2200.00.IWOULD SUGGEST ANY BODY BUYING A FORD TAURUS DONT BUY IT.1993 MODELS

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  A Ford with WARP DRIVE. - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Dave B - Canada - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned by SHO for 5 years - it is one fast car - modify just a little and it gets down right scary. Too bad it has a ford body - if the car was built like the engine it would be a guaranteed hit - but I still love it - nothing can keep up with it. I am now restoring the body [only part that needs work!]. It was the success that almost was a hit...

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  Love it - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By leew - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Taurus GL from a government auction. It had 45,000 mi on it. When I first bought it the radio lights didnt work. I got that fixed and ever since then the rear window defrost hasnt worked. I currently have 101,000 miles on it, and it appears that I will be replacing it soon as it was rear ended and I think they will total it. The only thing I dont like about it is that the miles to go isnt accurate and it is tied to the fuel gauge.

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  Boring Car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By FordsGRR - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because a teacher of mine said that the insurance was extremely cheap. I cant believe I bought it. It is the most plain, boring car to drive. Ive owned several cars, and this is the one Id like to see go FAST! The gas mileage isnt very good for a V6, and the interior is quite ugly. Service engine light used to come on, but I hardly drive it since I got a different car. Styling is pretty neat (at least it was in 95 when the new style came out), BUT EVERYONE HAS A DAMN TAURUS!!!!

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  Boring but Very Reliable! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By tccoach - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this 1994 Taurus for 3 1/2 years and it has been the most reliable and useful family car that we have ever owned. We bought the car with 54000 miles and it now has 119000 miles. We have had to do very little to this car just the usual, brakes, tires... I am 63 and this car has plenty of room over many other midsize cars in its class. Nothing fancy in the Taurus but very good reliable transportation with a huge trunk for hauling all of our Stuff.