The best-selling domestic-brand sedan is a trusty staple of the used-car market.
Ford took an enormous gamble when it introduced the Taurus in 1986. At the time it was a revolutionary aerodynamic shape, which was intended as a replacement for the old boxy LTD. At first the public was not sure of the car and Ford nervously had a more conservative redesign waiting in the wings.
They never needed it. Sales of the Taurus took off. By the 1990s it became the best selling car in the U.S. Since then it has been in a neck and neck battle with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for the coveted No. 1 title of best selling car each year.
Ford has continuously refined the Taurus since its introduction. It got a slight reskinning in 1992 and was totally redesigned in 1996. Quality has improved year by year. In fact in 1998 the two factories that produce the Taurus were rated among the very best in terms of Initial Quality by J. D. Power and Associates.
Many Taurus's are sold to rental car fleets which helps keep the price of pre-owned cars lower than they might otherwise be. Although only a small number of station wagons have been sold each year, it remains one of my favorite models in the Taurus range. The high-performance SHO is an even rarer beast. Overall the Taurus is an excellent choice for a mid-size sedan or wagon. Check out the almost identical Mercury Sable as well.
What You Need To Know:
1. Review of a 1993 Ford Taurus GL
2. Summary of Good and Bad Points by Owners
3. History of Taurus
4. Review of Current Model
5. Basic Facts
6. Changes Year-to-Year
7. Safety Information
8. Value Guide
9. Option Installment Rate
10. Sales History
11. Awards and Commendations Earned
12. Other Reviews
13. Recall Information
14. Price of Spare Parts
1. Pre-Owned Vehicle Review -- 1993 Ford Taurus GL
My Likes: looks, value, interior space
Dislikes: so-so steering and handling
Competitors: Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry
Miles: 71,200
Condition: B-
Price New: $18,567
Estimated Current Value: $9,000 (March 1998)
Judging by the stained carpet and overall condition, I'd have guessed this Taurus was a rental car in its previous life. On the other hand, it had an integrated cellular telephone on the floor, which indicates that perhaps it was used by a traveling salesman.
Anyway, it was not a great example of a pre-owned car. At first, I thought it was ok, but after driving it for a while, the power steering started to whine conspicuously and various rattles started to annoy me. In addition, I also found the steering to be a bit imprecise. The transmission and engine appeared to operate satisfactorily. Bodywork was in fair condition. The worst problem being a piece of door cladding that had come adrift and was catching on the back edge of the front fender when the passenger door was opened.
The cloth-covered split front bench seat was quite comfortable. I really like the dashboard on this model (it was redesigned in 1992). This particular car had the optional passenger-side air bag and automatic air conditioning. It also had electric windows and even included the unique-to-Ford keypad door lock. It was a great idea but has been superseded by remote keys, a feature also present on this car.
Despite the misgivings about this particular vehicle, I still enjoyed driving the car. It reminded me why it has been a popular car for so long. This car had the optional 3.8-liter V-6 engine. It produces approximately the same horsepower as the base 3.0-liter engine, but it delivers much more torque, which makes for a better driving car.
The spacious interior and decent-sized trunk make it an ideal car for families who want a sedan. The station wagon offers even more room, making it a smart choice for those who don't want the bulk of a minivan or SUV.
2. Summing It Up -Owners Views
Good: N/A
Bad: N/A
Verbatims: N/A
3. History of Taurus
The Ford Taurus was first introduced on December 24, 1985, as a 1986 model. It was a very significant vehicle for Ford at the time. The Taurus had a revolutionary aerodynamic shape and Ford officials were worried whether buyers would love it or shun it. It replaced the conservative and boxy LTD.
After a slow start, sales did take off, much to the relief of Ford. The public liked the aerodynamic look, even if many critics described it as a jellybean. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Ford did well as more and more companies adopted the aerodynamic look in their cars.
In 1989, Ford introduced a high-performance version of the Taurus called the SHO. A high-tech, V-6 engine from Yamaha powered it. The Taurus became the best-selling car in the U.S. in 1992, surpassing the Honda Accord. It reigned as the best-selling car in the U.S. for five years. A large number of Taurus models were sold to rental car fleets, which means there are some good bargains to be had in the pre-owned car marketplace.
The vehicle got a minor facelift in 1992. At the same time, the dashboard was revised so that it could be fitted with dual air bags.
