Once America’s best-selling sedan and a mainstay of car rental fleets, the Taurus continues to offer solid drivetrains, good looks and plenty of creature comforts. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a good choice for families on a budget or those who want a large sedan without breaking the bank. The 2004 model year marks the fifth anniversary of Ford’s front-wheel drive Taurus, and it gets a new egg-crate grille and front and rear fascia for an updated appearance. Two engine choices are available, with a standard 153-horsepower Vulcan or an optional 200-hp Duratec. The latter adds more thrust and feels smoother on acceleration. The suspension is geared toward traditional American sedan buyers, putting more emphasis on a comfortable ride than responsive handling. The light, languorous steering is also somewhat disappointing.
The Taurus is a competent car, but not particularly exciting. It has no reason to set hearts ablaze, since it competes with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord for third place in its class. Fortunately, it doesn’t try to outdo them in any area; it simply fulfills its mission with grace and competence.
Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book rate the Taurus as a good, if unexciting, family car that provides solid crash test scores and a roomy interior. However, low-grade materials and mediocre ride and handling earn the Taurus some red marks. It’s important to consider these drawbacks when shopping for a used model. The Taurus is prone to steep depreciation, making it less desirable for those who plan to trade it in a few years.
