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:

• 

  Miss my Acura TL - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By JR - April 27 - 7:07 pm

  In these tough economic times, I felt guilty driving an import. Sold my Acura to my brother-in-law, and purchased a Taurus. I like the roominess, but I question the reliability. Stalls out every time I fill the tank, and struggles in shifting gears for the first 20 miles or so after a refueling. At this moment, it is in the shop for a second time in two months to address this problem. In five years, I never needed anything beyond oil changes for my Acura...in five months, the Taurus has been in the shop 3 times....can you say lemon law?! God Bless America, but one should still be wary of her cars. I miss my Acura, and Im going back to imports!

• 

  Stories the same one. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ? - April 12 - 3:01 am

  I just bought a Taurus & am in a dispute to get my money back. the guy lied on the disclosure sheet but more important, I getting all the problems Im hearing over & over in these reviews! Tranny, jerky shifting, thumping on taking off or shifting. Thing is, I like the car, really. Even though, as Ive read here, the electric windows and locks leave something to be desired. I found the previous owner, who told me it has always knocked and shifted jerky, but you get used to it, and its been a great car, so I should have Arden fix the motor mount and ignore the rest and itll be a good car for me. Im 60, alone, no man to help me if I have car trouble. But I really like driving this car!

• 

  Its Ok not the best - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By bigjon85 - April 8 - 6:45 pm

  I got my 2005 and it has been a great car I lover the driver information system its a huge plus wont buy another car without it. Its not the fast car but it does ok and I figured out the Taurus gets 24mpg city 28.6 mpg at 70 mph (highway) at least mine does. Ive been that car out of state and in state road trips its a fantastic car just had a few minor problems with it that could have been avoid its not an FFV and the ethanol clogged up my catalytic converter and it was under EPA warranty (8yr 80k miles) and had the block melt the cover of a spark plug wire great first car comfortable for me (61" 298 lbs) and 5 friends all bout 6.

• 

  poor gas mileage at sea level - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By David - April 3 - 5:06 pm

  nice little car - was getting 24-26 mpg at 6000 feet elevation but moved to Dallas and am getting only 19 for similar (no mountains now) type of driving. Am wondering what gives. It passes inspections fine. Power steering might be going out.

• 

  Power steering pump every other oil chng - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - March 24 - 6:03 pm

  Car was perfect til about 110k. Had a few minor issues but nothing out of the ordinary. Then, since 10/07, have only put about 18k on it. 2 racks, 4 power steering pumps, still growls even though new pump. Have had pumps die after just 3 weeks. As far as rest if time, gas mileage on ordinary driving, 20 mpg. This car replaced a 91 caprice which got the same, but had a V8. Have gotten as high as 29 on highway. Adequate power, has gone down since bought car. Tranny--no actual problems except speed sensor a while back. Ride--a little stiff for long trips being the SE, but corners well. Love: fold down rear seats.

• 

  Want you to know - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By gman - February 20 - 5:45 am

  I bought 2006 Ford a week ago. First impession: Good acceleration, Not bad body design but eats a lot of fuel and noisy when you drive.

• 

  Bad used car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ralph0722 - February 5 - 7:47 pm

  I lost my job and i had to let my new car go, so i bought a Taurus GL with 86k though will last me since only has 86k for a 1994 model. Wrong. 30 days later transmission died. spent 1300 to fix it. Lets see now what will go wrong next.

• 

  Tranny Problems Up the Wazoo - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By gampa - January 16 - 9:15 am

  Have Had nothing but problems with this car, many factory recalls, leaky tranny after torque converter replacede by factory, tranny problems since 50000 dealer states "nothing wrong". Brakes replaced more times than i care to count, the DOC design tranny impossible to find in order to replace. Teansmission shpould be on the recall..know numerous people with same year Aand same exact problems

• 

  Transmission Troubles - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Boo Taurus - November 27 - 5:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 when it had 90,000 miles. Within 4 months the transmission went out. Had to have it rebuilt. 30,000 miles later the transmission has failed again. (Yes, I only put 30k miles on it in 9 years.) Im not having it fixed this time. Let the junk man have it. Im buying a Toyota!!!!

• 

  FORD is a four letter word... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By qtemoc - November 14 - 10:00 am

  First we had a heater/AC/vent "odor" problem that the dealer could not find. This plagued us for 2 years when we finally paid to have the heater core replaced. This helped alot but FORD and its dealers would not pay for the repair. Then on a long trip the automatic transmission started to rumble, slip and act up.(3 1/2 years old and with 35,000 easy miles!!!)