Although the jury is still out, the major change made to the Taurus in 1996 has proven to be even more controversial than the original design a decade before. The latest version is slightly larger outside and it offers more passenger room inside but slightly less cargo room. The car's suspension has been further refined making the car even more European-like in handling and ride.
Note that the Mercury Sable is nearly identical to the Taurus.
4. Review of Current Taurus
Ford cannot be accused of producing a lookalike car with the newest version of the Taurus. Instead, it made the already sleek Taurus look even sleeker. Personally, I like the look of the new car, but there are many that think it looks too "droopy" or "wimpy". Then again, there were similar comments made in 1986.
Although the interior space is larger, headroom feels reduced because of the heavily sloping design. Apart from the unique exterior, the new Taurus has an unusual dashboard as well. It carries the ovoid design theme right through to the shape of the radio and climate control panel. It is a brave and stylish attempt to make everything "fall conveniently to hand" while driving.
In keeping with Ford's emphasis on producing solid cars that drive with a European feel, the new car has crisp steering and taught handling. The base model comes with an upgraded 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The SHO has a new 3.4-liter V-8 engine from Yamaha. It is not a lot faster than the previous SHO but it is more refined.
I enjoyed driving the new Taurus, from the base model through to the SHO. It has more character than other mainstream cars from any domestic or Japanese manufacturers. My favorite is still the station wagon.
5. Basic Facts: 1992 - 1995 Taurus
Vehicle Type: Mid-size Sedan
No. Passengers: up to six (Wagon up to eight)
Origin of Assembly: Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA
Engine: Standard: 3.0-liter 140 hp V-6
Option: 3.8-liter 140 hp V-6;
Option: 3.2-liter 220 hp DOHC V-6
Transmission: 5-spd. manual; 4-spd. automatic; front-drive
Length: 192 inches; (Wagon: 193 inches)
Wheelbase: 106 inches
Width: 71 inches
Height: 54 inches
Curb Weight: 3100 to 3300 lbs. (approx.)
Cargo Volume: 18 cu. ft.; (Wagon: 83 cu. ft.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gals.
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway): 18/26 (3.0-liter, manual); 21/30 (3.0-liter, auto); 19/28 (3.8-liter, auto); 18/26 (DOHC 3.2-liter, auto)
6. Changes in the Ford Taurus 1994 - 1999
1994 Model Year
Dual airbags added as standard.
1995 Model Year
Totally new model with different dimensions and two new engine options.
1996 Model Year
Carryover with minor changes
1997 Model Year
The Taurus SHO with a new V-8 engine is introduced at the same base price as the 1995 V-6 model.
1998 Model Year
Minor cosmetic changes and realignment of equipment packages
Second-generation driver and passenger air bags become standard equipment.
Six-passenger seating is standard and front buckets with a low-profile center console and column shift are a no-cost option in the SE.
1999 Model Year
Minor trim and equipment changes
7. Safety Notes
NHTSA Crash rating (1993 model year): Driver 4; Passenger 4 (5 is best)
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 on.
Passenger-side airbag optional from 1993. Standard from 1994 on.
Second-generation de-powered airbags from 1998 on.
