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Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

📖 2,885 words🗓️ Published Aug 5, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best best ford taurus model years (ranked) are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SHO

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 1

The 2013-2019 SHO ranks first because it is the most capable and satisfying Taurus ever sold, with a twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the optional Performance Package adds upgraded brakes and a lower final drive ratio. Its torque peaks low and stays flat, making it feel quicker in daily driving than the numbers suggest. This is the definitive modern Taurus for performance.

This car is for buyers who want a fast, comfortable sedan without German pricing, but it demands strict maintenance. The internal chain-driven water pump is a known cost risk, and the power-transfer unit requires regular fluid changes. It trades fuel economy and ride comfort for speed, and compared to the naturally aspirated V6 below, it is heavier over the nose and firmer. Documentation of water pump and PTU service is essential before purchase.

2. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SEL

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 2

The 2013-2019 SEL with the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6 ranks second because it offers the best balance of reliability, comfort, and value in the Taurus lineup. It produces roughly 288 horsepower through the same six-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive available but not standard. This engine is one of the most proven V6s Ford has built, with no turbochargers, charge piping, or intercooler to fail. It is not fast, but it is unbothered and durable.

This car is for value-focused buyers who prioritize low cost of ownership over acceleration. It rides softer, steers lighter, and will outlast the SHO on a neglect budget, making it the smarter choice for those who defer maintenance. It gives up 77 horsepower and standard AWD to the SHO, but it is quieter at highway speeds and returns better fuel economy in every cycle. For a daily driver, it gives up nothing in comfort or space.

3. 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 3

The 1989-1995 first-generation SHO ranks third because it is the only Taurus with a manual transmission and the most collectible version of the nameplate. Its Yamaha-developed 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 makes 220 horsepower and revs eagerly, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual. From 1993, a larger 3.2L V6 arrived with an automatic, but the manual cars are the enthusiast target. These are now a hobby with a title, not just transportation.

This car is for collectors and driving enthusiasts who value analog feel and rarity, not for practical daily use. It trades modern reliability and comfort for a high-revving engine and three pedals in a body that looks like a rental car. Compared to the 2013-2019 cars above, it is far less usable but offers a unique character that no other Taurus matches. Rust on rockers, subframe mounts, and rear shock towers determines its value more than the engine.

4. 2010-2012 Ford Taurus SHO

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 4

The 2010-2012 pre-refresh SHO ranks fourth because it shares the same 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 and standard all-wheel drive as the 2013+ car, but at a lower used price. Its mechanicals are identical, including the six-speed automatic and the same torque curve. However, it suffers from a cramped, button-heavy interior and a small trunk opening, which were the exact complaints the 2013 refresh fixed. It is still fast, but less livable.

This car is for budget-minded buyers who want SHO performance but cannot justify the premium for the refreshed interior. It trades daily comfort and infotainment usability for a lower purchase price, making it a compromise pick. Compared to the 2013-2019 SHO above, it is mechanically identical but significantly less pleasant to live with. If budget forces this generation, the car is still quick, but it requires accepting the dated cabin.

5. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus Limited

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 5

The 2013-2019 Limited with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 ranks fifth because it offers the highest level of luxury and equipment in the Taurus lineup without the SHO's performance or maintenance risk. It produces the same 288 horsepower as the SEL, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Limited trim adds leather, upgraded audio, and other comfort features, making it a quiet and well-appointed highway cruiser.

This car is for buyers who want a plush, reliable sedan for long commutes and road trips, not for those seeking acceleration. It trades the SHO's power and standard AWD for a softer ride and lower running costs, and it is quieter at 65 mph than the turbocharged car. Compared to the SEL below it, the Limited adds luxury content but is otherwise identical mechanically. It is the best choice for a buyer who values comfort over excitement.

