2002 Ford Taurus Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Ford's best-selling car makes some previously optional features standard for 2002, and former option packages become separate models. Added midyear was an optional interior package with wood steering-wheel trim. Base LX sedan models return, while SE, SES, and SEL sedans and wagons gain new submodels. Front bucket seats are standard on SES Deluxe and SEL sedans and optional for the SEL Deluxe wagon. The standard front bench seat gives sedans 6-passenger capacity, while a 2-passenger rear-facing 3rd-row seat is now standard on wagons for 8-passenger seating. The base engine is an overhead-valve 155-hp V6. Available on higher-line models is a 200-hp dual overhead-cam V6. Both engines come only with automatic transmission. Antilock brakes are standard on SEL and SES models and optional on other models; wagons get rear discs in place of drums. Traction control and head-and-torso front side airbags are standard on the SEL Premium sedan, and optional on all but the LX sedan and SE Standard wagon. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are available on all but the LX sedan. The new Wood Package, optional on SEL models, includes a wood- and leather-rimmed steering wheel along with woodgrain plastic shift knob and interior trim. Taurus shares its basic design with the Mercury Sable.

Competition

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan forms, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.

Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, plain-Jane Ford Taurus, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. The restyled and larger Nissan Altima is new to the Recommended list this year. We are impressed with interior room and road manners, but disappointed by the budget-level interior materials and assembly.

News

Taurus's 2000-model makeover was apparently just what buyers wanted. Likely helped by its new, more conventional styling, Ford's mainstream midsize gained 4-percent in calendar-year sales to reach just over 382,000. Then again, Ford was probably hoping for more, given the update's likely high cost.

If you still haven't been won over, though, just wait a few years, for Ford has something quite different in store for 2004. Diverging sharply from sister Mercury Sable, Taurus will reportedly morph into one of those hard-to-classify "crossovers" blending attributes of sedan, SUV and minivan. Ford recently acquired Volvo, and is taking advantage here by starting with the P2 platform used under the Swedish maker's latest V70 wagons and S80/S60 sedans. Ford engineers are known to think highly of this platform, but would use only parts of it so as not to step on Volvo's toes, as well as to keep costs down for the lower-priced Taurus. Powertrains, styling and interior design will naturally be Ford's own, though specifics remain to be determined. However, a Volvo V70 wagon was recently seen running around Detroit with a wider-than-stock body and elevated ride height, apparently a test rig for the future Taurus. Putting everything together, we predict a sort of scaled-up Focus with V6 power, high-built wagon and maybe 4-dr hatchback bodies, roomy interiors with versatile seating configurations, front-wheel drive, and a likely all-wheel-drive option.

2002 Ford Taurus Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding	Midrange acceleration

Rear-seat comfort

Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
4	5	5	5

Full-throttle standing-start acceleration is OK: Test 200-hp Sable LS did 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec. But in the 35-55-mph range, neither V6 furnishes strong power or is as responsive as General Motors' V6s.

Fuel Economy

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5.3

Taurus and Sable models with the 200-hp engine averaged 18.4-21.0 mpg in our tests, about par for the midsize class. Don't expect significantly better fuel economy with 155-hp versions. Both V6s use regular gas.

Ride Quality

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Resistance to wallow and float is impressive, but rough-road ride is mediocre: Potholes, expansion joints, and pavement patches register sharply.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Balanced, secure, and predictable. Steering has fine on-center feel, but some may wish for more-linear turning effort. Brakes feel strong in everyday use, less-impressive in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5.4

Engine and road noise are low enough that wind rush is the most prominent sound at highway speeds, but it doesn't require a raised voice to overcome.

Controls

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Gauges are unobstructed, but their analog markings are too small. Climate controls have limited air conditioning and recirculation modes.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

Front outboard seating positions are uncrowded and comfortable. Bench's center position suits only toddlers--who should be in back. Movable pedals adjust easily, permit shorter drivers to sit further from airbag.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
6	6	6	4.3

A high point, with generous head, leg, and foot room, and a well-bolstered and comfortable seat. Wagon's 3rd seat is suitable only for children.

Cargo Room

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
6	8	6	4.6

Sedan's trunk is roomy for the class. A split folding rear seatback is available. Only Saturn offers a similarly priced midsize rival to the Taurus and Sable wagons.

Value within Class

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
7	7	7	6

Acceleration and ride comfort are only average, but the competitively priced Taurus merits our Recommended nod for its good road manners, utility, and range of safety features.

