Is a Ford Taurus worth buying?
The Ford Taurus is no longer sold new in the United States, so any purchase today would be a used-car decision. It can be worth considering if you value a spacious, comfortable ride and can find a well-maintained example at a fair price; otherwise, there are newer, more efficient options that may offer better long-term dependability and technology.
In the U.S., Ford discontinued the Taurus as a new-car offering after the 2019 model year. The Taurus name, and its long history as a full-size sedan, live on primarily on the used-car market, with a range of model years and configurations—from economical V6 models to the high-performance Taurus SHO. Buyers abroad may see different market dynamics, but this article focuses on the U.S. context and general used-car considerations for 2025.
Current market status
As of 2025, Ford does not market the Taurus as a new vehicle in the United States. The cars you’ll find are used examples spanning roughly a decade or more, with prices that vary based on year, mileage, condition, and trim. The Taurus historically offered a spacious interior, smooth ride, and a choice of engines, including the performance-oriented SHO variant. For buyers, the lack of a new model means evaluating risk, maintenance costs, and total ownership against modern alternatives.
Pros and advantages
Pros are the practical appeal that draws most Taurus buyers: space, comfort, and often a lower purchase price on the used market compared with newer sedans.
- Generous interior and trunk space, making it a strong value for families or frequent travelers.
- Comfortable ride quality with ample highway cruising ability, especially on higher trims.
- Range of engine choices, including the performance-focused SHO variant for enthusiasts.
- Typically lower initial purchase price on the used market relative to newer full-size sedans.
- Extensive dealer and aftermarket support due to its long production history.
For buyers who prioritize interior room, a relaxed ride, and budget-friendly upfront costs, the Taurus often stands out among older full-size sedans.
Cons and drawbacks
There are notable caveats to consider before committing to a Taurus, especially as a used buy.
- Age and technology gaps relative to modern safety systems, infotainment, and driver-assistance features.
- Potential reliability concerns tied to older transmissions, suspensions, and electrical components common on aging hardware.
- Maintenance and parts costs can rise with age, and some components may be harder to source for very high-mileage examples.
- Average fuel economy, while reasonable for a full-size sedan, lags behind many contemporary midsize and compact rivals.
- Resale value tends to drop as performance variants age and the model line dwindles in popularity.
In short, the Taurus can be a good value if you find a well-maintained example at a modest price, but you should budget for potential maintenance and technology gaps compared with newer vehicles.
What to look for when shopping for a used Taurus
To maximize your chances of a solid purchase, focus on maintenance history, the condition of key systems, and any model-year specific concerns.
- Check the service history for major maintenance items, including transmission service, steering and suspension wear, and timing components where applicable.
- Test drive to assess transmission smoothness, braking feel, and steering response; listen for unusual noises from the engine or suspension.
- Inspect the electrical system and infotainment setup for reliability, including climate controls, radio, backup camera, and power accessories.
- Look for signs of oil leaks, coolant leaks, or excessive oil consumption, which can indicate engine wear on older units.
- Verify recall repairs and ensure all open campaigns have been completed; check for any TSBs (technical service bulletins) affecting the specific year/model.
- Inspect the condition of tires, brakes, and exhaust system, which can reflect driving history and prior maintenance.
With careful scrutiny and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, a Taurus with solid maintenance records can deliver dependable service at a lower cost than many newer sedans.
Alternatives to the Taurus for similar value
If you’re after a modern, reliable large sedan with up-to-date safety tech and reasonable ownership costs, consider these alternatives in the used-market space:
- Toyota Avalon – known for reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale value.
- Chevrolet Impala (late-model used) – comfortable ride and generous room, with a typically lower market price.
- Chrysler 300 (modern iterations) – similar size and comfort with available V6 or V8 power, depending on year.
- Buick LaCrosse or Hyundai Azera (older generations) – comfortable, well-equipped, and often good value on the used market.
These options offer more contemporary safety features, better fuel economy, and modern infotainment compared with older Taurus models, making them safer bets for buyers who want long-term ownership with fewer surprises.
Model-year guidance and ownership strategy
If you decide to pursue a Taurus, prioritize later-model used examples that benefited from updated electronics and safety equipment. Be prepared for the possibility of higher maintenance costs associated with aging components, and consider budgeting for potential repairs beyond routine service. For many buyers, comparing a well-priced Taurus against a similarly priced, newer used sedan with current safety tech will help inform a more confident decision.
Summary
The Ford Taurus can be worth buying for buyers who value interior space, a comfortable ride, and a strong used-car value, provided they locate a well-maintained example at a fair price and are comfortable with older technology. However, it is not a current-model offering in the U.S., and reliability, tech, and ownership costs can lag behind newer sedans. If you want the advantages of a large, easy-to-live-with car without the trade-offs, consider modern used alternatives and use the Taurus as a careful, value-driven option only after a thorough inspection and price check.
