2018 Ford Taurus Review

Name: 2018 Ford Taurus Review
Brand: Ford
Price: 9987 USD

+46

Used Taurus for sale

$9,987 - $25,000

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Ford Taurus model years

Ford Taurus for Sale

Ford Taurus types

Sedan
SHO

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Rides comfortably and quietly on the highway
Giant trunk is one of the roomiest in the large sedan class
Available all-wheel drive for enhanced wet-weather traction

Cons

Interior doesn't seem as airy or spacious as it should
Feels slow and ponderous when driving around turns
Performance SHO model lacks the punch of big engine rivals
Skimpy list of standard features on base SE model

What’s new

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been axed for 2018, and power-adjustable pedals are no longer included in Equipment Group 201A. Otherwise, the Ford Taurus is unchanged.

Vehicle overview

Seemingly designed to conquer the nation's endless stretches of highway, large sedans place a premium on passenger room and comfort. The 2018 Ford Taurus is a competent member of this class, but its hefty weight and dated cabin make rivals generally more appealing.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$198/mo

$219/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Naturally, the Taurus offers ample leg- and headroom throughout. It also boasts one of the largest trunks in this class. The Taurus' composed ride transports passengers in comfort, whether you're navigating broken city streets or cruising on the open road. It might seem like the Taurus is the ultimate road trip vehicle, with plenty of space and storage for four passengers and luggage.

However, pretty much any vehicle in this class will do the same thing, and in a more upscale fashion. While it has received numerous improvements over the years, this generation of the Taurus has been on sale since 2010. Even with the addition of the Sync 3 infotainment interface, the cabin looks plain compared to newer competitors. It feels clumsy and bulky when you're driving around tight turns, and unless you're considering the high-performance SHO model, the V6 is lethargic. It simply isn't powerful enough to move this chunky sedan with authority.

Overall, we think the 2018 Ford Taurus will adequately meet your needs. But if you shop around, you'll likely find that the Taurus' large sedan rivals are more compelling overall.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.8 / 10

The 2018 Ford Taurus delivers on its promise of a comfortable ride and plenty of space for four passengers and their luggage. But so do many other large sedans. The Taurus ultimately falls short for its substandard performance, compromised outward visibility and lackluster materials quality.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford Taurus SHO (turbo 3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.8 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	6.5
Interior	6.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

Driving

7.0

If Ford hadn't called it the SHO, this Taurus would have acquitted itself nicely with a good balance of power, braking and solid drivability. But as a SHO, and a sport sedan, it comes up a bit flat with uninvolved steering and handling and much too tall gearing.

Acceleration

7.5

Whether from a standing start or a roll, there's good thrust on tap. But tall gearing dulls the edge of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and makes it feel more like a mid-'90s V8 than a modern turbocharged V6. It does pull hard enough to reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, but it begins to lose steam after that.

Braking

7.5

In daily use, the SHO's brakes proved more than adequate to deal with the car's considerable weight. Sure, the pedal felt a bit squishy underfoot, but modulation was good enough that smooth and consistent stops were easy to make. Our panic-stop test from 60 mph came in at 124 feet, an unremarkable result.

Steering

6.0

Its thin rim makes the wheel awkward to grip. There's a satisfying heft to the steering, but it's artificial and it doesn't translate into the feel you need to judge a corner properly. That said, the Taurus is as easy to steer on back roads as it is around town, provided you're not going too quickly.

Handling

7.5

The Taurus SHO is a bit of fun for a big car so long as you're not trying to hustle it. It stays relatively flat and composed up to a certain point, even through transitions. The tires offer decent grip, too, but you'll run out of seat side support well before then.

Drivability

8.0

The six-speed automatic is a bit dated but refreshingly straightforward, never second-guessing itself or tripping over one too many gears. A shorter ratio would wake up the car and make it livelier. But as it is, the SHO is a relaxed and capable cruiser, even in Sport mode.

Comfort

6.5

If you happen to be the right height, the Taurus will impress you with a well-controlled ride and almost zero wind and road noise. But should you be above-average height, the wacky seating position will override most of its strengths.

Seat comfort

6.5

The seats are fairly cushy, but they lack lateral support. We'd say that about a regular Taurus, but it's a bigger deal in a SHO. The high front and rear seating positioning feel confining, though that's not a physical comfort issue. The front seats are cooled and heated, and the rear seats are heated.

