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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  Ford Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By johnwar1 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car has by far exceeded my expectations.

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  I cant believe I bought a Taurus! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Viking - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Dont take my review numbers too seriously yet, Ive only had it for 4 days! The SEL I have has every option but the leather and seems to be VERY solid. The Mach stereo system when setup properly puts out some very impressive sound. The big complaint I have is something that came up when me and my wife went for a drive on Sunday. The seat isnt as comfortable for long trips as I would like, the center of the seat back is hard and makes my back ache, not good. I am going to bring this up when I bring it in.

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  So far so good - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By JanaG - October 8 - 8:36 pm

  I had a 92 Ford Taurus, decided to try the modern Taurus for my self. The car seems much bigger than its predecessor. But the handling of te car has improved. Got this car a bit over the MSRP which was about $25,170. Two very critical things, hopefully the car will be reliable. Especially in the transmission department. And secondly, the interior design is still not quite up to par as the rest of the auto industry. Since Asia makes great components now, I know for fact that GM, Ford, and Chrysler use cheaper, higher quality, interior components, the same ones Hyundai uses in fact to be installed on their cars.

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  So reliable, great investment... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By lincoln224 - October 8 - 3:59 am

  Purchased brand new in 1999, fully loaded gold with tan leather moonroof, 24 V eng. This car has NEVER left us stranded, and has never once been unreliable. The only money put into the car in 10 years has been : tires, oil,brakes,light bulbs and battery/plugs. This car has been driven VERY HARD by 2 teenage boys when mom wasnt using it! had to replace transmission at 98k no big deal. Car has probably been in over 200+ drag races (almost always won) gave car to son and bought a new 2007 Lincoln MKZ :)

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  2000 TAURUS SES - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By NONCRYSLEROWNER - October 8 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion,Ford has vastly improved this vehicle from previous designs for style and reliability however, the 3.0L engine is very underpowered for the size of this large vehicle. I was a bit disappointed with the gas mileage too. Few people baby a car like we do and we seem to get about 24mpg. While this really isnt that bad, the competition is achieving around 28-32mpg with a more powerful 3.8L. In fact we bought this car when my wife happened to wreck our Crown Victoria, and we could get 19-25 with the 4.6L V8. The dashboard color combination is TERRIBLE! Its fine during the day, but wait till nightfall. YUCK! It also seems that these vehicles have very poor resale value.

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  Very Reliable - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Immanuel - October 7 - 2:53 pm

  This is a decent, reliable car. Bought it 2 yrs old, at 36k miles for $ 9000, have driven it to about 129k, with no issues. So far I have spent about 250 for a water leak, brakes and oil changes. This car has been very reliable, a workhorse and inexpensive. Have gotten on an average 25 mpg for combined city and highway.

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  Almost Perfect - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By arlen - October 6 - 6:34 pm

  Here is a car that has the room and class of most luxury cars, has more technical features than any other car in its class (and more than most others period). It has better performance than a Mustang GT and I got 29.7 mpg on a recent trip from Michigan to Arizona. Obviously, the neatest thing is the performance. With the torque curve absolutely flat at 350 lbs. ft. from 1500 to 5500 rpm, acceleration is spectacular in any gear. I have a 2008 Lexus IS 350 (not slow) and the Taurus is far more fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tom - October 5 - 8:38 pm

  Just purchased the new Taurus SHO. Black on Black loaded. The first thing I notice was the quality of the car... Fit, finish, looks and ride quality. I had a Cadillac CTS 2008. This car blows it away in comfort, performance and overall ride. The engine and drive train are first rate! Sync system is great,, I have the NAV which works very well. Pound for pound this is a great car for the money. Trust me and drive one, you owe to yourself. Concerns: Remote start option, better graphics on the nav HD...

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  Problems after Problems - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By jcbr - October 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, we have been to the shop close to a dozen times. The car would sputter when idle at traffic stops, etc. The dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong the first 4 times I visited. Then they determined it was a bad wire. Finally, the car stalled, and they identified the fuel pump as needing to be replaced. Now, the car is sputtering again. I think im going to buy another car.

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  Someday ford will build a good transmiss - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Hotrod joe - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I work for ford and bought the 99 taurus se because of incentives. Love the 3.0 dohc motor it really moves also because of the 3.94 axle ratio. Now well talk shop the transmission needs more fine tuning by engineering when driving in traffic to go around another car pushing the gas pedal a 1/3 or 1/2 way down at 30 mph it kicks all the way down to 1st gear very annoying!!! It got stuck in front of house on ice and blew the trans at 18,000 miles took it to Elder ford they its covered by my bumper to bumper. Also ive had 3 escorts every one those shifted better than the taurus the new trans doesnt engage properly when you first start it.