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Ford Taurus

EPA MPG: 22 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,125 - $7,575

RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Somehow the Ford Taurus manages to be a rather large sedan with a tight and cramped interior. Poor packaging efficiency, led by a center console resembling the Great Wall of China and not much rear-seat room results in an interior that feels smaller than many midsized sedans. Small windows and thick pillars add to the claustrophobic feel, making it difficult for the driver to see out. All but base trims add to the frustration with MyFord Touch's confusing and distracting controls.

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2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Large cars Ratings

$6,250 - $7,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,050 - $6,550
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,975 - $15,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,825 - $14,675
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (240 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 (288 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2013-
Current Generation

The 2013 freshening brought variable cam timing to the 3.5-liter V6 for improved performance and better fuel economy. An optional 240-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is offered as well. On the safety front, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, Active Park Assist and backup sensors are all available. Still though, while we appreciate the quiet interior and comfortable ride, cramped interior accommodations and poor outward visibility continue to plague Ford's family sedan. The higher-performance SHO model has standard all-wheel drive, and its 365-hp, turbocharged V6 makes it quick, but it isn't an engaging car to drive.

2010-2012
2010 Redesign Year
The car's basic platform was reworked for 2010, but the attempt to make Taurus more stylish and upscale in feel and appearance doesn't quite translate. While interior quality and curb appeal are improved, practicality takes a nosedive, with a cramped interior and poor driver visibility. Some of this could be forgiven if the Taurus was rewarding to drive, but that's not the case either. It feels like a big car and comes up short on agility. While the cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth, this version of the Taurus is outdated and outclassed. As a result, the model's overall test score is below our threshold for recommendation.
2008-2009
2008 Redesign Year
After a hiatus during which it was known as the Five Hundred, the Taurus returned to the marketplace for model year 2008. A new engine makes this revised Taurus quicker and more responsive, but fuel economy took a hit. Still, all of the attributes that made the car beloved in the first place return, including its comfortable ride, ample interior room, easy access and huge trunk. Optional power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers maintain a comfortable and safe distance from the steering wheel's airbag. Crash test results are quite impressive.
2000-2007
2000 Redesign Year
The style freshening for 2000 added needed safety equipment, including side airbags. The ride is firm, and cornering is sound -- but not agile. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet with adequate storage. Control layout is improved over that of the previous version of the car and the rear seatback can be folded to increase cargo capacity. The Taurus wagon is one of the few inexpensive seven-passenger vehicles of its time. On the downside, the turning circle is wide and braking is unimpressive. This version of the car also lacks rear-seat head restraints.