12 Ford Taurus Owners Reveal the Real Downsides of This American Sedan
When considering the Ford Taurus, potential buyers often wonder about its real-world performance beyond the glossy brochures. We’ve gathered honest feedback from twelve actual Taurus owners to give you the unvarnished truth about this popular American sedan.
Common Mechanical Concerns
Several owners reported issues with braking vibrations at highway speeds. One owner described experiencing unsettling vibrations when applying moderate brake pressure at 100 km/h, creating a sensation similar to driving over gravel or speed bumps. While this doesn’t occur when brakes aren’t engaged, it remains a concerning phenomenon for some drivers.
Transmission performance also drew mixed reviews. Multiple owners noted noticeable jerky transitions between neutral and drive gears, with some describing it as “quite pronounced though tolerable.” The consensus suggests that while not a deal-breaker, the transmission refinement could be improved.
Build Quality and Materials
The Taurus’s paint quality emerged as a recurring theme among critics. Owners consistently described the paint as thin and susceptible to damage, with some noting that even the gear shift damping plate’s finish scratches easily. This suggests potential cost-cutting in areas that affect long-term appearance preservation.
Electrical components also showed some reliability concerns. One owner experienced unexplained malfunctions with power windows that mysteriously resolved themselves, while others reported intermittent warning lights appearing on the dashboard without clear causes.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Driver comfort proved particularly problematic for multiple owners. Despite generously sized seats, several described them as insufficiently supportive for long drives, with one owner specifically mentioning they “don’t meet ergonomic requirements” and cause back discomfort during extended periods behind the wheel.
The rearview mirror configuration also drew criticism. One observant owner noted that the folding angles differ between left and right mirrors, and the passenger-side mirror lacks the anti-glare feature present on the driver’s side—an odd omission given the minimal cost difference.
Fuel Efficiency Realities
Fuel consumption emerged as a significant concern, with most owners reporting substantial differences between advertised and actual mileage. While the official combined cycle rating stands at 7.9L/100km, real-world urban driving typically consumes around 10.5L/100km. Highway efficiency meets expectations, but city driving proves noticeably thirstier than promised.
Technology and Storage Shortcomings
Interior design received mixed reviews, with some owners describing it as functional but uninspired. The center console storage particularly drew criticism for lacking thoughtful organization, while the overall technological presentation felt dated compared to some competitors.
Night driving visibility also concerned some owners, with one mentioning that poor nighttime visibility combined with astigmatism creates challenging driving conditions that could be improved with better lighting systems.
The Bottom Line
Despite these criticisms, most owners acknowledged that no vehicle is perfect and many expressed overall satisfaction with their Taurus. The common thread among complaints suggests areas where Ford could improve refinement rather than fundamental flaws. For prospective buyers, these real-world insights provide valuable perspective beyond specification sheets—highlighting that while the Taurus delivers solid performance, it does so with some compromises in comfort, efficiency, and attention to detail that discerning drivers should consider carefully before purchasing.
