Inside, the latest Taurus is roomy and comfortable. Its engine lineup furnishes power and a quiet ride. The trunk offers ample cargo space.
Drivers can choose from the base SE, mid-level SEL, plush Limited, and sporty SHO. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 288 horsepower. All wheel-drive is an option, but most models use front-wheel drive. An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine generates 240 horsepower and is among the best in its class in terms of fuel economy. The SHO is equipped with an excellent 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower. All engines are paired with a six-speed automatic with manual shift control that helps create a smooth, refined ride.
The base SE is well equipped with modern features. Its alloy wheels look sharp on the road. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a power driver seat help create the perfect fit for any size driver. Full power accessories lend modern convenience. A six-speaker sound system generates high quality sound.
When used shoppers browse higher trims, they can find a wider range of features. The Sync and MyFord Touch infotainment interfaces allow users to integrate Smartphones. The rearview camera and rear parking sensors are handy tools for parallel parking. Leather upholstery adds a true touch of luxury.
A host of optional features is available for the modern Taurus. The sunroof lets in additional light and a dose of vitamin D. An available navigation system helps keep drivers on the right roads. A premium 12-speaker Sony audio system greatly enhances the optional HD radio.
The fifth generation Taurus is based on a car Ford called the Five Hundred. This new Taurus effectively replaced the Five Hundred, and this transformation improved the line in a number of ways.
Now a full-size sedan, the Taurus was powered by a 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels included the base SE, midgrade SEL, and loaded Limited.
Budget shoppers will be happy to learn that the base SE was well equipped. An auxiliary audio jack allowed drivers to play music from devices over the car stereo. The leather-wrapped steering wheel added comfort and a sense of luxury. Power front seats made it easy to get situated.
This generation earned superb crash tests scores. All models were outfitted with a barrage of air bags for added protection during an accident. Drivers could expect good outward visibility, helping them to stay defensive on the road. Like the one that came after it, this Taurus was both powerful and quiet.
This generation was the previous one's handsome older brother. Two 3.0-liter engines were available, producing 155 and 200 horsepower, respectively. Both were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Four trim models were available: the base LX, midrange SE, and the luxurious SES and SEL. The LX offered basic conveniences like power windows and air conditioning.
Trim models were rearranged until, by the end of this generation, there were only two left - the SE and SEL. A wagon body style was also eventually dropped, along with the 200-horsepower engine.
Overall, this Taurus provided solid performance and a smooth ride. Its cabin offered comfort and style.
Its new design may have looked a little strange, but this generation was still a solid option as a roomy family vehicle. The available trims were the base G, midrange GL, luxury LX, and high-performance SHO.
When this new generation arrived, it looked sharper and more stylish. Its safety features were also improved to include antilock brakes and a passenger side airbag. To start, trim levels were the L, GL, LX, and SHO. In 1995, the sport SE debuted. Wagon and sedan body styles were available.
This Taurus generally featured a 3.0-liter V6 or a 3.8-liter V6. Both engines made 140 horsepower. The high performance SHO now offered an optional automatic transmission. It was outfitted with an enhanced version of the V6 that generated 220 horsepower.
When the Taurus first arrived, its cutting-edge style, cabin space, and engine options made it the best-in-class option. Drivers could choose from either a 90-horsepower inline-4, with either manual or automatic transmission, or a 140-horsepower V6, available with automatic transmission. The inline-4 was eventually discontinued. The high-performance SHO trim model came with a 3.0-liter V6 that generated 220 horsepower.