2004 Ford Taurus Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Slight revisions to front and rear styling are the only 2004 changes of note for Ford's best-selling line of sedans and wagons. Taurus comes in LX, SE, SES, and SEL model groupings. The wagons are available in only SE and SEL trim. All have automatic transmission and a 3.0-liter V6. The engine makes 201 hp in SE/SES Duratec models and the SEL sedan, 155 hp elsewhere, though the 201-hp version is optional on the SEL wagon. Antilock brakes are standard on SEL and SES models, optional on other models. Wagons have rear disc brakes vs. drums for sedans. Depending on model, Taurus sedans offer a 3-passenger front bench seat for 6-passenger capacity or two front buckets for 5-passenger capacity. Wagons do the same, but also offer an optional 2-passenger rear-facing 3rd-row seat for up to 8-passenger capacity. Traction control, head-and-torso front side airbags, and power-adjustable pedals are optional on all but the LX sedan. Mercury sells a retrimmed Taurus as the Sable.

News

Reversing earlier plans, Ford Motor Company will keep Taurus and Mercury Sable in showrooms through at least 2009. Another freshening is rumored for '06, and might be more substantial than the '04 updates. Ford and Mercury will soon add two midsize sedans bracketing Taurus/Sable in dimensions and price, so the older models will be recast as "value" alternatives, which likely means fewer trim and equipment choices. It may also mean no more wagons at some point.

The larger of the newcomers are the domestically built 2005 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, based on Swedish cousin Volvo's "P2" platform. Each will offer two trim levels, rear drive or all-wheel drive, and the latest "Duratec 30" update of the Taurus/Sable's familiar twincam 3.0-liter V6. Most versions feature a new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which will be required with AWD. Uplevel rear-drivers substitute a new 6-speed conventional automatic.

The smaller newbies are yet unnamed, but we know these 2006s are based on Ford's "CD3" corporate platform, originally developed for the Mazda 6. Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant will turn them out, along with a luxury Lincoln version called Zephyr. Word is that all start sale in early 2005 with front-wheel drive, Duratec 30 V6, and a new 6-speed automatic transaxle. Optional AWD and possibly a more potent 3.5-liter "Duratec 35" V6 are expected down the road. Sources say all these cars have a more "American" driving feel than the Euro-focused Mazda 6. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.

2004 Ford Taurus Road Test

Pros	Cons

Rear-seat comfort	Midrange acceleration

Cargo room (wagon)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		56
High Score		72

2004 Ford Taurus Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/15/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LX 4-door sedan	$19,945	$18,480	$660

SE 4-door sedan	$20,335	$18,631	$660

SE 4-door wagon	$21,765	$19,919	$660

SE Duratec 4-door wagon	$22,460	$20,544	$660

SEL 4-door wagon	$23,890	$21,831	$660

SES 4-door sedan	$21,805	$19,954	$660

SES Duratec 4-door sedan	$22,500	$20,580	$660

SEL 4-door sedan	$23,740	$21,696	$660

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, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, map lights, 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.

SE wagon adds to SE sedan:

Safety

4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Split folding rear seat, power antenna, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

SE Duratec wagon adds to SE wagon:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine.

SEL wagon adds to SE Duratec wagon:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette, 6-disc CD changer, keypad entry, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

SES adds to SE sedan:

Safety

Antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

SES Duratec adds to SES:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine.

SEL sedan adds to SES Duratec:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, 5-passenger seating, front bucket seats, center console w/floor shift, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette, 6-disc CD changer, keypad entry, automatic headlights.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Speed Control/Cassette Pkg.
LX	$400	$356
Cruise control, AM/FM/cassette.

Value Pkg.
SE sedan	$500	$445
6-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio, 6-disc CD changer.

Comfort Pkg.
SE/SE Duratec wagon	$515	$458
6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals.

Wagon Group
wagon	$215	$191
Rear-facing 3rd-row seat, cargo cover.

Luxury and Convenience Pkg.
SES, SES Duratec	$245	$218
SEL	$185	$165
Heated power mirrors w/approach lights, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Duratec Pkg.
SEL wagon	$1,200	$1,068
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, Mach Premium Sound.

Wood Pkg.
SEL	$190	$169
SES, SES Duratec	$240	$213
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain shift knob and interior trim. SEL wagon requires Duratec Pkg.

Powertrain
Traction control
SE Duratec wagon, SE wagon, SEL sedan, SEL wagon, SES, SES Duratec	$175	$156
SE, SE Duratec require antilock brakes. NA LX.

Safety
Front side airbags
SE Duratec wagon, SE sedan, SE wagon, SEL sedan, SEL wagon, SES, SES Duratec	$390	$347
NA LX.

Antilock brakes
LX, SE, SE Duratec	$600	$534


Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery
SES, SES Duratec, SEL wagon	$895	$797
SEL sedan	$945	$841
Two-tone SEL sedan. SES, SES Duratec requires split folding rear seat.

5-passenger seating
SES, SES Duratec, SEL wagon	$105	$93
Front bucket seats, center console, floor shift. SEL wagon requires leather upholstery.

6-passenger seating
SEL sedan (credit)	$-90	$-80
Front split bench seat w/flip fold seating console, column shift. NA w/leather upholstery.

Split folding rear
SE sedan, SES, SES Duratec	$140	$124


6-way power passenger seat
SEL	$350	$312


Power-adjustable pedals
SE, SE Duratec, SES, SES Duratec, SEL sedan	$120	$107


Leather-wrapped steering wheel
SES, SES Duratec	$85	$76


AM/FM/cassette
LX	$185	$165


AM/FM/CD player
SE/SE Duratec wagon	$140	$124


AM/FM/cassette and 6-disc CD changer
SES, SES Duratec	$185	$165


Mach Premium Sound
SES, SES Duratec, SEL sedan	$345	$307


Power sunroof
SES, SES Duratec, SEL sedan	$895	$797


Heated power mirrors
SE, SE Duratec	$95	$85
Includes approach lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE sedan, SES, SES Duratec, SEL sedan	$230	$205
SE, SES require 5-passenger seating.

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

Alloy wheels
SE, SE Duratec	$285	$254

2004 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.	55.5	57.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3306	3497

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	201 @ 5500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	185 @ 3900	207 @ 4500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	19/26	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	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	4	4

Side Impact, Driver	3	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3	3

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	5/100,000	Focus only.

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

< 2004 Ford Taurus Photos

Also in the 2004 Ford Taurus Review:

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Ford Taurus Road Test

Ford Taurus Prices & Equipment

Ford Taurus Specs & Safety

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