Ford ->ke31 unveiled the Taurus nomenclature for the first time in 1985 and kept the model into production for almost two decades, making the sedan the second oldest nameplate it offered on the North American market. Because of dwindling sales, Ford pulled the Taurus ->ke2299 from its retail showrooms in the 2007 model year, leaving it just as a fleet vehicle. In the 2008 model year, the Taurus returned as the re-badged and restyled Ford Five Hundred.

However, Ford understood that bringing back the name won't help much if its neglected the model as much as it did just before its initial demise. Having learned from its mistakes, Ford unveiled the sixth-generation Taurus with an all-new look that was revolutionary for the era.

This new generation brought a completely new look, completely transforming the face of the Taurus and, of course, customers' opinions about it. In 2013 Taurus received a facelift that made it even more attractive and kept it looking relatively fresh.

For the 2014 model year, Taurus is offered in three trim levels -- SE, SEL and Limited -- with prices starting from $27,495.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ford Taurus.

ford-taurus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-taurus
Pros
Cons

2014 Ford Taurus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Ford Taurus
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 5500
  • Torque: 270 @ 3000
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The sixth-generation Ford Taurus retains the same general look it has since it was revealed in 2010. Still, starting with the 2013 model year, Ford opted for restyled headlamps, a new trapezoidal grille, a new front bumper and modified taillights that now come with larger LED lights. These changes will carry over into the 2014 model year.

Standard Exterior Features

Ford Taurus SE

-Body-Color Door Handles

-Chrome-Tipped Dual Exhaust

-Glass – Laminated side security, solar-tinted

-Folding, power mirrors, integrated blind spot mirrors, black accented

-Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Taillamps

Ford Taurus SEL

- All SE features, plus:

- SecuriCode Invisible Keyless Entry Keypad

- Rear Spoiler

Ford Taurus Limited

- All SEL features, plus:

- Mirrors – Power, heated, integrated blind spot mirrors with security approach lamps and memory, chrome-accented mirror caps

- Supplemental parking lamps

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

112.9 Inches

Length

202.9 Inches

Width including mirrors/excluding mirrors

85.7 / 76.2 Inches

Height without options

60.7 Inches

Track, front/rear

65.3/65.5 Inches


Interior

In 2013, Taurus received no updates for the interior, but the 2014 model ushers in an array of new technology, including SYNC with MyFord Touch replacing many traditional buttons, knobs and gauges. This new system features a series of LCD screens that can be personalized to display information relevant to each driver by using voice command.

Standard Interior Features

Ford Taurus SE

- Front center floor console with armrest, storage bin and removable trinket tray

- Handles - Front and rear grab (three total)

- Lamps – Rear seat reading, front dome and map lamps

- Locks - Power door locks with auto lock

- MyKey

- AM/FM stereo with single CD player with clock & MP3 capability

- MyFord

- Six-way power driver's seat – with manual recline and lumbar

Ford Taurus SEL

- All SE features, plus:

- Outside Temperature Display

- Shift knob - leather-wrapped with chrome insert

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel, manual tilt/telescopic with speed and secondary audio controls

Ford Taurus Limited

- All SEL features, plus:

- Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control

- Ambient Lighting

- Appliqué - Woodgrain trim interior

- Front center floor console with armrest, covered storage, removable trinket tray and cupholders

- Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel, power tilt/telescopic with speed and secondary audio controls

Ford Taurus SE

Ford Taurus SEL

5

Ford Taurus Limited

39.0 Inches

Interior Dimensions

41.9 Inches

Seating capacity

57.9 Inches

First row headroom

56.3 Inches

First row legroom

37.8 Inches

First row shoulder room

38.1 Inches

First row hip room

56.9 Inches

Second row headroom

55.8 Inches


Drivetrain

For the 2014 model year, Ford is offering the Taurus with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter EcoBoost and a 3.5 liter V-6, both updated to deliver an increased fuel economy.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine makes use of a turbocharger to deliver a total of 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Despite delivering V-6-like output, this EcoBoost engine delivers a fuel economy of 32 mpg highway.

The second engine is the 3.5-liter, V-6 version.It receives twin independent variable camshaft timing that helps it deliver improved fuel economy, increased power and a reduction in part-throttle emissions. This engine delivers a total of 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, while delivering a fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway highway.

Type

3.5-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V6

2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost I-4

Manufacturing location

Lima Engine Plant, Lima, Ohio

Valencia Engine Plant, Valencia, Spain

Configuration

Aluminum block and head

Aluminum block and head

Horsepower

288 @ 6,500 rpm

240 @ 5,500 rpm

Torque

254 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm

Layout

Front-wheel or all-wheel drive

Front-wheel drive

Transmission

Six-speed SelectShift® automatic, 6F50

Six-speed SelectShift automatic, 6F35


Prices

Model

Price

Ford Taurus SE

$27,495

Ford Taurus SEL

$29,795

Ford Taurus Limited

$34,995


Competition

Chevrolet Malibu

Unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, the eight-generation Malibu arrived a little bit too late to be able to really give the Taurus a run for its money last year. Heading into 2014, however, the Taurus needs to take a look over its shoulder for the revised Malibu to overtake it.

The Malibu is offered with a choice of three engines. The base engines an all-new, Ecotec 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that delivers a total of 197 horsepower. Next in line it the Ecotec, 2.0-liter, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 259 horsepower.LAstly is the Ecotec 2.4-liter engine that delivers a total of 182 horsepower and will see use only in the Eco version.

Hyundai Sonata

Until a few years ago, Hyundai wasn't considered a serious competitor. Things have changed lately, and the Sonata is now one of the top cars in the segment.

The model is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque -- 200 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque with dual exhaust -- and a fuel economy of 35 mpg on highway driving.

Conclusion

Ford Taurus was once a model quite criticized for its ugly face, but things changed once the new generation generation arrived. However, the model is starting to show its age once again, and we think it is about due for another overhaul. ?Since the facelift happened just last year, we expect to see a revision sometime in two or three years. Until then, we think the current Taurus will remain competitive, particularly its SHO variant...