2004 Ford Taurus: Road Test
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2004 Ford Taurus ▼
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- MSRP: $19,945 -$23,890
- Invoice: $18,480 -$21,831
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Our road test for the 2004 Ford Taurus includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Ford Taurus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Ford Taurus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Ford Taurus help you decide if a 2004 Ford Taurus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Full-throttle standing-start acceleration is adequate with base V6, better with 201-hp version. Test 201-hp Sable LS did 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec. Transmission kicks down quickly for passing, but 3.8-liter V6 of General Motors rivals feel stronger in the 35-55-mph range.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test Taurus and Sable models with the 201-hp V6 averaged 18.4-21.0 mpg. That's 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 | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Stiff and somewhat harsh over potholes, expansion joints, and pavement patches, but good resistance to wallow or float.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Stable, with little body lean in turns. Good highway-speed tracking. Some testers find steering feel heavy and numb. Stopping power adequate, though brake pedal suffers mushy feel and long travel.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
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 | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Gauges unobstructed, but their markings are small and hard to read. Multitude of look-alike buttons control audio and climate functions, but they're at least well-marked and easy to reach. All controls nicely lit at night. Climate system offers less flexibility in air conditioning and recirculation modes than most rival systems. Interior decor attractive, but not high-class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Front outboard seating positions uncrowded and comfortable. Bench's center position suits only toddlers--who should ride in the back seat anyway. Movable pedals adjust easily, permit shorter drivers to sit further from steering-wheel airbag--a safety plus. Sable styling impedes driver's visibility to right rear and dead astern; Taurus is better in this regard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Three adults is a squeeze, but two have ample head, leg, and foot room on comfortable, well-bolstered seat. Easy entry/exit, but sloping upper door frames force taller persons to crouch a bit. Suitable only for children, wagon's 3rd-row seat is helpful in a pinch.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 5 | 4.6 |
Sedan's trunk is roomy for the class. A split folding rear seatback is available. Wagon is a useful hauler and a body style offered by few midprice midsize rivals.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Taurus and Sable deliver capable road manners, comfortable accommodations, commendable cargo room, and plenty of safety features at a competitive price. But ride comfort is a sore point, and build quality and refinement trail standards set by midsize sales leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Total Score
| LX sdn | SE Duratec wgn | SEL sdn, dohc V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 58 | 54 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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