2005 Ford Taurus User Reviews

Pros

Extremely quiet and comfortable; handles well

Cons

Factory carpeting could be better quality for an SEL

Purchased As Used

With 85,000 miles, I get about 18mpg city and 25mpg highway, and runs great with regular gas. The cruise control has a number of nice features. It has a very smooth ride and handles very well. It has third row seatsy with the center arm rests tucked away. It has leather seats and a great stereo radio.

The aluminum wheels clean up nicely in any car wash. The ABS brakes work efficiently, and stop very effectively. I have a moon roof, and it works great and seals perfectly.

It has the capability to fold down the rear seats to permit my very long fishing poles to extend through the trunk. I just love this feature, because I can put all kinds of long items in my trunk that normally require an SUV or a wagon. The trunk is huge, is illuminated and has a cargo net.

It has an automatic dimming rearview mirror, and electric 6-way driver's seat. The outside mirrors have defrosters and both sides are electronically adjustable. They even include puddle lights that light when the car doors are open. It has an antitheft ignition that cannot be jumped, because it uses a "smart" key. It has remote trunk operation and remote single door or all-door operation. It has electronic child safety locks. The driver's window has an optional one-click roll-down. The paint still looks brand new.

The only mechanical work that I have had to do in over 20,000 miles of ownership is to replace the tensioner and belt. That's it!

I installed upgraded floor mats, because I don't care for the factory carpeting. The headliner material could be better as well, but it's okay. It does have a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

It's a good value for the money. I think it's the best value in class myself.

I'm looking at the 2013 models....read morehide

Purchased As Used

MotorMax is ripping off people they are trying to sale one of these for 9,900. well over the book valve by at lease 3300 dollars

Pros

Very good on gas, interior is roomy

Cons

Scary to drive in the snow, unattractive car, no cd player!

Purchased As Used

When I first got my 2005 taurus, I was ok with it. I didn't have a lot of money at the time, and I was just looking for something reliable at the time. I could get past it looking like a grandma car, but not past every time it decided to spin out. I've had to skip work because this car is so unreliable in the snow, even with all-weather tires. It's most likely because of it's long body. I traded it for my new mazda for this very reason. I don't feel safe when I'm driving it! I live in Nevada, so I can't imagine what it would be like to have this car in somewhere even snowier....read morehide

Pros

Can seat seven comfortably with the jump seat in the trunk. Handles like a sports car.

Cons

That Ford EVER stopped making this fantastic vehicle!

Purchased As Used

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this car! I would so like to buy a newer model since I have over 125,000 miles on mine. I still get good gas mileage and it's affordable to maintain. I can not think of ever owning another car. I am a big fan of station wagons especially the Ford Taurus OH cam V6 that looks and handles like a sports car and can be parked in a compact spot. I have four kids and we can travel all together comfortably with the back trunk seat. My kids have to take turns on who gets to sit in the back. I believe FORD should reissue this car to replace all the gas guzzling SUV's that you can not park in any city. I truly would like to buy a new one!...read morehide

Pros

25 mpg, VERY comfortable, excellent handling, solid car, extreamly spacious, smart looking

Cons

none

I bought my 1996 Taurus wagon new and still have it. I have over 130K miles and still running strong and solid, no shimmys, shakes, rattles, roles or smoke. Still goes dead streight hands free, even though in a serious accident over a year ago. They wanted to total it but I would not let them. Cosmetic damage only, other was a truck that spun out and roled over me at 60mph. No injures. Only maintenance, oil, lube, and tires, serpintine belt & tensioner. Looks new. Will keep it until it dies, which looks like a long time away (I hope). Not for sale!...read morehide

Pros

Ride, handling, comfort, performance, reliability.Parts availiability & low cost.

Cons

Transmission shift occasionally a bit rough..