Ride comfort

8.0

The ride seems pretty smooth. And even though the SHO is a fairly big car, it's never sloppy, keeping pretty good control of itself. Most surfaces don't faze the Taurus, and the big Ford soaks up quite a lot. Cornering is also commendably flat up to a moderate pace.

Noise & vibration

8.0

Only extremely coarse pavement manages to make any significant noise in the cabin. Otherwise, the Taurus provides a fairly quiet interior. The engine is well-isolated, and wind noise is minimal.

Climate control

6.0

The climate control looks very dated with basic physical controls circa 2008. More detailed adjustments must be made via the digital interface. The driver's vents serve only to cool the steering wheel area, and the noisy rear vents can't be shut off, only closed.

Interior

6.0

It's difficult to put our fingers on what makes this interior so unsatisfying, but it might be because we don't have enough fingers. The inside of the Taurus is an automotive anomaly, from the downright weird front seats to the inexplicably high rear seats and the time warp control interfaces.

Ease of use

7.0

It's clear the Taurus was not designed to accommodate some of the controls it now carries — see the rear window shade and lane keeping assist buttons located in the ashtray. While most of the controls are straightforward, they look and feel dated. The touchscreen does most of the heavy lifting.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

Thanks to a high floor and a much higher than typical seating position, you can almost walk into either the front or back seats. Those with limited mobility will appreciate that. The tall doors extend below the sills, keeping pant legs clean when the weather gets messy.

Driving position

4.5

This position is just bizarre. The seat sits inexplicably high, and anyone over average height towers over the dashboard. Adjustable pedals are a nice touch, but the steering wheel hardly telescopes, so taller drivers have their knees pressed against the dash. None of our editors ever felt comfortable.

Roominess

6.0

Front passengers have adequate head- and shoulder room, but the strange seating position makes it feel as if most of the room is below you. Rear passengers have very little headroom because of the stadium-like seating. Rear legroom isn't what it should be in such a large car either.

Visibility

5.5

The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, but that's the only direction where visibility is any good. The narrow side windows and thick pillars cut down on side visibility, while a small rear window limits the view out the back.

Quality

7.5

Fit and finish on the SHO is good, both inside and out. Plastic covers all click nicely into place, and there are no squeaks or rattles even over broken road surfaces.

Utility

7.5

The Taurus SHO makes good use of its size, for the most part. There's certainly a big enough trunk for four golf bags, but the cabin is a mish-mash of oddly shaped bins and wasted space.

Small-item storage

6.5

The seemingly random array of center console storage, with two sets of cupholders and a center bin set well behind the driver's elbow, is a bit puzzling in such a large car. Front door pockets are very accommodating, but the ones in the back aren't quite as big.

Cargo space

8.0

With 20.1 cubic feet of trunk volume, the Taurus easily leads competitors, such as the Chevrolet Impala (18.8 cubic feet) and Dodge Charger (16.5 cubic feet), in cargo capacity. The 60/40-split folding rear seats help make up for the way the trunk narrows around the rear suspension.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

Mounting a car seat won't be much of an ordeal due to wide rear door access, but the somewhat narrow outboard rear seats might cause wider car seats to overlap the seat-belt latches. LATCH anchors, slightly tucked beneath the cushions, are easy to locate.

Technology

7.5

Ford's Sync 3 might well be the saving grace of a dated interior. Impressive connectivity and usability make it flexible enough for most any buyer. Be careful with option packages, as the Driver Assistance package cannot be ordered in conjunction with the Performance package.

Audio & navigation

8.0

Don't let the rest of the somewhat dated interior put you off. The SHO does come with Ford's highly rated Sync 3 system. Navigation is also available through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While the audio system does have some power, it won't impress true audiophiles.

Smartphone integration

8.0

Drivers have the choice of Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which all connected quickly. We experienced no drops in connection.

Driver aids

7.0

Our tester had the optional Driver Assist package, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, active park assist and forward collision warning. Disabling stability control is only available with the Performance package. The adaptive cruise system was satisfactory and free of quirks.

Voice control

8.0

Ford's Sync 3 voice controls worked consistently and quickly, and we found them to be a decent substitute for pressing buttons. Apple CarPlay users have the additional option of Siri voice commands.