6. 2008-2009 Ford Taurus

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 6

The 2008-2009 Taurus ranks sixth because it is a rebadged Ford Five Hundred on a Volvo-derived platform, offering a decent conventional automatic and a 3.5L V6 at roughly 263 horsepower. It replaced the earlier CVT with a more reliable six-speed automatic, addressing a major weakness of its predecessor. The car has no ambition, but it is simple, spacious, and cheap to buy. It is a practical appliance rather than a driver's car.

This car is for budget buyers who need reliable transportation with a low purchase price and abundant parts availability. It trades modern features, interior quality, and any driving excitement for simplicity and low cost of ownership. Compared to the 2013-2019 cars above, it is less refined and less safe, but it is significantly cheaper. It is a legitimate answer for those who want a two-year appliance with a floor under the repair bill.

7. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus SHO

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 7

The 1996-1999 V8 SHO ranks seventh because it is a unique but flawed variant, powered by a Yamaha-designed 3.4L V8 producing around 235 horsepower with an automatic transmission only. Its documented cam-sprocket weakness is serious enough that any purchase must be contingent on knowing whether preventive work has been done. The oval redesign of this generation ceded the family-sedan crown to Camry and Accord. It is a curiosity, not a recommendation.

This car is for collectors and enthusiasts who specifically want the V8 SHO as a project, not for practical buyers. It trades reliability and peace of mind for rarity and a distinctive engine, but the cam-sprocket risk can be engine-ending. Compared to the first-generation SHO above, it is less engaging and more fragile. Treat an undocumented V8 SHO as a project, priced accordingly.

8. 2000-2007 Ford Taurus

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 8

The 2000-2007 fleet-era Taurus ranks eighth because it is cheap, simple, and plentiful, with either the 3.0L Vulcan or 3.0L Duratec V6. These cars were built in enormous volume for rental and municipal fleets, so parts are everywhere and independent shops know them well. They are thoroughly forgettable but extremely practical for budget transportation. The goal is a low total cost per mile, not driving enjoyment.

This car is for buyers who need a two-year appliance with the cheapest possible repair bills, not for anyone who cares about driving dynamics. It trades safety, features, and refinement for rock-bottom purchase prices and deep parts supply. Compared to the 2008-2009 Taurus above, it is older and less refined, but even cheaper to acquire. Assume hard use and check for a service history that suggests otherwise.

9. Police Interceptor Sedan

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 9

The Police Interceptor Sedan ranks ninth because it shares the sixth-generation platform and durable powertrain but comes with a hard life of police duty. These cars surface at municipal auction with tempting prices, but they have endured extended idling, hard duty cycles, and holes drilled through the interior. The powertrain is genuinely durable, but the engine-hour reading, not the odometer, tells the real story. Idle time wears the engine without registering miles.

This car is for buyers who are willing to accept a rough interior and high wear for a steep discount, not for those seeking a comfortable daily driver. It trades comfort and condition for price, and the extended idling can lead to premature engine wear. Compared to the civilian 2013-2019 cars above, it is much cheaper but far less livable. Buy one only if the price reflects all of that abuse.

10. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus

Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 10

The 1996-1999 non-SHO Taurus ranks tenth because it is the generation that lost the family-sedan crown to the Camry and Accord, offering nothing memorable beyond its oval styling. It came with base engines that were adequate but unremarkable, and the generation is notable only for the V8 SHO variant. These cars are now old, prone to rust, and offer no collector appeal. They are not a recommendation for any buyer.

This car is for no one specifically, as it is outclassed by both earlier and later generations in every meaningful way. It trades reliability and value for age and obsolescence, making it a poor choice compared to the 2000-2007 cars above. The 3.4L V8 SHO's cam-sprocket issue further taints the generation's reputation. Avoid these unless you specifically want the V8 SHO as a curiosity.

How we ranked these

This ranking weighs documented reliability data, owner-reported failure patterns, and total cost of ownership across six Taurus generations. Primary factors include powertrain durability, known failure points like the EcoBoost water pump and PTU, and the financial tail of maintenance over a five-year ownership window. Fuel economy, parts availability, and independent-shop familiarity were also scored, with collector value weighted only for the first-generation SHO.

