EDMUNDS.COM 2005 FORD TAURUS
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
No longer a top contender in the midsize car segment, the Taurus is still a decent buy if a low initial price is more important to you than overall refinement and resale value.
Pros
Low price, roomy interior, good crash test scores, available as a sedan or a wagon.
Cons
Low-grade interior materials, poor expected resale value, doesn''t ride, handle or stop as well as top competitors.
What''s New for 2005
The Taurus receives a few changes this year, most in the name of simplification. Trim levels have been pared down to just SE and SEL, last year''s huge array of packages has been consolidated and a comprehensive wood trim package is now standard on the SEL. Later in the model year, a tire-pressure monitor system will become standard on all models with alloy wheels.
Overview
Introduction:
For almost two decades now, the Taurus, along with its corporate twin, the Mercury Sable, has been the Yankee entry in the midsize car sales war. Each year, the Taurus jumps into the ring to duke it out with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The goal? To earn that prestigious title of "best-selling car in America." But even with substantial fleet and rental sales numbers to prop up the figures, it hasn''t won a match since the mid-1990s. It does have advantages, however. It''s roomy, safe and loaded with features for the price. It is also frequently discounted through rebates and dealer incentives. The downsides include poor expected resale value and spotty build quality compared to top import choices like the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat. Moreover, these cars hold a considerable advantage when it comes to actual driving dynamics -- all have quieter engines, smoother shifting transmissions, stronger brakes and tighter handling. However, Ford''s family sedan and wagon are still decent values for shoppers on a strict budget who aren''t as concerned about refinement and resale value.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Taurus comes in two trim levels, SE and SEL, and two body styles, sedan and wagon. Standard items on the SE include remote keyless entry; air conditioning; cassette stereo; power locks, windows, and mirrors; cruise control; a trip computer; and a front bench seat (allowing the car to seat up to six). Move up to SEL trim and you get all of these items standard, along with a keyless entry keypad on the driver-side door, body-color rearview mirrors with approach lamps, alloy wheels, perimeter alarm system and a stereo with CD player. Additional SEL features include a power driver seat, wood trim accents and front bucket seats with a center console and floor shifter. SE models can be upgraded with a Preferred Equipment package that includes alloy wheels, rear spoiler and power driver seat. The SEL has an available Premium package with a six-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, leather seating, rear spoiler, power passenger seat and auto headlamps.
Powertrains and Performance:
There are two V6 engines offered: the 3.0-liter "Vulcan" and the 3.0-liter "Duratec." The main difference between the two is the cylinder heads; the base Vulcan has two valves per cylinder, while the Duratec has four. It''s rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, while the Vulcan makes just 153 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Expect to average 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with either engine.
Safety:
A new optional Safety/Security package bundles side airbags, antilock brakes and traction control into one group. Notably, only wagons are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes; all sedans have rear drums. The Taurus earned a perfect five-star rating in NHTSA frontal crash testing and three stars in side-impact tests. In 40-mph frontal offset testing conducted by the IIHS, the Taurus has earned a "Good" rating and was named a "Best Pick" among family cars.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Taurus cabins have a dated look and feel, but most controls are easy to find and use. The broad, flat seats aren''t especially supportive but can accommodate occupants of all sizes. Carrying six passengers is a legitimate prospect if your Taurus has the front bench seat. The front bench seat also includes a flip/fold center compartment with cupholders and storage cubbies. The sedan has a spacious 17-cubic-foot trunk. The wagon''s optional rear-facing third-row seat can be used to carry two additional children. When it''s not in use, you''ll have 38.8 cubic feet of luggage space.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Both engines are noisier than most competing V6s, but the Duratec at least offers strong acceleration. The automatic transmission gets the job done but is slow to downshift. Ride quality is generally comfortable, but can be harsh over bumps and ruts. Braking distances are longer than those of most peers, and neither the suspension nor the steering is suited for brisk driving around corners.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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