8. Value Guide
Prices listed are for base models. Options can add considerably to the lowest price listed as these are usually "stripped" models. In many cases, very few vehicles are ever sold at the lowest price listed! Source: Kelley Blue Book
1993 Model Year
New: $15,600 to $24,829
1994 Model Year
New: $16,140 to $24,715
1995 Model Year
New: $17,585 to $25,140
1996 Model Year
New: $17,995 to $25,930
1997 Model Year
New: $17,995 to $26,460
1998 Model Year
New: $18,245 to $28,920
9. Option Installment Rate
Generally, when you order a new car you have a choice of factory-installed options. When you buy a pre-owned vehicle the choice is limited to what was actually installed on vehicles sold in that model year. Use this option installment rate as a guide to the chances of finding particular options on a pre-owned vehicle. Source: Ward's Automotive Yearbooks
1993 Model Year
Installment Rate
Bodystyle:
4-Door Sedan 82%
Station Wagon 18%
Engine:
3.0-liter V-6 55%
3.2-liter V-6 DOHC 5%
3.8-liter V-6 45%
Transmission:
Automatic 99%
Manual 1%
ABS Brakes: 39%
Air Conditioning 91%
Power Windows 82%
Cruise Control 92%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 5%
1994 Model Year
Installment Rate
Bodystyle:
4-Door Sedan 84%
Station Wagon 16%
Engine:
3.0-liter V-6 67%
3.2-liter V-6 DOHC 4%
3.8-liter V-6 29%
Transmission:
Automatic 99%
Manual 1%
ABS Brakes: 51%
Air Conditioning 100%
Power Windows 90%
Cruise Control 94%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 51%
1995 Model Year
Installment Rate
Bodystyle:
4-Door Sedan 87%
Station Wagon 13%
Engine:
3.0-liter V-6 78%
3.2-liter V-6 DOHC 2%
3.8-liter V-6 20%
Transmission:
Automatic 99%
ABS Brakes: 55%
Air Conditioning 100%
Power Windows 95%
Cruise Control 96%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 41%
1996 Model Year (new model)
Installment Rate
Bodystyle:
4-Door Sedan 89%
Station Wagon 11%
Engine:
3.0-liter V-6 82%
3.0-liter V-6 DOHC 17%
3.4-liter V-8 1%
Transmission:
Automatic 100%
Manual 0%
ABS Brakes: 55%
Air Conditioning 100%
Power Windows 100%
Cruise Control 96%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 25%
1997 Model Year
Installment Rate
Bodystyle:
4-Door Sedan 96%
Station Wagon 4%
Engine:
3.0-liter V-6 88%
3.0-liter V-6 DOHC 10%
3.4-liter V-8 2%
Transmission:
Automatic 100%
Manual 0%
ABS Brakes: 51%
Air Conditioning 100%
Power Windows 100%
Cruise Control 94%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 21%
10. Production/Sales Volume History
Normally, a model year runs from October to September. Often though, when a new version is introduced, it hits the market before October. Legally, a model year can start as early as January of the preceding year. Accurate model year sales counts are almost impossible to collect, as different model year vehicles are regularly sold side-by-side for several months. Production figures, when listed, include vehicles made for export to Canada, Mexico and overseas. Source: manufacturers
1994 Model Year
Production Run: Aug. 1993 through Jul. 1994
Total Number Produced: 381,336
Total No. Sold in U.S.: n/a
1995 Model Year
Production Run: Aug. 1994 through Jun. 1995
Total Number Produced: 434,868
Total No. Sold in U.S.: n/a
1996 Model Year (first year for new model)
Production Run: Jun. 1995 through Jul. 1996
Total Number Produced: 439,249
Total No. Sold in U.S.: n/a
1997 Model Year
Production Run: Aug. 1996 through Aug. 1997
Total Number Produced: 435,333
Total No. Sold in U.S.: 367,496
1998 Model Year
Production Run: Sept. 1997 through Sept. 1998
Total Number Produced: n/a
Total No. Sold in U.S.: 379,280
11. Awards and Commendations
1994
"Family Car of the Year" - Family Circle
"Best Overall Value of the Year under $20,000" Midsize/Large Wagon class (Taurus GL) - IntelliChoice
"Best Overall Value of the Year over $20,000" Midsize/Large Wagon class (Taurus LX) - IntelliChoice
"Safe Car Achievement" - Prevention Magazine
1996
"All-Stars" - Automobile
"Best Buy" - Home Mechanix
"Car of the Year" - AutoMundo
"Best Buys" - Consumers Digest
"Best of What's New" - Popular Science
"Drivers' Choice" Award (Best Domestic Car) - Motorweek TV Show
1997
"Family Car of the Year" - Family Circle
"Best Midsize/Large Wagon Value" (Taurus LX) - IntelliChoice
"Best Buy" - Money Magazine
"Best Buys" - Consumers Digest
12. Quotes
"In many ways the SHO automatic is an ideal car for the driver who likes a fast car but has to have a practical mid-sized sedan with a decent-sized trunk at a reasonable price." - John Rettie, New York Times Regional Newspaper Group Test Drive, January, 1993
"The original Taurus set the world on its ear a decade ago, and not only because it popularized "aero" styling. The car completely redefined the American family sedan, establishing a front-wheel drive, V-6 car with decent handling as the new domestic norm." - AutoWeek's 1997 Buyers Guide
"The five-door Taurus represents the best alternative to a minivan you can get, for more reasons than its curvy styling. Graceful proportions, clever packing, and decent efficiency are all strong points." - Car and Driver 1998 Buyers Guide
13. Recalls (Only major recalls listed)
ID Number: 93V106002
Component: structure: frame: members and body
Year: 1993
Year of Recall: 1993
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,110,000
Summary: The body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, may become detached due to corrosion of the subframe mount retaining plate. This would allow the rear corners of the subframe to drop. If one of the rear corners drops, only minor indications of a malfunction such as a clunking noise or slight change in steering wheel alignment are noticeable. However, if both rear corners of the subframe drop, steering becomes very difficult, which could adversely affect vehicle control and possibly result in an accident.
