Used 2005 Ford Taurus Consumer Reviews
great car
owned this car 5 year bought with 8k miles now 68k never let me down i only put brakes and a battery in this car it runs great and still looks good anther great ford
Steady as she goes . . .
I bought my '05 Taurus in Feb. '07 - and it's now Nov. 2023, yep, I've been driving it for nearly 17 years! I'm on my 3rd set of tires, 3rd battery, 3rd rear struts, 3rd serpentine belt, 2nd set of brakes, 2nd starter, changed tranny fluid once. The cruise control cable popped out of its socket causing the throttle to stick, a tie-wrap fixed that issue; radiator leaks a bit - top it up (cheaper & less hassle than replacing) ; replace bulbs - and that's about it. I wash periodically & wax every year - minimal rust, garage parked. Synthetic oil & it starts at -40C (though it doesn't like it!)
2005 SE Wagon
It drives well, tracks down the road very confidently, and has a good steering centering ability. Car feels solid and secure. The car is quiet at highway speeds. There are many features that come standard on this model: keyless entry, strut hood supports, 16 inch wheels/tires, liftgate opening glass, rear window wiper/washer, roof rack, 50/50 split folding second row seats, AM/FM stereo cassette, air conditioning, automatic transaxle, and floor mats.
Poor design
Last old Taurus sold to public. Ford could have used stainless steel brake lines to avoid the $500 cost for lines available for $100 in the aftermarket after the rusted out...Poor design and inflated repair costs!!!!! Bottom of chassie rotted out at 15 years.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My Rotten Taurus
Check for rust. Bought 2005 Taufus new as last model sold to public. AT 12 yrs brake lines Rotted out. Ford charged $500 for $80 worth of parts , because they were no longer required to stock them. In 12/19 The bottom of chassis rotted out making car undrivable..Car cost me about $1000 yr to own, so cant complain. Not worth the chance today
Bad car
This Ford always breaks down. The pickup is okay on this v8. The car gets an average of 14 MPG city 17 MPG highway. The Taurus has a smooth ride yet not as smooth as my wife's wonderful brand new Honda Accord. The Taurus has a good stereo with cheap low quallity leather. So far, I have been in the shop 2 times in 4 months and 14,000 miles.
Impressive for the price
Very roomy, comfortable, solid, quiet ride. Hides the bumps very well and has a sporty exterior look. Handles much better than the reviews I've read. I'm impressed with all the features for the money.
Disappointed With MPG
I purchased this SEL model in October 2005 with 22,000 miles on it. I am very happy with the quality and styling of this car, but am extremely disappointed with the MPG and ride. I have an identical 99 Taurus that gets 25 MPG city/highway. The 05 struggles to get 20 MPG. The dealer told me the lower mileage was due to the fact this is a "Flex-Fuel" model, burns hotter, and nothing could be done to improve it. So buyer beware of Flex-Fuel models. Also the handling is great but you feel every bump. If I purchase another Taurus it will definitely not be a flex-fuel version.
No More Fords!
I purchased this car in July of 2005 with about 20,000 miles on it. I needed something dependable so I figured that this was a great choice. I've always loved the way that bigger cars handled and I liked the look of the car. Worst car purchase so far. I had to replace the transmission at 70,000 miles(I got lucky, other consumers had to replace theirs at 40,000 miles), the air compressor and serpentine belt at around 40,000.
I was warned
Bought this used with 12000 miles and still under factory warranty. AC wasn't working, needed seal put in. Gas gauge started to flucuate between empty and full along with display message of fuel comp error. Took 4 trips to dealership to fix. Once when I was discussing with a customer his scan tool he had sent in for repair at my job I mentioned I tested his tool on my Taurus. He said, " your tranny and one motor mount will go bad". 6 months later tranny went out at 36200 miles. Ford dealership said it was a stripped pump shaft in torque converter. I get about 29-30 mpg highway with the 3.0L six, but just don't trust the car anymore, will probably trade it soon.
TTU Fan
I have just traded for an '05 Taurus. First one I've had. Bought it used with 57,000 miles. Looks like all of the reviews are great. Looks like no one had any transmission problems. That always a concern when buying a used car. It rides great and getting 18mpg so far. Not too bad. Partly in town and out. Got a great trade in deal. Seems like the Taurus does have have a good trade in value. Bought it at the end of the month. Maybe that was the reason.
