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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  Solid Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Rossi - November 8 - 6:04 pm

  Purchased this car used in 2002 with 26,000 miles on it. Now had 185,000 and the engine still runs like new. Still has the original muffler and exhaust system, this is amazing for Vermont. The undercarriage has very little rust. Only trouble spots are the rear wheel wells which nee body work at this point. Front Rotors warp when replace with original equipment, but once I change to a premium rotor from another company, no problems with the rotors. On the whole this has been a great car with low maintenance. Looking to replace with another Ford with the same 3.0 liter 6. This thing is a work horse.

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  Incredible Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By chriss - November 8 - 3:13 pm

  Traded in a Lexus ES350 for the new Taurus. This car is incredible and blows away the ES350. The turbo engine is so smooth and quiet nobody including the driver would even guess it is turbo charged. The handling is great for a full sized car and would put many small cars to shame. The interior is nice. Im 62" and the seats are absolutely perfect for me. The interior materials are great and comparable to many luxury cars. The hands free Sync system is absolutely awesome ans works great with my iPod and phone. The safety and technology features are invaluable. Once you experience the collision warning, blind spot warning, and adaptive cruise control, you will never want to go back.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Matt - November 7 - 9:48 am

  This is the first new car my wife and I have ever purchased, had always purchased year old cars before this one. The Taurus is very smooth and comfortable car... and big, which I like because it will probably be big enough to keep us from purchasing a minivan (ugh) in the future. Just took the first long trip and got 33 mpg with a little tailwind and 27 going back into the same wind. For a 4000 pound car, I think thats more than acceptable. My wife drives it to work and gets about 20-21 around town. One thing I like about this car is the interior room. Im 64" and my wife is 6 and we both appreciate that Ford recognizes that there are people in the world taller than 58"!

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  Absolute Best Car Ever - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Brooklyn - November 2 - 6:38 pm

  There is absolutely no way that a vehicle could ever score perfect on any single spec, but this car has pulled some pretty crazy stunts for me and has never had any problems internally. Excellent take off, excellent gas mileage compared to more recent cars, and a crap load of interior space perfect for trips, sonce Ive been on plenty with it. My next vehicle will be a 97 Ford Taurus and I will cry when this one explodes or something in a few years.

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  Getting OLD - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Mom0f2Boys - November 1 - 5:59 pm

  In the 9 years I have owned this car, I have had not had a lot of problems, thankfully. The M.P.G. was in the mid 30s, and everything worked great. Now, the plastic pieces from the heating vents, seat controls, and power window features are breaking. The M.P.G. is around 20 (if I am driving very carefully). The six cylinders are still peppy if you have to move the beast, but the turning radius is obnoxious. I have had better luck turning a big rig. Also, being that it is front wheel, you have to make sure to keep the tires rotated or you will burn through tires. The cup holder is so small that all it will fit is a childs size cup. No, your super cute Starbucks coffee will not fit.

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By EverReady - October 31 - 6:00 am

  Special ordered in May 09 without test driving or seeing vehicle in person. One of our best decisions. So glad Ford decided to bring Taurus back. Look forward to driving this car. Enjoying all the new features such as BlueTooth, voice activation. Called the Silver Bullet, love the color. Seats are comfortable, ride is smooth and quiet. Handles great. 29-30 MPG for trips to Ohio and 21-22 MPG around town and to work. So far, so good. Only problem - auto windshield wipers not working and dealer has failed to determine problem. New vehicle and people not trained in maintaining trouble shooting. Ford failed to provide maintenance manuals in advance or train personnel.

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  Gets Lots of Looks - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By DJ - October 30 - 6:26 pm

  Had our Taurus only a little over a month, but have already taken it on a 5 day driving trip to the mountains. It handled great, we even used the shift paddles coming down some of the steeper grades. They were easy to use and safer than riding the brake. We averaged 26 mpg which was better than expected. Passengers in the backseat commmented how comfortable they were and that they could see out well. Love the hands-free SYNC system. We used the directions coming and going, even though we had a map. It helped us even find a Walmart. Huge trunk, nice height for seating, you dont fall into the car. Everywhere we go, we always get comments on what a beautiful car it is.

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  why would you buy an import ??? - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Harry - October 26 - 6:18 pm

  This car is unbelivable . The best review for someone is to just drive it .Great handeling ..takes corners like a sports car but has the quality and apperance of a luxery car ,but the price tag of an economy car ..this is one solid car ..makes me wonder why anyone would purchase import garbage ..

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  Old mans car? Not really! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Roy - October 22 - 7:28 pm

  John Force said "Drive one." Im glad we did. This is one of the most comfortable cars weve ever owned. Its a Limited. Has everything but a sunroof, which I dont need. We bought it as an un-sold 08 in 2009 and got a great deal. So far 6,000 miles,no problems. My wife calls it an old mans car, but she doesnt see me nail it when I drive alone. It will scoot! Passengers have told us how comfortable the car is. Interior room and trunk space are fantastic. I love the hands free Sync phone and satellite radio. The styling could be better, but these days.... Ill never be happy with a look-alike car. Even so, Ill buy another. Maybe next time the SHO. Take John Forces advice. "Drive one!

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  Even better - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By SnoutDawg - October 20 - 12:26 pm

  Wow, this car is even better than I could have hoped for. This is not the Taurus we knew not even close. I got the Limited front wheel drive w/ every feature but adaptive cruise. This is a pure world-class vehicle. It has endless space, and technology, dazzling design, and plenty of power and handling. The exterior look is stunning. I feel like a celeb with the way I get stopped by impressed strangers. I actually like the smaller glass lines gives more private, comfy feel. Very quiet inside and out. Only cons for me are relatively limited interior storage, and no coin storage.