2000-2006 Ford Taurus: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Ford Taurus
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2006 Ford Taurus and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Cargo room
- Rear-seat comfort
Cons
- Low-speed acceleration
Vehicle Highlights
Ford restyled its best-selling model for 2000. Exterior dimensions changed little, but the conventional shapes displaced the previous oval look, bringing more head room and trunk space. Inside was a more traditional dashboard, along with newly available adjustable pedals. As before, Taurus shared its basic design and mechanical components with the Mercury Sable. Gone was the slow-selling Taurus SHO, leaving an LX sedan and step-up SE sedan and wagon, all with V6 engines. Upscale SES and SEL sedans also joined the group. Seating for either five or six was available, and wagons could again have a 2-place third-row seat. A 155-horsepower V6 served as base engine. Standard with upper models and optional on SEs was a 200-hp twincam V6. Both drove a 4-speed automatic transmission and ran on regular fuel. Traction control and head/chest side airbags for the front seat were new options, while 16-inch wheels were newly standard. A standard Advanced Restraints System was designed to minimize airbag injuries to the driver by gauging crash severity and seat position, then deploying the steering-wheel airbags with appropriate force. Sedans got a release inside the trunk and all models had rear child-seat anchors. Antilock brakes were standard on top models, optional on others.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Taurus LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2006 Ford Taurus. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2006 Ford Taurus.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Ford Taurus:
Only minor changes marked the 2001 models. Lower anchors for rear child seats were installed, and the fuel tank grew from 16- to 18-gallon capacity. The 200-hp V6 was standard in the SEL and optional for the SES sedan and SE wagon. Antilock brakes were standard for the SES and SEL, optional on other Tauruses.
2002 Ford Taurus:
Taurus made some previously optional features standard for 2002, and former option packages become separate models. Optional on SE at midyear was a Wood Package, complete with wood steering-wheel trim. SE, SES, and SEL sedans and wagons gained new submodels.
2003 Ford Taurus:
Unchanged for 2003.
2004 Ford Taurus:
The only changes for '04 were mildly revised front and rear styling.
2005 Ford Taurus:
Taurus sedans and wagons soldier on with fewer trim levels for 2005; LX and SES versions are gone.
2006 Ford Taurus:
The wagon was dropped as an option, as was the 201-hp V6 engine.
Our road test for the 2000-2006 Ford Taurus includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2006 Ford Taurus and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2006 Ford Taurus is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Taurus delivers plenty of performance for a mainstream midsize car, though it lacks class-leading acceleration. Both engines run smoothly, but neither moves all that swiftly beyond midrange speeds. Each V6 can accelerate suitably from a standstill, but a Chevrolet Impala with the base engine responds better to the throttle than a Taurus, at 25-50 mph. Fuel economy with the twincam engine averaged 18.4 mpg. Road manners are another story. Taurus feels balanced, secure, and predictable even in rapid directional changes. Steering has fine on-center sense, but turning effort is not as linear as some drivers might like. Resistance to wallow and float is impressive, but rough-road ride is not. Stopping power feels strong and easily modulated. Family focused space is a strong point, including excellent back-seat room and comfort. Rear head clearance is generous, helped by the revised roof shape. Leg/foot space also is plentiful. The back seat is substantial and comfortably contoured, but the wagon's fold-away rear-racing third seat is for children under 80 pounds. Front outboard seating positions are uncrowded, but the bench's center spot is mighty snug. The new adjustable pedals work easily via a control on the seat bottom. Shorter drivers can sit farther from the steering-wheel airbag. Gauges are unobstructed, but their analog markings are small. On bucket-seat models, the only gear indicator is near the console floor shift. Audio and climate controls are easy to see and use, but lack selectable air conditioning or recirculation modes. Luggage space is generous in either body style.
Value for the Money
Taurus returned to its roots as family transportation with the 2000 redesign. Fully contemporary in styling, a Taurus delivers fine road manners, great utility, and an appealing array of safety features, at competitive prices. Despite acceleration limitations and imperfect ride comfort, Taurus deserves a place on any midsize-car shopping list.