Deliberately ignored were subjective styling preferences, brand prestige, and performance metrics that do not translate to real-world ownership satisfaction. The 1996-1999 V8 SHO's rarity and the 2000-2007 fleet cars' low entry price were set aside because they do not represent sound value for most buyers. The ranking prioritizes what a used buyer can verify and afford to maintain, not what a spec sheet promises.

What to look for

What actually matters is matching the car to your climate and maintenance discipline. In snowy regions, the SHO's standard AWD justifies its premium; elsewhere, it is added complexity. The naturally aspirated V6 is the rational choice for owners who defer maintenance, as it lacks the internal water pump and PTU risks. For pure transportation, a 2008-2009 or 2000-2007 car is a legitimate appliance, but only if you accept its limitations.

The mistake most buyers make is prioritizing horsepower over ownership cost. They buy an undocumented SHO at a tempting price, then face a four-figure water-pump bill. Another error is ignoring the PTU fluid service on any AWD model. Always demand service records, especially for the water pump and PTU, and budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a Ford-specialist shop.

FAQ

What is the most reliable Ford Taurus model year?

The 2013–2019 cars with the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6 are the safest bet. That engine has no turbochargers, no charge piping, and no intercooler, and the 2013 refresh resolved the interior and packaging complaints of the earlier sixth-generation cars. Front-drive examples avoid the power-transfer unit entirely, which removes the most common expensive surprise on these cars.

Is the Ford Taurus SHO worth buying used?

Yes, with one condition: documentation. The 365-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost and standard all-wheel drive make it the most satisfying Taurus ever sold, and it costs a fraction of comparable German sport sedans. But the internal water pump and the PTU are both real expenses, and an undocumented car is a deferred bill. Records first, price second.

What are the common problems with the Ford Taurus?

On sixth-generation EcoBoost cars, the internal chain-driven water pump is the headline concern, because a failure can route coolant into the oil. Power-transfer unit wear affects all-wheel-drive cars whose fluid was never changed. On the 1996–1999 Yamaha V8 SHO, cam-sprocket failure is the documented weak point. Older cars are dominated by rust and tired suspension.

Which Ford Taurus years should I avoid?

Avoid the 1996–1999 oval-styled cars unless you specifically want the V8 SHO as a curiosity, and treat 2000–2007 fleet-era cars as bargain basics rather than good cars. Any EcoBoost SHO without water-pump and PTU service history should be avoided at asking price — not because the car is bad, but because the unknown repair exposure is large.

How long does a Ford Taurus typically last?

A well-maintained 2013–2019 car with the 3.5L V6 commonly reaches 150,000 to 200,000 miles without major drivetrain work. The SHO can match that, but requires stricter adherence to water-pump and PTU service to get there. Across the nameplate, maintenance history predicts longevity far more reliably than model year or original build quality.

What is the best Ford Taurus for a daily driver?

Are there any Ford Taurus years known for transmission problems?

The 2008–2009 models replaced the earlier CVT with a conventional automatic, which is more reliable. However, the 2000–2007 cars with the 3.0L Vulcan and 3.0L Duratec are known for transmission issues, particularly the AX4N. The sixth-generation six-speed automatic is generally solid, but service history matters. Regular fluid changes are essential for longevity.

How much does it cost to replace the water pump on a Taurus SHO?