Don't Buy Flex-Fuel Version
I purchased this as a program car with 22,000 miles on it in October 2005. My biggest complaint is the poor mileage of the flex fuel version. I was very satisfied with a nearly identical (regular fuel only) 99 Taurus I owned. The 99 Taurus got about 20 city/ 26 highway MPG. This car struggles to get 20 MPG on the highway. I took it back to the dealer and the explanation was flex fuel cars are designed to run hotter and thus use more fuel. In short, there was nothing that could be done to improve the 20-25% drop in MPG. Other than that I like everything else about the car, but I would not have purchased this car had I known about the comparatively terrible MPG.
Worth every penny
Bought with 7k miles, it now has almost 130k and without any mechanical issues along the way. Car was a great buy for the money and has been very reliable to date. Fuel economy has been pretty good as well. Overall a well built vehicle that was thousands less than the competition.
Exceeds Expectations
Bought used three years ago with 22,000 miles. Now has 96K + and I've had no problems at all. It averages 27 mpg highway. I haven't even done routine maintenance - just regular oil changes, a new battery and plugs ... and it keeps on going. I love this car!
Typical Ford family sedan
This car reminds me of the family cars I grew up with. The all around everyday, and the two week summer vacation crusier. Room for everybody and everything. The power is there when you need. Handles well. Brakes well. Excellent value. Easy maintainence.
Nice car if had better engine and trans
This car was purchased with only 2- 3000 miles on it. At 1st it ran great with little to no problems. As soon as it hit the limit of the warranty then the problems started. 1st it was little things. Then the transmission went out. Now I am about to replace the transmission again for the 3rd time. This car would be an excellent car if it would have been built better. Ford needs to be ashamed of itself for building such a good looking car and such a bad engine. No wonder American cars have fallen so far behind foreign cars.
2005 Ford Taurus FFV SE Sedan
I purchased this car from a private seller and glad I did. I actually run it all of the time on E85 Ethanol. I have the 3.0L Vulcan Flex-Fuel version. The car is smooth, quiet, and has been extremely reliable. Not one thing has broken on this car. Performance increase in E85 has been noticeable as well as the decrease in fuel economy because of it's use. I suggest that if your looking for a nice 4DR take a look at this one while removing the "import blinder". Much better than any Honda or Toyota!!
So far, so good
Bought this car with 34k miles on it 2.5 years ago. Now has 53k and have had no trouble with it so far. Keep hearing about transmission problems, but haven't had any. Hubby wonders if it has something to do with the fact that it takes 3 seconds to shift gears. I try to be really gentle on acceleration and make sure to wait before taking off when shifting out of park or neutral. Interior is roomy - lots of legroom in the front and back. Like the sunroof and the car itself is attractive. I average 20-22 mpg. 18 straight city and ~27 highway. We like the flex fuel option, but lose 25% fuel economy, so we don't use it.
A great car
This Taurus has been terrific so far. For those looking for a reliable, comfortable vehicle with the backing of Ford, this is it. No problems so far. I will probably keep this car for the duration.
Not a Good Vehicle
I have had the car for about a month and we have been having problems running the E-85. It is a FFV and we still are getting terrible gas mileage -- only 19-20 and we can't get it to start most mornings. I have been to many dealers discussing the problem and not one dealership can give me a straight answer. My suggestion is to everyone to never purchase the E-85 Ford Taurus as they get terrible gas mileage and have major problems starting at even 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
Great car for the money
I bought my 2005 Ford Taurus in August. When I got in it and started it up, I knew even before I left the dealership for the test drive, I wanted it. When I got out on the open road, it really had pick up, and the ride was so smooth. It has all the options I've ever seen in a car. This is my first midsize car, as all I've driven so far are Ford Escorts. I like the Escort too, my wife has a 2002 model. By far the Taurus is a real upgrade from the Escort. Although Ford is making 2006 the last year for the Taurus, I'll probably look into a Fusion, or a Freestyle when my wife is ready to trade her Escort. The gas mileage isn't as good as the Escort, but it's great when traveling.
