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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  Nightmare on wheels - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By my SHO - July 14 - 3:46 pm

  When the car was running, it was a thing of beauty. Power, handling, looks even were great. Bought it used in 2001 with 76K miles. Broke down not two days after the 3 month warranty ran out, and then every 4 to 5 months after until the transmission went in June of 07. The starter and alternator were replaced too many times to count, along with various other recurring electrical problems, brakes, radiator, spent thousands more on repairs than was worth it. A regular maintenance schedule was no help.

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  Very fun car needing costant attention - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By sho-rod - July 14 - 2:02 pm

  Very fun car. Very comfortable, fully loaded. Catback exhaust, lightweight flywheel and warm air intake really woke it up. More mods to come. It is a 14 year old Ford, some issues will be expected. It still needs an engine mount, and the A/C compressor clutch hub. A couple oil leaks, and warped brake rotors. And the drivers seat has little padding left. Fuel economy is average for a high output 6 cylinder in the city, but it goes up dramatically on the highway. I paid $3k for the car, and have already spent half that on improving it. It is very worth spending money on, because it is very rewarding to drive.

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  Ive got a good one! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By HeartlandJason - July 14 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this car with 27000 miles on it and now have 123,000 on it. I have only put $450 into it for a serpentine belt and tie rods. It has been very reliable and trouble free. My best mileage has been 33 mpg. This car is a great value for your money!

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  Taurus are Forever - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Firstpick - July 13 - 10:39 am

  I am a somewhat new driver and I got my Taurus from my dad at like 189,000 miles and by next week I will have 200,000 miles. I drive my car hard leaving from stops and the only thing I see wrong with the car and other Tauruss is that the rear shocks and struts go out at about 100,000 miles, but other than that I love my cat-fish car.

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  Just Say No! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By hrfletch - July 9 - 2:17 am

  I thought I got a great deal on this car. Boy, was I wrong, sensor in tranny went out within 3 weeks of purchase. Ive spent more on this car than I purchased it for. I heard bad things about Fords before, now I understand why. Everything seems to be set up to cost us more money and put more in Fords pocket? Had electrical fire with it the other day for no apparent reason. The air conditioner just shut off and it started smoking under the hood. The relay fuse melted and fried the wires and component that the fuse plugs in to. I wish I wouldve headed advice of friends. This car should have been made more reliable. Ford didnt do a good job on this one. Parts are expensive and are not easily accessible when repairing.

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  Could Be Better - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - July 7 - 11:24 pm

  I bought my Taurus in September 06. It has been an OK car, although it has not been trouble free. It has needed a new radiator, rear struts, new speed sensor, and new power steering pump, altough it is not unusual for these kind of things to happen to cars with more than 100k. The 3.0 L V-6 is good but lacks punch. Flimsy, shaky interior but a very comfortable car, runs well.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - July 6 - 1:27 pm

  Ford has hit a homerun with this redesigned and renamed vehicle. Owned a 2005 Expedition prior to the 2008 Taurus and do not have one regret.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By 2001umich - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I drove many cars - BMW 325i, Acura 3.2TL, Audi A4 1.8T, Lexus IS300/ES300, Volvo S60 2.4T, Toyota Camry XLE, Honda Accord EX V6 and this is probably the best value out of the bunch. This car does about 85% of what the top echelon of the group can do and about 90% of the Camry and Accord. Those cars comparably equipped, cost anywhere from $7000 to $17000 more. City Driving - This car navigates fine in the city. Easy to Parallel Park. Highway Driving - The car is stable on the road up to 100 mph. There is plenty of passing power on the duratec and easily will accelerate to 100 mph in 4th gear. The overall car is pretty noise free.

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  Three Reasons To Buy This Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By doctor who - June 30 - 8:44 pm

  Ride, room (cabin and trunk), and a quiet cabin! The 2008 Taurus is large! It has the most back seat room and the largest trunk I have ever seen in a six-cylinder car, no contest! The new Taurus is heavier than the 2007 Five Hundred which gives it a smoother ride, but the Five Hundred was a little more nimble. Take it on the highway where it belongs! 3.5L engine is a significant improvement over the Five Hundred but acceleration has only been upgraded to adequate. Rather quiet cabin, turn on the radio and hear almost nothing outside! Glides over bumps in the road. The high seating position is great, and the (front) seats give good support for your back. Very comfortable inside.

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  It could be better, what is up with Ford - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Toni - June 29 - 11:01 pm

  It was an OK car. No major repairs, but I guess I was lucky. I have another Taurus that was a lemon. I will never buy Taurus or Ford again. I hoped Ford could improve it rather than make it less reliable.