1990-1995 Ford Taurus: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration (V6)
- Handling/roadholding
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Fuel economy (V6)
- Radio controls
Vehicle Highlights
Launched to great fanfare for 1986, the Mercury Sable looks similar, but the midsize sedans shared no sheetmetal. Both mix contemporary design with a spacious interior. Starting in 1990, a driver-side airbag was standard on all Taurus models. A 4-cylinder engine continued to power the L and GL sedans, but wagons held a 3.0-liter V6. At LX level, sedans used the 3.0-liter V6, while the wagon benefited from a 3.8-liter V6.A high-performance SHO version, introduced for '89, carries a 220-horsepower twin cam V6 that was built in Japan from a Yamaha design, plus all-disc brakes and 5-speed manual shift. No automatic transmission was available, but antilock braking was added during the SHO's 1990 season. ABS was optional on other sedans.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Taurus LX sedan 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Taurus:
A new 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control went into Tauruses (except the SHO). Four-cylinder engines gained 15 horsepower. Antilock braking was optional on wagons as well as sedans, and the SHO gained new wheels and tires.
1992 Ford Taurus:
Subtle restyling for 1992 mixed the familiar shape with fresh sheetmetal, powered only by V6 engines. A new dashboard had space for an optional passenger-side airbag.
1993 Ford Taurus:
For '93, the sizzling SHO finally could get an automatic transmission, with a larger, torquier engine than the manual-shift version. Base L models were dropped, but the GL borrowed most of the L's trim to become the entry-level Taurus. All models had body-color bumpers.
1994 Ford Taurus:
All Tauruses now had both driver- and passenger-side airbags.
1995 Ford Taurus:
A Sport Edition (SE) sedan joined for '95, with aluminum wheels and sport bucket seats. An all-new Taurus was ready to bow for '96.
Our road test for the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1995 Ford Taurus is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Taurus feels composed over bumps and in corners. Steering is precise, and suspension movements are well-controlled. Taurus is surefooted and agile, with balanced handling in turns and minimal body lean. The firm, Euro-style ride is just right, even if you can expect a few bumps on rougher surfaces. The weak, noisy 4-cylinder engine just isn't strong enough to power a Taurus. A 3.0-liter V6 promises much brisker passing, and the optional 3.8-liter V6 noticeably stronger acceleration from a standstill, plus better midrange response. Harsh shifts from the automatic transmission do occur occasionally in low-speed driving. Neither V6 is frugal: One Taurus averaged just 17.9 mpg in commuting and expressway driving. For excitement behind the wheel of a seemingly sedate midsize sedan, SHO is the way to go. Acceleration rivals that of the world's leading sports sedans. Variable-assist power steering was modified in 1992, resulting in a less-precise feel at highway speed. Also on the downside, Taurus tires thump loudly over bumps. Head room is ample all around, and sedans have a deep, wide trunk. Analog gauges are clearly marked, but the stereo sits low and has small, poorly marked controls.
Value for the Money
We rank the early '90s Taurus/Sable among the most impressive domestic cars: solid, roomy, great to look at, and a joy to drive.