Total Score

LX sdn, ohv V6	SE Prem. wgn, dohc V6	SEL Prem. sdn, dohc V6	Class Average
57	60	58	54.6

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		54
High Score		73

2002 Ford Taurus Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/26/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LX 4-door sedan	$19,035	$17,697	$650

SE 4-door sedan	$19,845	$18,235	$650

SE Standard 4-door wagon	$21,190	$19,446	$650

SE Deluxe 4-door wagon	$21,810	$20,004	$650

SE Premium 4-door wagon	$22,500	$20,625	$650

SEL Deluxe 4-door Wagon	$22,980	$21,057	$650

SES Standard 4-door sedan	$20,860	$19,149	$650

SES Deluxe 4-door sedan	$21,960	$20,139	$650

SEL Deluxe 4-door sedan	$22,730	$20,832	$650

SEL Premium 4-door sedan	$23,300	$21,345	$650

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 6-passenger seating, front split bench seat w/flip-fold center console, column shift, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, remote decklid release, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

SE sedan adds to LX:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Remote keyless entry, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

SE Standard wagon adds to SE sedan:

Safety

4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Split folding rear seat, rear-facing third-row seat, power antenna, cargo cover, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

SE Deluxe wagon adds to SE Standard wagon:

Comfort and Convenience Features

6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM/CD player.

SE Premium wagon adds to SE Deluxe wagon:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine.

SEL Deluxe wagon adds to SE Premium wagon:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Safety

Antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, keypad entry, automatic headlights.

SES Standard sedan adds to SE sedan:

Safety

Antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, illuminated visor mirrors.

SES Deluxe sedan adds to SES Standard sedan:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5-passenger seating, front bucket seats, floor shift.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler.

SEL Deluxe sedan adds to SES Deluxe sedan:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, keypad entry, automatic headlights.

SEL Premium sedan adds to SEL Premium sedan:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Front side airbags.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Value Pkg.
SE sedan	$535	$476
6-way power driver seat, AM/FM/CD player.

Appearance Pkg.
SE sedan, SES Standard sedan	$230	$203
Front bucket seats, center console, 5-passenger seating, rear spoiler.

Safety Pkg.
SE Deluxe wagon, SE Premium wagon, SE sedan, SEL Deluxe sedan, SEL Deluxe wagon, SES Deluxe sedan, SES Standard sedan	$565	$503
Traction control, front side airbags. SE sedan, SE Standard/Deluxe/Premium wagon require antilock brakes. NA LX, SE Standard wagon. Std. SEL Premium.

Premium Audio Group
SES standard/Deluxe	$530	$472
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Mach Premium Sound.

Luxury and Convenience Pkg.
SES Standard/Deluxe, SEL Deluxe/Premium	$185	$165
Heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Sport Pkg.
SES Deluxe	$290	$258
Two-tone upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, alloy wheels.

Duratec Pkg.
SEL Deluxe wagon	$1,120	$997
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Mach Premium Sound, 5-passenger seating, front bucket seats, floor shift.

Wood Pkg.
SEL Deluxe/Premium	$240	$206
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain shifter and interior trim.

Safety
Antilock brakes
LX, SE sedan, SE Standard/Deluxe/Premium wagon	$600	$534


Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery
SES Standard/Deluxe, SEL Deluxe/Premium	$895	$797


6-passenger seating
SEL Deluxe sedan (credit)	$-105	$-93
Front split bench seat w/flip-fold seating console, column shift. NA w/leather upholstery.

Split folding rear seat
SE sedan	$140	$124


6-way power passenger seat
SEL Premium	$350	$312


Power-adjustable pedals
SE sedan, SE Deluxe/Premium wagon, SES Standard/Deluxe	$120	$107


AM/FM/cassette
LX	$185	$165


Mach Premium Sound
SEL Deluxe sedan, SEL Premium	$320	$285


Power sunroof
SES Standard/Deluxe sedan, SEL Deluxe/Premium sedan	$895	$797


Cruise control and AM/FM/cassette
LX	$400	$358


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SEL Deluxe/Premium sedan	$230	$205


Engine block heater
LX, SE Deluxe wagon, SE Premium wagon, SE Standard wagon, SE sedan, SEL Deluxe sedan, SEL Deluxe wagon, SEL Premium sedan, SES Deluxe sedan, SES Standard sedan	$0	$0
Available in Alaska, Minn., Mont., N.D., S.D., Wis., Wyo.

2002 Ford Taurus Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Taurus 4-door sedan	Ford Taurus 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.5	108.5

Overall Length, in.	197.6	197.7

Overall Width, in.	73.0	73.0

Overall Height, in.	56.1	57.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3336	3502

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.0	81.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	18.0

Seating Capacity	6	8

Front Head Room, in.	40.0	39.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	38.1	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.9	38.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /182	3.0 /181

Horsepower @ rpm.	155 @ 4900	200 @ 5650

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	185 @ 3960	200 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	20/28	20/27

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Ford Taurus 4-door sedan	Ford Taurus 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	4	4

Side Impact, Driver	3	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3	NA

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2002 Ford Taurus Photos

Also in the 2002 Ford Taurus Review:

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Ford Taurus Road Test

Ford Taurus Prices & Equipment

Ford Taurus Specs & Safety

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