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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  a good good car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Azaleosis13 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car(3.8 L) for 8 years. After the head gasket recall mess (took 3 tries)a fuel injector replacement (due to leaking head gasket) and new motor mounts, it has been a commuter (30 mi/day). Given the mechanical history, I was test-driving replacements for this car, but 500 miles of highway driving have changed my opinion. This cars back seat exceeds the comfort of anything I have test-driven so far. I will keep this car for at least two more years, and if theres a new transmission required during that time, so be it. My only regret is that I dont have the station wagon.

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  Nothing but Problems - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By sithjedi71 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Taurus SE in January, and since then it has been a continual trip to the shop every 3 months for something different. Thank God you get a warranty. First the ignition switch kept me from being able to turn the key second the switch that controls shifting went bad third, this one will make you laugh, the battery shorted itself out? and just recently I had the right and left sway bars replaced. This car is priced way to high for the poor power the V6 seems to put out, the seats have no real support if you are in the car for extended periods, and the ride could be quieter. I would not recommend this car, not a good value for the money.

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  SEL ford taurusq= - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By bobby722 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2000 Taurus and just got a new 2004 SEL taurus again because of its performance, comfort, and reliability. I also liked the service at Crown Ford, Lynbrook Long Island. The cars 24 valve Durotec engine is quiet but gives me plenty of power. The CD player and upgraded sound system is really great. I recommend this car and it runs on reg

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  Buy a Chevrolet Impala. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By keibieone - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The 3.0 Vulcan V6 engine belongs in a compact car. The pick up is sluggish and it has no top end. Other V6 base model Midsize Sedans such as the Chevrolet Impala and the Dodge Intrepid simply blow you away on the expressways. My 2001 Taurus has had a front end vibration from the date of purchase. After many visits to several dealerships for this and other issues, Ive simply given up and decided to live with my regretful decision for having purchased this car. Ive had the pleasure of driving a 2001 Chevrolet Impala recently, and what an all around positive difference.

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  so far so good - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By r_erickson - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the tauras from an older lady with 75k, currently have a 100k. She broke it in gently, and Ive been driving it like a racecar. No major probs other than the rear power windows dont function. Horror stories about tranny failures after 100k make me a little leary, especially with the hard driving I give it. Im staying on top of preventive maintenance and its never hiccupped yet.

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  Awesome Car For the Price - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Chris P - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a Ford Taurus SE Fully Loaded with 76k miles for $6,000. The dealer replaces the front breaks and preformed an allignment. Have had the car sence september and have had zero problems. Just put new tires on it and it handles well and the breaks are right there. Cupholders are convenient, along with the remote trunk release and locks, stereo sounds great for a stock stereo. Handles great in the snow, and starts everytime in these new york winters. Trunk space is amazing, and teh car has a very unique look. Dont expect a Mercedes or Lexus when you buy a $6,000 Ford.

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  Quality was not Job #1 on this tranny. - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Not_Happy_in_Florida - December 22 - 2:00 am

  The day before Thanksgiving, the transmission died. Going to sell mine (69,500 miles - sole owner) then promptly get rid of my Windstar before something else goes wrong there, too (faulty "Check Engine" sensor twice in the first 24,000 miles, and a bum power steering hose). Wouldnt be half as mad at Ford if their service departments charged something close to reality on repairs. Although advertised as needing only regular grade gas, this sucker pings all day long.

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  Go Japaneze - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rosemarycars - December 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife as owned this car,two years now with 18,000 miles.Here is the list.Pick up car,AC,does not work,at 8,000 miles front arm needs to be replaced.The dealer asked us, do we drive on bumpy roads?At 15,000 miles the transmission goes.At 15,500 transmission leaks,needed a new oil stick!!!!.At 16,000 miles,the rear end seal is leaking,and at 16,900 the module had to be changed,by the motor.Seatbelts are cheap,and many times dysfunctional.Three recalls,seatbelts,brakes,and the radio.It as the duratech engine,a plus,but thats it.Service as been great,the owner says, what can I do,these things happen.Even the power windows squeak,buy lots of wd-40

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  Very poor choice - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By bdelauri - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but major and minor problems with this car. Not to mention that it has no good resale value. I have had to replace numerous things such as: power steering pump, abs sensors, trans mission, engiene and front struts are now going out. And on and on if I had more time....:(

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  Excellent and economic car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Tommyy - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Its our 2nd Taurus and we think its the best American car and could be competetive with the Japanese cars. Engine is very smooth, powerful and quiet. Brake reliable. Steering improved a lot. Exterior design is cute.