My 2005 Taurus SE
I purchased this vehicle in February. My driving experience has been very pleasant thus far. The ride of this car is smooth. It's quite roomy for a sedan. Try to get the 24 valve DOHC Duratech engine instead of the 12 valve Vulcan engine if you can. The former has quiet a bit more HP.
Great car, great value, and very solid
I put about 23-27k miles a year on my car and it has been extremely solid. Cheap car to begin with, but build quality of a higher line. I passed 67,000 miles yesterday and it runs like new. I get approximately 26-28 mpg on the highway and the V6 has lots of get up and go. My last Taurus was sold for $1800 after 10 years of driving and 215,000 miles; they are excellent transportation vehicles. Much better value than Camry or Accord.
Good car for the money
Really good bargain for the money. I bought it new and have had no problems whatsoever. First Ford I've owned, and will most likely buy another one.
Great Car!
I purchased a Taurus in the in mid-2005 and couldn't be happier. It has nice torque for its class and has great styling. Decent, not great fuel economy. Overall great value!
happy with world class auto
car competes with all others in price, room, power, driveability, fuel mileage, good looks, reliability. this is our 5th ford taurus. hope to see the new 500.
Good car!
The vehicle is a good car....yet it only looks good in Black with black out windows and a spoiler because every other way they look plain i sugest that color and other than that its a good car with a suprizing amount of power.
It's a typical Ford
Gas mileage is PITIFUL!! 16.5/city, 17.8/hwy -- AND the gas gauge needle would not go all the way to FULL -- very aggravating! And no OOMPH!! Very "bogged down" when getting onto xprsway. Other than that, it is comfortable, lots of leg room ALL around. Radio isn't the greatest... Air/defrost fan works well; rear defrost coils don't. The pull up/apart feature of the armrest/cup holder, etc. (between the front seats) is not very well designed -- too many little spaces to keep clean. And the "pull tabs" on the back seats to "enlarge" cargo room (or hide small possessions from view easily??) are silly and very obvious!
Ford Taurus
Car is ver comfortable and easy to drive. Has enough luxurgy to suit most people. Excellent sound system in the CS player and radio. Mileage is good. Car runs well, starts easily even in very cold weather. Good vehicle
Not bad for the money
This is my third Taurus (1994, 1999, 2003). No major reliability problems. Very few minor ones. The 2003's handling isn't as good as the '99's, but it is roomy, comfortable, and well built. Safety ratings are impressive. Base Vulcan engine is a little weak at mid-range with AC on, but I'm not convinced the DOHC optional engine is dramatically better. My early 2003 has a lot of goodies such as puddle lights under the outside mirrors, a windshield tint bar, chrome inside door handles, and reasonably good interior materials. Ford nixed these and others on late '03's and the '04's. My friends like the car's styling and interior room.
great car and fun to drive
very reliable and depenable car comfort affordable and beautiful
MPG
Sticker says 20 mpg City and 27 mpg highway. Actually it averages 15.7 mpg driving 60% highway, 40% rural. Very little city driving.
best buy
Great car, to bad they will not be building them anymore.
good value
I bought my Taurus in march '04 with ABS, SE preferred equipment package, 6 disc CD player. Use car mostly for work. Very reliable. Nice ride on open highway. Put 20,000 miles on it - no problems. Best 15 grand I ever spent on a new car.
I love this car
The ride and look of this car really sold me on buying it. I had a 2002 model and traded for a Ford Escape. What a mistake! I thought I needed a SUV for pulling a trailer and a couple of 4 wheelers. The ride and cabin noise really turned me off with the Escape. I traded back for the Taurus and will not make that mistake again. I will buy a F-150 if I need a truck for towing. I feel so much safer in the Taurus.
I Love My Taurus
I think imports are becoming very over-rated. I thought the Taurus handled great compared to the other models I tried and I've had no trouble with it whatsoever!
2005 Taurus SE
Just bought a former rental car with 18,700 miles. Good value. Not as fun or comfortable as my 1991 Taurus SHO with leather (best seats ever had), but I also paid $7k less driveout 14 years later. Pretty comfortable except - I tried really hard to find a comfortable seat after having a lack of thigh support on '96 Olds 88 & '00 Buick Park Ave. The Taurus fooled me on the test drives (see below). MPG does not appear to quite what I hoped but not too bad. Checked last night using info computer. With A/C and cruise control on - 55 mph=27 mpg, 65 mph=24.5 mpg, 70 mph=23 mpg.