Because the water pump is internal and chain-driven, the job is labor-intensive. Expect a bill ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 or more at an independent shop, and higher at a dealer. The part itself is not expensive; the labor is. This is why many owners sell the car rather than fix it, making it a key negotiation point.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best Ford Taurus Model Years Ranked in"] S --> N0["1. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SHO"] N0 --> N1["2. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SEL"] N1 --> N2["3. 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO"] N2 --> N3["4. 2010-2012 Ford Taurus SHO"]

flowchart LR C["Best Ford Taurus Model Years Ranked in"] C --> H0["9. Police Interceptor Sedan"] C --> H1["10. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus"] C --> H2["How we ranked these"] C --> H3["What to look for"]

Related on PULSE

[More best ford taurus model years (ranked) rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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## Direct Answer

The 10 best best ford taurus model years (ranked) are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SHO

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 1](/assets/qa/ca0534-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Best Ford Taurus Model Years Ranked in"]
  S --> N0["1. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SHO"]
  N0 --> N1["2. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SEL"]
  N1 --> N2["3. 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO"]
  N2 --> N3["4. 2010-2012 Ford Taurus SHO"]
```


The 2013-2019 SHO ranks first because it is the most capable and satisfying Taurus ever sold, with a twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the optional Performance Package adds upgraded brakes and a lower final drive ratio. Its torque peaks low and stays flat, making it feel quicker in daily driving than the numbers suggest. This is the definitive modern Taurus for performance.

This car is for buyers who want a fast, comfortable sedan without German pricing, but it demands strict maintenance. The internal chain-driven water pump is a known cost risk, and the power-transfer unit requires regular fluid changes. It trades fuel economy and ride comfort for speed, and compared to the naturally aspirated V6 below, it is heavier over the nose and firmer. Documentation of water pump and PTU service is essential before purchase.


## 2. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SEL

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 2](/assets/qa/ca0534-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["Best Ford Taurus Model Years Ranked in"]
  C --> H0["9. Police Interceptor Sedan"]
  C --> H1["10. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus"]
  C --> H2["How we ranked these"]
  C --> H3["What to look for"]
```


The 2013-2019 SEL with the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6 ranks second because it offers the best balance of reliability, comfort, and value in the Taurus lineup. It produces roughly 288 horsepower through the same six-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive available but not standard. This engine is one of the most proven V6s Ford has built, with no turbochargers, charge piping, or intercooler to fail. It is not fast, but it is unbothered and durable.

This car is for value-focused buyers who prioritize low cost of ownership over acceleration. It rides softer, steers lighter, and will outlast the SHO on a neglect budget, making it the smarter choice for those who defer maintenance. It gives up 77 horsepower and standard AWD to the SHO, but it is quieter at highway speeds and returns better fuel economy in every cycle. For a daily driver, it gives up nothing in comfort or space.


## 3. 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 3](/assets/qa/ca0534-b3.jpg)


The 1989-1995 first-generation SHO ranks third because it is the only Taurus with a manual transmission and the most collectible version of the nameplate. Its Yamaha-developed 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 makes 220 horsepower and revs eagerly, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual. From 1993, a larger 3.2L V6 arrived with an automatic, but the manual cars are the enthusiast target. These are now a hobby with a title, not just transportation.

This car is for collectors and driving enthusiasts who value analog feel and rarity, not for practical daily use. It trades modern reliability and comfort for a high-revving engine and three pedals in a body that looks like a rental car. Compared to the 2013-2019 cars above, it is far less usable but offers a unique character that no other Taurus matches. Rust on rockers, subframe mounts, and rear shock towers determines its value more than the engine.

## 4. 2010-2012 Ford Taurus SHO

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 4](/assets/qa/ca0534-b4.jpg)


The 2010-2012 pre-refresh SHO ranks fourth because it shares the same 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 and standard all-wheel drive as the 2013+ car, but at a lower used price. Its mechanicals are identical, including the six-speed automatic and the same torque curve. However, it suffers from a cramped, button-heavy interior and a small trunk opening, which were the exact complaints the 2013 refresh fixed. It is still fast, but less livable.


This car is for budget-minded buyers who want SHO performance but cannot justify the premium for the refreshed interior. It trades daily comfort and infotainment usability for a lower purchase price, making it a compromise pick. Compared to the 2013-2019 SHO above, it is mechanically identical but significantly less pleasant to live with. If budget forces this generation, the car is still quick, but it requires accepting the dated cabin.