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus GL purchased end of 2005 at out of state auction. Mileage purchased about 165,000. Vehicle purchased as a first vehicle for my 17yr. old teenager. I attended the auction with purpose of purchasing a newer and more expensive vehicle, however thought i'd take a chance with purchase of the Taurus since the price was much lower. Purchased verhice at the auction, drove non-stop back from Chicago to Atlanta, without having test driven. Parked vehicle and didn't do close inspection till next morning. No drips or leaks underneath, ice cold AC, all buttons lights switches and electrical working. Excellent performance on the road, lots of power and good economy (25-27mpg). Effortless h'way cruising. Have only had to do routine maintainance, as well as the 100K or over 100K mile mtc., spark plugs (upgrade to platinum),plug wires, flush & fill radiator & transmission (new t'mission filter too), all the other fluids too. This car has the 3.0L 12v (pushrod) V-6, a very strong stout motor. Is a truck based motor, strong low end pull. 'Net search says these motors turn 100-200,000 + miles easily. Be sure to change oil & filter every 3,000 miles or use a Synthetic blend oil as i do. *I've researched on other sites and find that occasional jerky or hesitant transmission shifts can be a common complaint on these cars (mid late 90's models particular). Mine occasionally has a bit lf slip & jerk with a 3rd-2nd or 2nd-1st downshift or upshift, i recommend change of transmission fluid and filter to hep with this. ALSO, highly recomment the use of Lucas Oil Products Transmission Additve! I'd recommend doing the transmission fluid & filter service maybe every 2-3yrs. I grew up in a Ford household back when my dad purchased nothing But Fords back in the Bad old days of Fords! Grew up not being able to stand a Ford, made me a GM guy!! After purchasing my Taurus 9yrs old used with 165,000 miles on it, i'm pleased and impressed enough with it that i can say i'll always have a Taurus as one of my vehicles from now on. I work across the runway from the Ford Taurus Hapeville plant, am sorry to hear it's closing this Oct. '06. They're still making the '06 models there as we speak, lined up row after row all pretty and shiny new! If you can afford new, good for you. Best bet is to get one of these 2-3 years old or older... Think you'll enjoy owning one, good luck to you....read morehide

Pros

Ride, handling, comfort, performance, reliability.Parts availiability & low cost.

Cons

Transmission shift occasionally a bit rough..

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus GL purchased end of 2005 at out of state auction. Mileage purchased about 165,000. Vehicle purchased as a first vehicle for my 17yr. old teenager. I attended the auction with purpose of purchasing a newer and more expensive vehicle, however thought i'd take a chance with purchase of the Taurus since the price was much lower. Purchased verhice at the auction, drove non-stop back from Chicago to Atlanta, without having test driven. Parked vehicle and didn't do close inspection till next morning. No drips or leaks underneath, ice cold AC, all buttons lights switches and electrical working. Excellent performance on the road, lots of power and good economy (25-27mpg). Effortless h'way cruising. Have only had to do routine maintainance, as well as the 100K or over 100K mile mtc., spark plugs (upgrade to platinum),plug wires, flush & fill radiator & transmission (new t'mission filter too), all the other fluids too. This car has the 3.0L 12v (pushrod) V-6, a very strong stout motor. Is a truck based motor, strong low end pull. 'Net search says these motors turn 100-200,000 + miles easily. Be sure to change oil & filter every 3,000 miles or use a Synthetic blend oil as i do. *I've researched on other sites and find that occasional jerky or hesitant transmission shifts can be a common complaint on these cars (mid late 90's models particular). Mine occasionally has a bit lf slip & jerk with a 3rd-2nd or 2nd-1st downshift or upshift, i recommend change of transmission fluid and filter to hep with this. ALSO, highly recomment the use of Lucas Oil Products Transmission Additve! I'd recommend doing the transmission fluid & filter service maybe every 2-3yrs. I grew up in a Ford household back when my dad purchased nothing But Fords back in the Bad old days of Fords! Grew up not being able to stand a Ford, made me a GM guy!! After purchasing my Taurus 9yrs old used with 165,000 miles on it, i'm pleased and impressed enough with it that i can say i'll always have a Taurus as one of my vehicles from now on. I work across the runway from the Ford Taurus Hapeville plant, am sorry to hear it's closing this Oct. '06. They're still making the '06 models there as we speak, lined up row after row all pretty and shiny new! If you can afford new, good for you. Best bet is to get one of these 2-3 years old or older... Think you'll enjoy owning one, good luck to you....read morehide

Pros

fuel economy is only about 18.5mpg since I,ve owned it. this number includes highway miles .

Would not recommend to anyone.Hard getting in and out of. Misinformed on mileage, was led to believe would get 20-26city-highway.I drive almost 2-1 highway-city.

Pros

Everything - We love our 2005 SE Sedan

Cons

Side mirrors could be bigger

We love our 2005 Taurus SE sedan. The day we picked it up from the dealer we left on a trip. The first week we had it we put 2000 miles on it. Have had no problems and love all the room that we have. I have long legs and can sit in the back seat with the front seat all the way back, and my knees still don't touch the back of the front seat. Love this car!!!!...read morehide

Pros

Affordable price, fuel economy, back seat comfortible

Cons

drives seat not real comfortible on long trips

I recently purchased a 2005 Ford Taurus after owning a 1996 Ford Taurus Wagon for 7 years. I never put any money into the 1996 except for tires, oil changes and brakes after 86,000 miles. The 2005 Taurus is a four door sedan. Looks good, but not real flashy. Maybe some trim would help. The gas mileage is just average at about 21 mpg around town while the 1996 got 24 mpg around town. The 2005 seats four adults very comfortibly but the drivers seat is a bit uncomfortible on a long trim for a guy that is 6'2". It was still the best priced in it's class. The trade on the 1996 with 86,000 miles was $3800.00. This is not bad considering I paid $7,995.00 for it six years ago....read morehide