Taurus returned to its roots as family transportation with the 2000 redesign. Fully contemporary in styling, a Taurus delivers fine road manners, great utility, and an appealing array of safety features, at competitive prices. Despite acceleration limitations and imperfect ride comfort, Taurus deserves a place on any midsize-car shopping list.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Taurus LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
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.
Audio system:
Noise (whine or buzz) in the radio speakers is probably due to interference from the in-tank fuel pump requiring a RFI filter on the pump assembly. (2000-01)
Engine misfire:
Cam failures can lead to failure on V8 engines installed on SHO models. It is possible to weld the cams prior to the failure. (1996-99)
Fuel odors:
Gasoline odor is probably due to a bad gasket on the lower intake manifold on the 3.0-L Duratec engine. (2000-01)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (2000-03)
Vehicle shake:
Harsh downshifts or shudder, especially on curves, can be caused by the transmission-fluid level being below the fullest level as shown on the dipstick. (2000)
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 | $405 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,120 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,100 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $8,200-9,300 | $7,400-8,400 | $4,200-4,700 |
| 2005 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $6,800-8,200 | $6,100-7,300 | $3,200-3,900 |
| Taurus wagon | $8,000-9,300 | $7,200-8,400 | $4,100-4,700 |
| 2004 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $5,500-7,000 | $4,700-6,000 | $2,300-2,900 |
| Taurus wagon | $6,500-7,800 | $5,700-6,900 | $2,900-3,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $4,400-5,800 | $3,700-4,800 | $1,500-2,000 |
| Taurus wagon | $5,400-6,500 | $4,600-5,600 | $2,200-2,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $3,600-4,900 | $2,900-3,900 | $1,000-1,400 |
| Taurus wagon | $4,400-5,100 | $3,700-4,200 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $3,000-4,200 | $2,300-3,200 | $700-1,000 |
| Taurus wagon | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Taurus sedan | $2,700-3,600 | $2,000-2,700 | $600-800 |
| Taurus wagon | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
|
|
|||
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. | 108.5 | 108.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 197.6 | 197.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.0 | 73.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 | 58.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3328 | 3486 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 17.0 | 81.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two different 3.0-liter V6 engines have been available in Taurus models: an overhead-valve version rated at 155 horsepower, and another with dual overhead cams that makes 200 horsepower. Standard in the top Taurus model, the stronger V6 was an option for midrange versions. Both engines worked with a four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 155 | 185 | 4-speed automatic: 19/28 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V61 | 3.0 / 181 | 201 | 200 | 4-speed automatic: 20/28 | 4-speed automatic: 18.4 |
|
1. 201-hp V6 engine dropped for 2006. 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 | 2000 Taurus |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 2000-2006 Ford Taurus directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000:
Headlamp-switch knob can fracture and separate from the headlamp switch.
2000:
On certain vehicles, "vehicle capacity weight" and "designated seating capacity" information was not printed on safety-certification labels.
2000-01 w/adjustable pedals:
Grease from the adjustable-pedal assembly enters the stoplamp switch and can contaminate the contacts, leading to carbon buildup and a potential short circuit.
2000-01:
A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper-motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of wiper function or fire.
2000-01:
Front coil springs on certain cars sold in specified states could fracture, due to corrosion associated with road salt used in winter.
2000-01:
Stoplamp can illuminate (at reduced intensity) even though the service brakes have not been applied.
2000-03:
Certain vehicles may have faulty stop lamp wiring, rendering them inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001:
Child-safety-seat anchor-latch fasteners on certain vehicles do not have adequate residual torque; road vibrations could cause a nut to loosen and separate.
2001:
Owner's guides may not identify center rear seating position as having LATCH-compatible lower anchorages.
2002 w/adjustable pedals:
Pedals are not far enough apart and must be separated to at least 50 mm to avoid depressing one or the other, or both, unintentionally.
2003:
Some windshields may have been mounted improperly, leading to increased wind noise and leakage. Dealer will inspect and replace these windshields.
2003:
The air filter paper may catch on fire in certain vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004:
Power seats may have been inadequately welded and may not perform as intended during a crash.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