## 5. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus Limited

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 5](/assets/qa/ca0534-b5.jpg)


The 2013-2019 Limited with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 ranks fifth because it offers the highest level of luxury and equipment in the Taurus lineup without the SHO's performance or maintenance risk. It produces the same 288 horsepower as the SEL, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Limited trim adds leather, upgraded audio, and other comfort features, making it a quiet and well-appointed highway cruiser.


This car is for buyers who want a plush, reliable sedan for long commutes and road trips, not for those seeking acceleration. It trades the SHO's power and standard AWD for a softer ride and lower running costs, and it is quieter at 65 mph than the turbocharged car. Compared to the SEL below it, the Limited adds luxury content but is otherwise identical mechanically. It is the best choice for a buyer who values comfort over excitement.

## 6. 2008-2009 Ford Taurus

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 6](/assets/qa/ca0534-b6.jpg)


The 2008-2009 Taurus ranks sixth because it is a rebadged Ford Five Hundred on a Volvo-derived platform, offering a decent conventional automatic and a 3.5L V6 at roughly 263 horsepower. It replaced the earlier CVT with a more reliable six-speed automatic, addressing a major weakness of its predecessor. The car has no ambition, but it is simple, spacious, and cheap to buy. It is a practical appliance rather than a driver's car.


This car is for budget buyers who need reliable transportation with a low purchase price and abundant parts availability. It trades modern features, interior quality, and any driving excitement for simplicity and low cost of ownership. Compared to the 2013-2019 cars above, it is less refined and less safe, but it is significantly cheaper. It is a legitimate answer for those who want a two-year appliance with a floor under the repair bill.

## 7. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus SHO

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 7](/assets/qa/ca0534-b7.jpg)


The 1996-1999 V8 SHO ranks seventh because it is a unique but flawed variant, powered by a Yamaha-designed 3.4L V8 producing around 235 horsepower with an automatic transmission only. Its documented cam-sprocket weakness is serious enough that any purchase must be contingent on knowing whether preventive work has been done. The oval redesign of this generation ceded the family-sedan crown to Camry and Accord. It is a curiosity, not a recommendation.


This car is for collectors and enthusiasts who specifically want the V8 SHO as a project, not for practical buyers. It trades reliability and peace of mind for rarity and a distinctive engine, but the cam-sprocket risk can be engine-ending. Compared to the first-generation SHO above, it is less engaging and more fragile. Treat an undocumented V8 SHO as a project, priced accordingly.

## 8. 2000-2007 Ford Taurus

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 8](/assets/qa/ca0534-b8.jpg)


The 2000-2007 fleet-era Taurus ranks eighth because it is cheap, simple, and plentiful, with either the 3.0L Vulcan or 3.0L Duratec V6. These cars were built in enormous volume for rental and municipal fleets, so parts are everywhere and independent shops know them well. They are thoroughly forgettable but extremely practical for budget transportation. The goal is a low total cost per mile, not driving enjoyment.


This car is for buyers who need a two-year appliance with the cheapest possible repair bills, not for anyone who cares about driving dynamics. It trades safety, features, and refinement for rock-bottom purchase prices and deep parts supply. Compared to the 2008-2009 Taurus above, it is older and less refined, but even cheaper to acquire. Assume hard use and check for a service history that suggests otherwise.

## 9. Police Interceptor Sedan

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 9](/assets/qa/ca0534-b9.jpg)


The Police Interceptor Sedan ranks ninth because it shares the sixth-generation platform and durable powertrain but comes with a hard life of police duty. These cars surface at municipal auction with tempting prices, but they have endured extended idling, hard duty cycles, and holes drilled through the interior. The powertrain is genuinely durable, but the engine-hour reading, not the odometer, tells the real story. Idle time wears the engine without registering miles.


This car is for buyers who are willing to accept a rough interior and high wear for a steep discount, not for those seeking a comfortable daily driver. It trades comfort and condition for price, and the extended idling can lead to premature engine wear. Compared to the civilian 2013-2019 cars above, it is much cheaper but far less livable. Buy one only if the price reflects all of that abuse.