Very nice car
I have only had the car a short time but so far, I'm very impressed. Very nice car for the money!
Best car we've owned
This car is so roomy and quiet that if you're not driving it, you will fall asleep. The trunk is huge. I feel a lot safer in this car than our previous one.
Sufficient transportation
I just purchased a former loaner car from the dealer to replace my Grand-Am that became more of an liability than an asset. The Taurus rides smoothly and comfortably. Most people who have had this car say positive things, so I hope my experience is just as good. I originally wanted a pre-owned Focus, but when I test drove the Taurus, I fell in love with it. Hope to get a long life from it.
Smart Buy
The used '05 Taurus SE that I had purchased from dealer had approximately 25,000 miles on odometer upon delivery. Vehicle looked and felt brand new. I'm very satisfied with the firm but smooth ride, comfort of the power drivers seat, great base stereo/cd system, and especially the very quick acceleration that the Vulcan V-6 has on the open highway. It's not your 24 valve Duratec engine that reeks for traction from a standing start to finish, but a very respectable engine within its own design. I had a slight shimmy in front wheels upon delivery, but proper wheel balancing corrected that problem. Build quality appears second to none, and so far, I'm very pleased with the vehicle and my purchase.
2005 TAURUS SE
Bought it used as a previous program car with 27,000 miles. Got a great deal! This car has been worth every dollar. Great second car to run around in. Also purchased a extended warranty, kinda sad that I did, it has not been needed thus far. I just do routine maintenance and drive it. Could have paid $4-5k more for a Honda or Toyota, WHY? This car gets the job done!
Taurus Lover
Very clean, crisp corners on this Taurus. Previously owned a 1991 Taurus (Tortoise) as I called it. I love the look and feel of the Taurus. I will buy another but, I will keep this one for some time and enjoy it. Lots of room, very quiet. An all around great car for the money. I would recommend a Taurus to everyone. I wouldn't give this car up for a Camry or Avalon or whatever. I will stick with the Taurus. This is my Cadillac!
It's Ok not the best
I got my 2005 and it has been a great car I lover the driver information system it's a huge plus won't buy another car without it. It's not the fast car but it does ok and I figured out the Taurus gets 24mpg city 28.6 mpg at 70 mph (highway) at least mine does. I've been that car out of state and in state road trips it's a fantastic car just had a few minor problems with it that could have been avoid it's not an FFV and the ethanol clogged up my catalytic converter and it was under EPA warranty (8yr 80k miles) and had the block melt the cover of a spark plug wire great first car comfortable for me (6'1" 298 lbs) and 5 friends all bout 6'.
Good car
Have put 30,000 miles since buying it used. This is a well built car comfortable for 5. We get 29-30 mpg on the the road_21-22 in the city. No problems at all. However I wouldn't expect any with 47,000 miles. All in all am very satisfied
first new car, 2nd time on a Taurus
Overall not a bad little car. already replacing right speakers, they went bad. also there is really no power between 3rd and 4th gear on hwy. going like 40 to 60 takes forever. gas mileage could be better. lots of room for tall people. love the lights on mirrors, 4-speaker system not as nice as the 6. only had my 05 SEL for 3 months.
;)
I would buy again. I was reluctant to purchase this vehicle, but did it anyway. I have to say I was wrong. I have been most impressed with my experience. Recently I took it on a 1200 mile road trip. Wow ... 26 miles to the gallon (that was with a full load and the air conditioning full blast the entire way) and yet it still had plenty of passing power on the highway!
2nd Taurus in family
I really didn't know which car I should get for commuter car. I drive about 30k per year and with cost of gas needed something to get 25+. This car fills that need nicely. Ok sound system, solid quiet ride, roomy trunk. As commuter cars go, this one rocks.
Great Deal for the Money
I bought the car from a new car dealer's used car lot with close to 15K on it. It was a super deal and the car's ride is smooth with adequate leg room. The design of the car and associated option package was excellent.