ID Number: 94E036000
Component: suspension: independent front shock absorber
Year: 1993 - 94
Year of Recall: 1994
Potential Number of Units Affected: 98,000
Summary: The arc welds on the sway bar bracket, where it attaches to the strut reserve tube, did not fuse properly. Over time, a portion of the bracket can tear away from the strut, falling into and puncturing the tire or causing damage to the wheel, which could result in an accident.
ID Number: 97V019000
Component: engine cooling system: fan
Year: 1993 - 95
Year of Recall: 1997
Potential Number of Units Affected: 75,200
Summary: These vehicles are registered in one of the following states: Alaska, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 Tempo/Topaz vehicles with 3.0L engines; 1994 Tempo/Topaz with 2.3L engines; 1992-1995 Taurus/Sable with 3.8L engines; 1994-1995 Taurus/Sable with 3.0L engines and 1992-1994 Lincoln Continental vehicles with 3.8L engines. During high winds, heavy, blowing and drifting snow, and low temperatures, the engine cooling fan can become blocked or frozen with snow. The fan motor may not rotate and could overheat. This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
ID Number: 97V025000
Component: fuel: throttle linkages and control
Year: 1993 - 95
Year of Recall: 1997
Potential Number of Units Affected: 212,700
Summary: Vehicles equipped with 3.8L engines and registered in one of the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Water can accumulate within the speed control cable conduit. If enough water accumulates, it could freeze within a low area of the cable routing when exposed to a long-term cold soak at temperatures at least several degrees below freezing. Driver control of vehicle speed using the speed control system or the accelerator control system would be diminished increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
ID Number: 98V009000
Component: lighting: switch: button: ring: head lights
Year: 1993 - 94
Year of Recall: 1998
Potential Number of Units Affected: 506,000
Summary: Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. The headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. The vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals. Loss of headlights during vehicle operation can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
ID Number: 96V016000
Component: brakes: hydraulic: switch: brake warning
Year: 1996
Year of Recall: 1996
Potential Number of Units Affected: 76,500
Summary: The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 105, "Hydraulic Brake Systems." Consequence of non-compliance: if the switch malfunctions, the brake system warning lamp will either remain illuminated continuously or fail to light as intended when the fluid level falls to a certain level. In either case, the vehicle operator would not be warned of a low brake fluid level condition.
ID Number: 96V086000
Component: powertrain: transmission: automatic
Year: 1996
Year of Recall: 1996
Potential Number of Units Affected: 100,000
Summary: The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and may have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft. This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the Park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
ID Number: 96V166000
Component: powertrain: transmission: automatic: indicator: lever: gear
Year: 1996
Year of Recall: 1996
Potential Number of Units Affected: 40,000
Summary: The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hand up and no engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in Park. Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
ID Number: 96V176000
Component: powertrain: transmission: automatic
Year: 1996 - 97
Year of Recall: 1996
Potential Number of Units Affected: 340,000
Summary: The automatic transmission park pawl shaft may not be free to rotate as intended. If the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever is in the Park position. This condition could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral with the shift lever in the Park position.
ID Number: 97V097000
Component: powertrain: transmission: automatic
Year: 1997
Year of Recall: 1997
Potential Number of Units Affected: 100,000
Summary: Passenger vehicles equipped with AX4S automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
14. Cost of Parts and Service (Relative to Other Vehicles)
Headlight unit: $188 (above average)
Side marker lamp: $47 (above average)
Door (left front): $657 (above average)
Fender (left front): $224 (above average)
Note: these are estimated retail prices for commonly replaced body parts on a 1995 model. Prices are current as of mid-1998 but will vary from region to region and are subject to change at any time. Source: ADP Collision
The Rettie Report and Pre-Owned Profiles contain objective information from a variety of sources. The subjective comments are those of John Rettie.
