Ford Taurus

Name: 2004 Ford Taurus
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Ford's Taurus is a roomy and comfortable sedan. But at this point, the car was showing its age, as the design had been around since 1996. Handling isn't particularly nimble, the turning circle is wide, braking is unimpressive and while noise levels are tolerable, it was louder than some competing models.

2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2004 Large cars Ratings

2004 Ford Taurus

$2,900 - $3,150

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Impala

$3,275 - $4,150

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Ford Crown Victoria

$3,100 - $4,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai XG350

$2,925 - $3,250

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Amanti

$3,100

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis

$3,700 - $6,400

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mercury Sable

$2,925 - $3,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Maxima

$3,175 - $3,350

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac Bonneville

$3,400 - $4,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Avalon

$4,675 - $4,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

3 front, 3 rear, 2 third

Front

3-liter V6 (201 hp)
3-liter V6 (153 hp)
3-liter V6 (200 hp)

4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The 2013 freshening brought variable cam timing to the 3.5-liter V6 for improved performance and better fuel economy. An optional 240-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is offered as well. On the safety front, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, Active Park Assist and backup sensors are all available. Still though, while we appreciate the quiet interior and comfortable ride, cramped interior accommodations and poor outward visibility continue to plague Ford's family sedan. The higher-performance SHO model has standard all-wheel drive, and its 365-hp, turbocharged V6 makes it quick, but it isn't an engaging car to drive.

2010-2012

2010 Redesign Year

The car's basic platform was reworked for 2010, but the attempt to make Taurus more stylish and upscale in feel and appearance doesn't quite translate. While interior quality and curb appeal are improved, practicality takes a nosedive, with a cramped interior and poor driver visibility. Some of this could be forgiven if the Taurus was rewarding to drive, but that's not the case either. It feels like a big car and comes up short on agility. While the cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth, this version of the Taurus is outdated and outclassed. As a result, the model's overall test score is below our threshold for recommendation.

2008-2009

2008 Redesign Year

After a hiatus during which it was known as the Five Hundred, the Taurus returned to the marketplace for model year 2008. A new engine makes this revised Taurus quicker and more responsive, but fuel economy took a hit. Still, all of the attributes that made the car beloved in the first place return, including its comfortable ride, ample interior room, easy access and huge trunk. Optional power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers maintain a comfortable and safe distance from the steering wheel's airbag. Crash test results are quite impressive.

2000-2007

2000 Redesign Year

The style freshening for 2000 added needed safety equipment, including side airbags. The ride is firm, and cornering is sound -- but not agile. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet with adequate storage. Control layout is improved over that of the previous version of the car and the rear seatback can be folded to increase cargo capacity. The Taurus wagon is one of the few inexpensive seven-passenger vehicles of its time. On the downside, the turning circle is wide and braking is unimpressive. This version of the car also lacks rear-seat head restraints.