Is the new Ford Taurus a good car?

The short answer: there is no new Ford Taurus on sale as of 2025. Ford has not released a consumer Taurus model in recent years.

Beyond that, the story is about a shifting automotive landscape. Ford stopped selling a dedicated Taurus sedan in the United States after the 2019 model year, prioritizing SUVs, crossovers, and electrified vehicles. Any talk of a “new Taurus” today generally involves used examples, fleet vehicles, or speculative rumors rather than a fresh, in-production model. This article explains the current status, what that means for buyers, and practical options if you’re shopping for a good car in 2025.

Current status and market reality

Historical context

Ford’s Taurus lineage in the U.S. stretched through various generations, with the big-frame sedan serving as the brand’s flagship passenger car for much of the 2000s and 2010s. As consumer preferences shifted toward SUVs and crossovers, Ford gradually reduced its sedan lineup, ultimately retiring the Taurus for new-car sales in 2019.

Here's a concise look at what this means for buyers today:

• There is no official new Ford Taurus model in Ford's current U.S. lineup or announced for immediate release.


• The Taurus name persists mainly in the used-car market and in some fleet applications; any “new” Taurus you encounter would be a used vehicle or an older stock unit.


• Ford now emphasizes SUVs and electric models; for a fresh-car purchase, buyers typically choose Ford SUVs (Escape, Edge, Explorer) or consider non-Ford sedans from other brands.


• If you specifically want a Taurus-like experience, you’d need to hunt for a well-maintained used unit or pivot to a different body style or brand.

Conclusion: The Taurus is not a contemporary, in-production car. For most buyers, the practical path is to consider Ford’s current SUV lineup or explore well-regarded used sedans from other manufacturers.

What to consider if you’re shopping for a good car today

If your goal is to land a solid, reliable vehicle in 2025, here are practical directions based on what matters most to you—space, budget, technology, and versatility:

• Opting for space and comfort without necessarily buying a new Taurus? Consider Ford’s current SUVs such as the Escape, Edge, or Explorer, which offer modern features, better efficiency, and longer model support.


• Interested in a sedan with modern tech and reliability? Look at well-maintained used examples of larger Ford sedans (the Taurus family from 2010–2019) if you’re set on a Taurus-like feel, but compare with reliable rivals such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord in the used market.


• Budget and ownership costs? Used large sedans can be affordable upfront but may incur higher maintenance as they age; for potentially lower upkeep and newer technology, SUVs in the compact to midsize range can be a smarter long‑term value.


• Performance considerations? If you’re drawn to a fast or sporty model, note that the Taurus SHO is an older, out-of-production variant; for current performance, explore Ford’s current performance lines or rival models that offer warranties and modern emissions/tech.

Conclusion: There is no new Taurus to buy today. Shoppers should weigh the appeal of aging used Taurus models against the benefits of modern Ford SUVs or rival-brand sedans, depending on priorities like space, fuel efficiency, warranty, and budget.

Summary

The Ford Taurus is not a contemporary offering. Ford discontinued the model for new-car sales in 2019 as it pivoted toward SUVs and electrification. If you’re seeking a good car in 2025, you’ll likely turn to Ford’s current SUV lineup or to well-regarded used sedans from various brands, including the Taurus if you specifically want that model’s size and ride characteristics—keeping in mind maintenance and age. Overall, for most buyers, modern SUVs or newer used sedans provide better value and reliability in today’s market.

How long will a Ford Taurus last?

A Ford Taurus can last for around 150,000 miles or 10 years on average, but with proper maintenance, many can exceed 200,000 or even 300,000 miles. The actual lifespan depends heavily on consistent maintenance, driving habits, and how well it's repaired over its lifetime. 

• Average lifespan: The average predicted lifespan is approximately 149,354 miles or about 10.2 years, according to iSeeCars.com. 
• Longer potential lifespan: With good care, many Taurus models can last well beyond 200,000 or 300,000 miles. 
• Maintenance is key: A history of proper maintenance is the most significant factor in achieving a long life, while poor or neglected maintenance can shorten it considerably. 
• Reliability and cost: The Taurus has a good reliability rating, and while it has average ownership costs, unscheduled repairs are less frequent than with other vehicles, indicating it's built to last, according to RepairPal. 

What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?

Top Ford Taurus Problems

• Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak.
• Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds.
• Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems.
• Camshaft Sensor Magnet may Damage Synchronizers.
• automatic lights not working.
• Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust.

How reliable is the Ford Taurus?

The Ford Taurus is generally considered reliable for a full-size sedan, with a good overall reliability rating of about 4.0 out of 5. Its annual repair costs are lower than average for its class, and unscheduled repairs are infrequent. However, reliability can vary by model year, and certain engine models have specific known issues, such as an internal water pump in the 3.5L engine, which requires a more significant repair if it fails.
 
Reliability highlights 
This video discusses the common problems in Ford Taurus sedans from 2000-2007: 51s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jan 3, 2025

• Good overall score: It is ranked 6th out of 12 full-size sedans for reliability. 
• Lower repair costs: The average annual repair cost is approximately $697$ 697$697, which is less than the average for other vehicles. 
• Fewer unscheduled repairs: Owners have to bring the vehicle in for an unscheduled repair only about 0.2 times per year, which is less frequent than the average for its class. 
• Potential for major repairs: There is only an 11% chance of major repairs, but it's important to note that some models have specific vulnerabilities. 
• Variable model year performance: Reliability can differ by model year. For instance, the 2010 model had a score of 84 out of 100, while the 2019 model scored 75. 

Potential issues to consider
This video discusses the owner's experience and feelings about their 2015 Ford Taurus SHO: 54sThe Hungry RoadYouTube · Jul 30, 2024

• Water pump on 3.5L engine: The 3.5L engine has an internal water pump, and if it fails, the repair is expensive. It is recommended to address the water pump and timing components proactively around the 80,000–100,000 mile mark. 
• Cracked windshields: This has been reported as a common problem for some models. 
• Engine problems: While generally reliable, some models may experience engine-related issues. 
• Rust: Some models are known to have poor rust-proofing, particularly around the floorboards. 

Why did Ford discontinue the Taurus?

Ford discontinued the Taurus primarily due to declining consumer demand for sedans in North America and a company-wide strategic shift to focus on more profitable trucks and SUVs. Factors like a polarizing 1990s redesign, declining sales compared to rivals like the Camry and Accord, and the high cost of developing new sedan models in an evolving market also contributed to its downfall. The final U.S. Taurus was built in March 2019.
 
Key reasons for discontinuation

• Shifting consumer demand: The automotive market saw a major shift away from sedans and towards SUVs and trucks, which consumers increasingly preferred for their versatility and space. 
• Strategic business decision: Ford made a strategic decision to cut costs and increase profits by phasing out sedans to focus resources on its more popular and profitable truck and SUV lineup. 
• Declining sales and market share: While initially a best-seller, the Taurus's sales and market share declined significantly over the years, especially when compared to Japanese competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which continued to be updated and improved. 
• Controversial redesigns: A radical and polarizing redesign in the mid-1990s alienated many loyal customers and is often cited as a key factor in the beginning of the Taurus's sales slump. 
• Focus on future growth: The company decided not to invest in future generations of the Taurus for the North American market, instead channeling its efforts into popular vehicles and future technologies like electric and hybrid vehicles.