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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By captnmorgan - February 29 - 9:54 pm

  I looked around for about 2 weeks before I found this car. I had been looking at the Mercury Milan or a Fusion before I drove the 500 and decided to test drive a Taurus. I can say this is the best car I have ever driven. The overall quality is well above its price. Most of my co- workers drive BMW and Mercedes and would rather have my car after looking at it.

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  Pleased - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By SLM - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Only 3500 miles thusfar, but I have been surprised with its excellent overall handling and quietness. The 200 HP Duratec engine is impressive. No complaints or problems to report.

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  What a Bargain - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By fredco - February 20 - 4:35 pm

  I just bought a 08 Ford Taurus last week and cant believe what you get for the money. Since 1998, I had five Cadillac Devilles and two Eldorados. When I drive the Taurus, I dont see much difference between it and the Devilles that Ive had. I suppose there may be a little more road noise in the Taurus, but not much. Ive been resetting my mileage gauge when I go from city to highway or highway to city driving to see how the mileage looks. So far, it appears that Im getting about 17 city and 28 highway which is great for a car that is this big, comfortable and safe. Im quite pleased with this purchase.

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  Great family car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By owner - February 20 - 9:11 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years and other than oil changes, a precautionary tune-up I gave it after I bought it and a tune up just recently, The only money I put into it (as far as repairs) were for a few faulty sensors none more that $100.00 that I easaly replaced myself. Its roomy, has a powerful DOHC. Great travel car if you have kids and they can bring their friends. My kids loved the rear facing third seat.

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  Nice car! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By starr - February 19 - 9:13 pm

  I looked at Lexus and MBZ before taking a look at the Taurus Limited. I was impressed with its safety rating. I live in the High Sierras and we will get about 20 of snow a year. The Taurus does great in the snow. The Taurus is not an "old mans" car anymore!

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  120K and Like New - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Championdriver01 - February 17 - 11:14 am

  My Taurus hit 120K on Valentines Day. I am now positive it will last to be given to my son in 1 1/2 years. I have only had 3 problems since new- a transaxle seal (88K), a trunk spring (64K), and a radiator hose (65K). I would buy Taurus again.

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  A Mid-Size Classic - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By asylum111 - February 12 - 3:22 pm

  Ive had this car since Fall 95 when it had 12,500 miles on it. Shed been a program car and was still basically new. It now has 203,000 miles on it, and I wouldnt take anything for it. For an older V-6, the performance is excellent, both from a stop, and on the top end. Handling is not outstanding, but decent enough that Ive had a lot of fun with it. Comfort is first- class, and Id put it up against most any more expensive luxury car made in the mid-90s. Fuel economy is still good, and I get about 25 mpg in mixed driving. I have gotten low 32 or so on long trips, and all-city mpg is nothing to sneeze at at 19. Shes had many minor problems, but nothing major.

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  Fantastic Reliability - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By erhandyman - February 11 - 10:30 am

  I purchased the vehicle new in September 2001 (right after 9/11 and got it for zero interest) and have nothing but praises for this vehicle. It now has over 250,000 miles and I have only done the typical oil changes (every 7,500 miles-95% hwy), air filters, tires & brakes. Tuneups at 100K & 200K. Serp belt & CV boots at 210K (just in case), and lastly coil springs (because my son drove it too fast over some rough train tracks and broke 2 of them). I routinely get 25 - 28 MPG even with all the miles. I would own another if they all were like mine in a heart beat!

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  Great Car for the Price - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By M&E - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 92 Taurus and loved so much that when it came time to purchase a new car I had a very hard time giving it up. I shopped around and test drove numerous vehicles. I really wanted to give another model and make a try but, I just couldnt get use to driving them. I finally gave in and decided to test drive 2003 Ford Taurus SES and I loved it. Truth be told it doesnt have fancy gadgets. The ride is smooth and so is the price. I am very pleased with my choice and so far, a very happy customer. Its comfortable, affordable and has plenty of room. The only thing I have noticed is that I get a little less gas milage.

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  What a car! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Sazzy64 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I find the ride smooth, handling is excellent. Very good on avoiding other dummies on the road. Very quick to respond, accelerates well for passing. Overall a very good, very safe auto.