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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  Bravo Atlanta! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By HB44 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Very Happy With 2004 Taurus

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  Excellent car for your money! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By felixc1976 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 97 for $17k with all possible options. Ive driven 60k miles in 5 years with practically no problems! I bought an extened warranty for 7 years and feel safe. This is a quality car with all possible options for much less money than Camry or Maxima. I recommend buying 2 yr old loaded SEL Taurus for $13k + $1k for extended warranty and driving it till 100k mi. Im not sure it will survive afterwards, but by that time you will want a new car anyway. However, you will save a lot of money for the next car!

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  Worst car on the road - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By rkuef - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive noticed most of the good reviews are in regards to the SHO. SHO may be a better car I had a 91 GL Wagon I bought in 96 with 65K on it. I never put more than 6K on it per year. I couldnt, it was never out of the shop. Whenever I told a mechanic I had a Taurus, theyd reply, "Im sorry to hear that." There was no end of trouble with suspension, alignment, and sealed bearings. The alignment was so bad the tires went bald on a 500 mile trip and nearly killed me. After the second time the transmission went out Id had enough. If you get this car, drive it straight to hell, because thats where it belongs.

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  Good Value - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cpuuri - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I do most of the driving. Overall it has been a good value (paid less than invoice). Although, we have had a couple of problems with it: seal around the oil pan leaked at under 10k and switch for dome lights, door ajar sensor, and automatic door lock at 5 mph tends to stick. The fit and finish of the interior is cheap, and the leg room for the driver is limited by the wheel well (not a car for tall people!). It also lacks insulation from engine noise.

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  A Good Auto - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Geo - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car for me. I owned at 1994 Taurus Wagon and traded for this one. I think it handles well on the road, get 23 to 28 mpg,and even my wife likes the car. My only complaint is that it is a bit noisy on the road, but for a station wagon not bad. I am looking to trade it in for a newer model with less miles ... this one has 83,000 on it right now. I have not had any problem with this car.

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  good car? i say no... - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By anti-ford - May 14 - 2:00 am

  this is a terrible used car. these cars no matter what engine you have in them are bound to die on you when its least convenient. ive had to replace the transmission on mine three times and in the end, it caught on fire. i recommend staying away from these cars. the 3.8L engine is built sound, at least for me, but the transmissions arent worth the cheap paint that covers the body.

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  mm - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By mshay - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Ford and I was please with the purchase. I would recommend Ford Taurus to others.

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  Do Not Buy a Ford - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By KarenT - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Just after warranty expired, transmission went out at 48,000 miles. We live in Germany in support of US military and Ford was of absolutely NO help. These cars are not built with European specs so it took us 6 months and $2500 to get it fixed. Again, no help from Ford! We have had problem after problem with things such as broken seat belt, interior door coming loose, broken CD player, etc...

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  Goodbye to my Taurus - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Sheri - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I personally drove my 1996 Ford Taurus for 6 years. Its got more than 100,000 miles and its still in good shape. I did have some problems at the beginning and I did get the full value from my extended warranty. Currently all the electrical stuff still works, the seats are still in good shape, paint has lasted a long time, and the engine still runs well. Oh yeah, and the A/C still works. Its been a pretty dependable car. Am I buying another one? No way. Upgrading to a BMW!

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  Near Perfect!! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Tom & Mary - May 11 - 10:00 am

  We bought our SES with the Vulcan engine, Silver Frost color, a few months ago from an "lease auction". It has (now) 90K miles & because the Taurus resale price is so low we bought it for about 1/3 of new price. The car is near "showroom perfect". If I didnt know the mileage I would think it was new. This car far exceeds all expectations we had of it.....we have yet to find anything we dont like about it!! We have an older Taurus but this SES is Fords finest. We look for excuses to drive it. The only way we would replace it would be to buy another one just like it!