Ford Motor Company has become synonymous with dependability. Made in America, it has developed a reputation that runs deep in the country’s history. There is an emotional connection between Americans and their Fords. And for good reason. America’s sweetheart automaker has had quite a few knockouts over the years, many of which have lived up to the company’s former slogan, “Built to Last.”
Since it originally rolled off the assembly lines in 1986, there have been six generations of Ford’s iconic Taurus. Three decades of refinement and innovation have not only made the Taurus one of Ford’s all-time best sellers, but a pinnacle of American automotive engineering.
With the most recent generation having made its debut in 2010, any used Ford Taurus in decent condition you find on the market is likely to fall into this generation. This is great news for used car shoppers because it means that you’re more likely to find a used Ford Taurus that has many of the upgrades you would find in one that just rolled off the assembly line yesterday.
Available in three trim levels, SE, SEL, and Limited, the Taurus offers premium features usually only found in luxury sedans. In 2010, the Taurus received a total redesign and gained a host of new features, including all-wheel drive, cross traffic alert, collision warning, blindspot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
The Taurus also got an upgrade under the hood, with a brand new 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 engine that produced a whopping 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine can be paired with one of two transmission options, the standard six speed automatic or the optional racing inspired transmission that comes complete with paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
Because the Ford Taurus got a complete redesign for the 2010 model year, there are no significant changes to the vehicle for the 2011 model year. That means that you get the same power from the 3.5-liter, 263 horsepower V6 or the optional 3.5-liter, 365 horsepower, twin turbo EcoBoost V6. Like the previous model year, these engines are mated to a SelectShift six speed automatic transmission The goods under the hood ensure that you’ll see somewhere around 18/28 MPG in the city and on the highway. Choosing a 2011 Ford Taurus means you’re getting all the performance and comfort of the Ford Taurus redesign, only slightly newer.
Enjoy Ford Taurus’s luxurious features at a value price. Some of the major features the Taurus delivers is dual-zone climate control, Ford Sync with TravelLink, heated massaging seats, adaptive cruise control, a Blind Spot Information System, HID headlamps, and finely tuned suspension.
After undergoing a complete and total redesign in 2010, 2012 didn’t see a whole lot of major changes for the Ford Taurus, either.
Ford did revive the SHO trim level; however, to bring its loyal customers increased performance and power. The SHO comes with the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine under the hood that produces a whopping 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This baby is paired with six speed automatic transmission complete with paddle activation, just like your favorite racing vehicles. Although packing a powerful punch, the SHO doesn’t skimp on fuel economy; mileage is an EPA estimated 17/26.
Enjoy a taste of luxury and style along with the goods under the hood. Special premium features include 20 inch wheels, twin chrome exhaust tips, a navigation system with satellite radio, keyless start, a rear view camera, ambient lighting, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, climate-controlled front seats, and an HD radio. You’ll be driving in style if you can find one of these babies used.
Plus, the SHO trim isn’t lacking in advanced safety features. The driver assist technologies and advanced features include adaptive cruise control, collision warning with automatic braking, a blindspot information system with cross traffic alert, front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, overhead airbags, anti-lock brakes, and increased stability control.
The 2013 model year saw a refresh for the Ford Taurus, including new front and slightly updated rear fascia, LED tails lamps, and new wheel options. There was also a new engine option for select trim levels. All models, however, received upgrades to their steering and braking systems, which greatly improved drivability.
The first major change under the hood comes in the form of a new engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder. This engine promised to greatly improve the Taurus’s fuel economy, saving drivers money at the pump.
Additionally, the standard 3.5-liter V6 received a makeover to get you more power without sacrificing on fuel economy.
The racing inspired SHO trim now has an optional Performance Package that offers 20 inch wheels, bigger brakes, an improved cooling system, and a shorter final drive ratio to get increased acceleration. Finding one of these trims used is like striking gold.
There are no significant changes to power or performance for this model year. In fact, the only noteworthy changes for the 2014 model year affect only the Limited and SHO trims. For these trims, keyless start and heated and cooled front seats are now standard. Additionally, these trims also have an available lane departure warning system.
2015 brings a set of cosmetic changes for the Ford Taurus, along with updates in the safety and infotainment systems.
Three new exterior colors are now available for the Ford Taurus: Bronze Fire Metallic, Magnetic Metallic, and Caribou Metallic replace Sunset Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Kodiak Brown Metallic.
Newly standard on the base SE model is a rearview camera system and Sync with MyFord. Likewise, on the SEL model, the Reverse Sensing System is now standard. Standard on the Limited are power adjustable pedals with memory settings.
Optional features on the 2015 SEL trim are keyless start and access. Likewise, a power moonroof becomes an option for the Limited trim.
Now, 20 inch wheels are standard on the SHO trim and the 19 inch wheels were discontinued.
No significant changes were made in the 2016 model year. That means you can enjoy all of the performance, safety, and infotainment features the 2015 Ford Taurus had to offer.
The base trim for the 2017 Ford Taurus has an abundance of features to bring you ample luxury at an affordable price. The base model comes equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, automated headlamps, power front seating, a 60/40 split with folding rear seats, Bluetooth and USB integration, and a 4.2 inch display.
The upper trim levels come with even more premium features. Get equipment like LED headlamps, upgraded fascia, a premium audio system with HD and satellite radio, remote start, an 8 inch touchscreen display, rear climate control vents, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear spoiler, a collision mitigation system, larger wheels, a sunroof, an automated parking system, leather upholstery, and an advanced GPS.