We rank the early '90s Taurus/Sable among the most impressive domestic cars: solid, roomy, great to look at, and a joy to drive.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Taurus LX sedan 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Taurus includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Taurus .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Blower motor:
Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1990-94)
Engine noise:
The motor mounts are prone to wear out prematurely so Ford has issued a voluntary recall (number 92M77) to replace the right front and right rear mounts. The coverage is 6 years or 60,000 miles. (1992-93)
Hard starting:
If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air control valve may be sticking. (1995)
Oil leak:
Ford extended the warranty on the 3.8-liter Taurus to 7/100,000 and may compensate owners for repairs related to head gasket failures. (1994-95)
Suspension problems:
The stabilizer bar links wear rapidly due to lack of grease fittings, especially if a technician is careless when servicing the MacPherson struts. (1990-95)
Tire wear:
Premature tire wear and cupping is caused by rear wheel misalignment. (1990-95)
Tire wear:
Inner edge of rear tires wear excessively from camber problems corrected with a revised rear suspension adjuster kit. (1990-95)
Vehicle noise:
A popping noise comes from the front due to the strut rod bushing mountings moving in the frame. (1990-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $455 |
| Alternator | $440 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $930 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $505 |
| Exhaust System | $365 |
| Radiator | $525 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $495 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Taurus details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| Taurus | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Taurus SHO | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400 |
| 1994 | |||
| Taurus | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Taurus SHO | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Taurus | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Taurus SHO | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Taurus | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Taurus SHO | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Taurus | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Taurus SHO | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Taurus | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Taurus SHO | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Taurus include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.0 | 106.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.0 | 193.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.7 | 70.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3118 | 3285 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | 83.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 38.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.7 | 36.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Taurus buyers had a choice of four engines in 1990, with three possible transmissions. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, rated 90 horsepower and driving 3-speed automatic, went into L and GL sedans. L and GL wagons, and LX sedans, employed a 3.0-liter V6 that sent 140 horsepower and 160 pounds-feet of torque to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Any of those cars (except for L sedan) could be ordered with a 3.8-liter V6 that made 140 horsepower and 215 pounds-feet of torque. Connected to a 4-speed automatic, that engine was standard in LX wagons. Topping the performance scale was the Yamaha-designed, dual-overhead-cam, 3.0-liter V6 that whipped out 220 horsepower, installed only in the SHO sedan. Only the SHO came with 5-speed manual shift. Sequential fuel injection was installed on 2.5- and 3.0-liter engines for 1991, boosting 4-cylinder output to 105 horsepower. Departure of 4-cylinder engines after 1991 made the 3.0-liter V6 standard; the 3.8 V6 was standard on LX wagons, optional on all except the L. A high-performance 3.2-liter V6 went into 1993 SHO sedans with automatic--the same horsepower rating as the 3.0 V6 with manual shift, but 215 pounds-feet of torque.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 153 | 90-105 | 130-140 | 3-speed automatic: 21/27 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 140 | 160-165 | 4-speed automatic: 20/30 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 220 | 200 | 5-speed manual: 18/26 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.2 / 195 | 220 | 215 | 4-speed automatic: 18/26 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 232 | 140 | 215 | 4-speed automatic: 19/28 | 4-speed automatic: 17.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Taurus include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Taurus |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front brake rotors on cars sold in 14 northeastern and Great Lakes states may suffer severe corrosion, resulting in reduced braking effectiveness.
1990-95 sold or registered in 24 states or D.C.:
Rear lower subframe mount plate nut can experience corrosion cracking if subjected to long-term exposure to road salt; can result in fracture.
1991-95 w/3.8-liter engine in 23 states:
Water can accumulate within speed-control conduit; if cable has frozen, throttle can stick and not return to idle.
1992 wagon:
Children can accidentally lock themselves in footwell area of rear-facing third seat or in storage compartment in wagons that lack optional third seat; self-latching assembly should be replaced with a unit that can be closed only with a key.
1992 wagon:
Secondary liftgate latch mechanism on some cars may not function, possibly allowing liftgate to open while car is in motion.
1992-93:
On cars sold in 14 Midwestern and Northeastern states, body mounts at rear subframe corners (which support engine/transmission) may detach due to corrosion, allowing subframe to drop; could result in clunking noise or altered steering-wheel alignment or, if both corners drop, could make steering very difficult.
1992-95 w/3.0- or 3.8-liter engine, in AK, IA, MN, NE, ND, or SD:
During high winds, heavy snow, and low temperatures, engine fan may become blocked or frozen; can cause smoke/flame.
1993 in 21 states:
Front coil springs can fracture as a result of corrosion in combination with small cracks.
1993:
Controllers intended for rear-drive vehicles (instead of front-drive) may have been installed in a few cars with optional antilock braking.
1993-1995 SHO:
This vehicle was previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity. Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component.
1993-94:
Headlights can flash intermittently as a result of a circuit-breaker opening.
1993-95 Taurus w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1995 w/3.0-liter and 3.8-liter engines:
The engine cooling fan bearing can seize. Excessive heat may be generated, melting the fan motor electrical connector, and possibly causing fan motor components to ignite.
1995:
On some cars, retainer that holds master cylinder pushrod to brake pedal arm is missing or not fully installed; can result in loss of braking.
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