Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus was a front- or all-wheel-drive full-size sedan that succumbed to America’s thirst for SUVs rather than sedans. The Taurus provided plenty of interior space and seated five passengers. Standard models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder introduced then dropped during the sixth generation’s run. The performance-oriented Taurus SHO featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 as well as suspension upgrades for improved handling. Base models had a small 4.2-inch display screen, but buyers could also get an eight-inch touchscreen. Driver-assist features weren’t standard, though they were offered in an available package.
Explore the evolution of the Ford Taurus
Get our expert take on used Ford Taurus models, or view year-by-year changes.
Sixth generation Ford Taurus
The sixth-generation Taurus was a much better-looking sedan than its overly bulbous predecessor. It came standard with front-wheel drive. The Taurus SHO, which returned with this generation, featured all-wheel drive. The SHO also had suspension upgrades, and the addition of a Performance package in 2013 brought an even firmer suspension, upgraded brakes, and stickier tires.
Ford launched the sixth-generation Taurus with a 3.5-liter V6 in most models. The SHO sported a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that cut the 0-60 mph time to the low five-second range. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder arrived for the 2013 model year to improve fuel economy to as high as 23 mpg combined; it was dropped for 2017. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the Taurus first came with the MyFord Touch® interface, but that was replaced with the SYNC® 3 interface for 2016. The largest touchscreen offered was eight inches.
Driver-assist technology was light. Available were a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assistance.
Model highlights
Redesigned with sleeker body styling
Base engine was a 3.5-liter V6
Return of Taurus SHO with twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder offered from 2013 to 2017
Six-speed automatic was the only transmission
Front- or all-wheel drive
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2010 - 2019
2019 Ford Taurus
Highlights
Power-adjustable steering wheel and power rear sunshade discontinued
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2018 Ford Taurus
Highlights
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine dropped
Power-adjustable pedals no longer included in Equipment Group 201A
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2017 Ford Taurus
2016 Ford Taurus
Highlights
SYNC® 3 infotainment system replaced the MyFord Touch® interface
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2015 Ford Taurus
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Taurus an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Taurus 10th out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Taurus is $518, compared to an average of $495 for Fullsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford Taurus owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 0.9 times for Fullsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 15% for the Ford Taurus, compared to an average of 14% for Fullsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kirk Bell has been an automotive journalist since 2001, doing stints at Motor Authority, MSN Autos, and Consumer Guide. He's currently a freelance journalist with an interest in luxury and performance cars.
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