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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  I used to hate it ... but - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By jdpaulson - May 14 - 10:00 am

  When the Taurus changed design from the packing box with wheels to a more slippery body, I liked the new look with a few minor exceptions. The GOOD: my friends fit in it (some range to 68") The BAD: Not used to the Anti Lock Brakes The ODD: back window, weird interior door handles and console (the door handles and back window were redesigned). I changed my opinion when driving other mid-sized sedans - they all seemed too cheap and flimsy or a bit too pricy. When telling friends and relatives about cars we tried, every one said "try the Taurus" [..."no, REALLY, TRY the cod liver oil"] I tested one, liked it and bought it.

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  Good value and good car. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By scdlin - April 18 - 12:00 pm

  This car is worth looking. Too bad many people just turned away to Japanese imports. Its spacious, and the engine power is very adequate. Considering the tire size, it is actually very quiet. The interior and exterior design all come with taste. And all of these come with very reasonable price. I will strongly recommend this model as well as 2002 Taurus (basically the same) to any friend who is considering buying a new car.

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  Surprised - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus - April 5 - 8:51 am

  Bought this car as a beater. Havent heard good things about Tauruss, but think it might be due to the nondescript styling. Bought the car cheap with 104,000 miles. Everything works. Have taken it on two road trips so far, did great. Very pleased with my cheap purchase

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  Reliable Thing- Still - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ChampionDriver01 - April 1 - 4:09 pm

  My Taurus hit 100,000 miles today. It lasted that long. Everything from my last review still applies. I now have another problem to deal with. My low coolant light pops on about once a week. I will turn off the car, and it will not come on (with coolant tank full). My mileage went from 23 to approximately 24.3. The seat quality is still immaculate. I hit a pothole and it put a flat spot in the wheel. My front headlight is still fogged up. I have a good feeling that in 3 years this car will go to my son. Until then or until it dies, my Taurus for me. I will report back at 120-130K. Cant wait until the Five Hundred and Freestyle change to Taurus and Taurus X.

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  fish - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By angela martinez - March 28 - 2:53 pm

  I love driving my Taurus, its very comfortable, roomy, front and back, large space in trunk, very good on gas. I drive 14 miles to work and 14 miles back and I go out of town, 200 miles total every week.

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  2000 Taurus Comfortable and Safe - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By ElizabethAnne - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. I have had no problems at all. Ilove my power seats I can adjust them so I can see out very well.

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  Loved it! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Maverick - February 13 - 7:50 pm

  I bought mine with 36K for $6000. I had minor niggles with the car. 1 month after I bought the car, realized that oil gasket had a leak but the problem was not serious. Occasionally the car smoked but the problem never got out of hand. I got tires changed at 40K and brakes changed at about 60K. Steering squeaks (heard many such complaints about the model). I had the "check engine" light at about 70K - problem with DPFEP valve but the light went away before I could get it repaired. Overall I did not have serious issues with the car. The car was fun to ride. No matter how long I drove I never felt tired. Wrecked it at 80K - now I am unable to resist buying another Taurus.

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  great performing sedan - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By walt - January 20 - 4:51 pm

  Leased then bought this 2000 Taurus. 24 valve DOC engine. Flat out flies. Drive 50 miles round trip to work. Have loved this car--now has over 110K on it and performs like new. No tune up until 98K. Power seat, power mirrors are great. Not kidding--even with all those miles--runs like new. Have replaced struts and front springs, but that was after 100K.

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  Great Value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Rick in Saint Louis - January 9 - 7:24 pm

  I wanted to buy a used car with about 40,000 miles. I looked at the Accord and the Camry. I couldnt find either for under $15,000. I found a great looking 2003 Ford Taurus for $8,500. I love the car. It drives great, looks good and I have an extra $6,500 in my wallet. Check out Consumer Reports on the 2003 Taurus as well. I wanted a reliable car and while Ive only owned it two months, I have NO regrets. This is one great value.

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  a great value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By cwesley - December 31 - 10:00 am

  With a son in college and some big tuition payments to make, I decided to step down from a 2000 Lincoln LS to a Taurus SEL. The LS was wonderful and very hard to give up. To ease the pain, I got the SEL Premium configuration with all of the options (Silver exterior with Dark Charcoal leather interior). While no match for the LS, it is a great car for the money. It has good power for its class and an impressive array of creature comforts. It handles well when driven aggressively and is smooth down the turnpike. The duratec is know for taking some time to break-in. Even so, I got 27 mpg within the first 1,000 miles. Also can say enough for the Mach stereo.