2018 Ford Taurus models

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a large, five-passenger sedan sold in four trim levels. The base SE is modestly equipped, which is why buyers looking for 21st-century tech should strongly consider the next level SEL. It counts rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror among its upgrades. The Limited is significantly more expensive, as it comes with items that are optional for the SEL, plus additional luxury features. The SHO is a different beast entirely, marrying most of the Limited's features with a high-performance V6 and sport suspension.

For power, the SE relies on a 3.5-liter V6 engine (288 horsepower, 254 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, an exterior keyless-access keypad, six-way power-adjustable front seats (with manual recline and lumbar adjustment), 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a driver information display, a rearview camera, Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch central display, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and two USB ports.

Stepping up to the SEL adds LED daytime running lights, body-color heated mirrors with puddle lamps, rear parking sensors, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery and interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and satellite radio (the latter is optional on the SE). Leather upholstery paired with heated front seats is available as a stand-alone option.

The SEL can also be had with the Equipment Group 201A options package, which adds keyless entry and ignition, an additional center speaker for the audio system and the Sync 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The more luxurious Taurus Limited gets you all the Equipment Group 201A items, plus 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated 10-way power front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated second-row seats, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a premium Sony audio system with HD radio.

Limited models can also be had with the Driver Assist options package, which includes adaptive cruise control, an automated parallel parking system, a forward collision warning system, and lane departure warning and intervention. Stand-alone options for both SEL and Limited include 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a rear spoiler and a navigation system.

The sporty SHO starts with most of the Limited's standard equipment and adds all-wheel drive, a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine (365 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque), a sport-tuned suspension, exclusive 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, black exterior trim, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, unique leather upholstery and interior trim, and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Most Limited options are also available for the SHO, along with a SHO Performance package that adds a revised final-drive ratio for quicker acceleration, summer performance tires, stiffer suspension tuning, upgraded brake pads, special steering tuning, an enhanced stability control system with a Track mode, and simulated suede trim on the steering wheel.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#10 out of 13 among Fullsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Taurus from 2008-2022.}

$518/yr

vs. $474/yr
for Average Fullsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.83x/yr

vs. 0.97x/yr
for Average Fullsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.9%

vs. 13.4%
for Average Fullsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Ford Taurus.

5 (70%)

4 (11%)

3 (11%)

2 (3%)

1 (5%)

4.4

27 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Its a Taurus stupid, affordable and reliable!

Mr. Chris, 01/28/2019

2018 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

It's so nice these Bozos at Edmunds are talking bad about this car, because the price only gets better for me. I have had two Taurus in the past and drove them over 10 years each with no problems, other than replacing a starter after nine years. These Taurus are not expensive Mercedes or BMW's, they are solid reliable quality transportation at a good price. After trading my last Taurus …

Four and going for More

James Tevis, 08/30/2018

2018 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Just bought a 2018 ford Taurus sel color Ruby Red, I love this car. This is the fourth Taurus I have owned and found them all to be very reliable and drivable. I drove a 2009 Taurus for ten years and it was still going strong when I traded. It was bought by another party the same day I traded. Ford offered a really large cash back off the sale price and I got a good amount on trade in, …

SHO shows me what it's made of!

Scott, 07/10/2018

2018 Ford Taurus SHO 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)

I know the Taurus gets a bad rep and has for a long time. I've owned 2 but this my first SHO. Great car inside and out. Quiet, smooth and FAST. Don't care what the other "reviewers" say, the SHO is worth the look and test drive. You'll love it. Other drivers won't pass me until they realize I'm not a cop. LOL. Very nice car, sorry to see it go.

Hidden Gem

Steve Marlowe, 01/23/2018

2017 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Size, comfort, quietness, power. After driving competition this car was noticeably the best all round. It’s also nice to have two tons of steel protecting you as you cruise down the freeway and mountain roads!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Ford Taurus, so we've included reviews for other years of the Taurus since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Ford Taurus

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2018 Taurus Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$27,690
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$198/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Taurus models:

Active Park Assist: Guides the Taurus into an adjacent parallel parking spot using proximity sensors and automated steering.
Collision Warning with Brake Support: Warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes if advanced safety systems determine a front collision is imminent.
Blind-Spot Information System: Illuminates a light on the side mirrors when a vehicle enters the vehicle's blind spot. Sounds an alert if the turn signal is activated.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.3%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good