## 10. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus

![Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 10](/assets/qa/ca0534-b10.jpg)


The 1996-1999 non-SHO Taurus ranks tenth because it is the generation that lost the family-sedan crown to the Camry and Accord, offering nothing memorable beyond its oval styling. It came with base engines that were adequate but unremarkable, and the generation is notable only for the V8 SHO variant. These cars are now old, prone to rust, and offer no collector appeal. They are not a recommendation for any buyer.

This car is for no one specifically, as it is outclassed by both earlier and later generations in every meaningful way. It trades reliability and value for age and obsolescence, making it a poor choice compared to the 2000-2007 cars above. The 3.4L V8 SHO's cam-sprocket issue further taints the generation's reputation. Avoid these unless you specifically want the V8 SHO as a curiosity.


## How we ranked these

This ranking weighs documented reliability data, owner-reported failure patterns, and total cost of ownership across six Taurus generations. Primary factors include powertrain durability, known failure points like the EcoBoost water pump and PTU, and the financial tail of maintenance over a five-year ownership window. Fuel economy, parts availability, and independent-shop familiarity were also scored, with collector value weighted only for the first-generation SHO.

Deliberately ignored were subjective styling preferences, brand prestige, and performance metrics that do not translate to real-world ownership satisfaction. The 1996-1999 V8 SHO's rarity and the 2000-2007 fleet cars' low entry price were set aside because they do not represent sound value for most buyers. The ranking prioritizes what a used buyer can verify and afford to maintain, not what a spec sheet promises.


## What to look for

What actually matters is matching the car to your climate and maintenance discipline. In snowy regions, the SHO's standard AWD justifies its premium; elsewhere, it is added complexity. The naturally aspirated V6 is the rational choice for owners who defer maintenance, as it lacks the internal water pump and PTU risks. For pure transportation, a 2008-2009 or 2000-2007 car is a legitimate appliance, but only if you accept its limitations.

The mistake most buyers make is prioritizing horsepower over ownership cost. They buy an undocumented SHO at a tempting price, then face a four-figure water-pump bill. Another error is ignoring the PTU fluid service on any AWD model. Always demand service records, especially for the water pump and PTU, and budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a Ford-specialist shop.

## Related questions

### Is the 2013 refresh really worth paying more for over a 2012?

Yes. The mechanicals are the same twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost, but the 2013 refresh replaced the cramped, button-heavy dashboard, improved the infotainment, and addressed the small trunk opening. You pay for livability, not speed. If budget forces the 2012, the car is still fast.

### Should I buy a manual or automatic first-generation SHO?

Manual, if you can find a clean one. The five-speed is the reason the original SHO has a following, and the collector market prices it accordingly. The 3.2L automatic cars are easier to daily-drive and meaningfully cheaper, but they will not appreciate the same way.

### Does the Taurus make sense as a small-business fleet car?

The naturally aspirated V6 does. Low purchase price, deep parts supply, and shops that know the platform keep cost per mile down. Skip the SHO for fleet duty — the fuel penalty and the internal water pump risk are the wrong exposures across multiple vehicles.

### How bad is the PTU problem, really?

It is a maintenance problem that people turn into a failure problem. The power-transfer unit fluid is often treated as lifetime fill and is not. Change it on a sane interval and most cars never have trouble. Ignore it and you get whine, then leaks, then a replacement.

### Is a Police Interceptor Sedan a good used buy?

Only at a steep discount. The powertrain is genuinely durable, but extended idling hours, hard duty cycles, and drilled interior panels are standard. Check the engine-hour reading, not just the odometer — idle time does not register as miles but wears the engine all the same.

### What is the best Ford Taurus for a daily driver?

A 2013–2019 SEL or Limited with the 3.5L V6. It is comfortable, quiet at highway speed, mechanically simple, cheap to buy, and cheap to keep. It gives up the SHO's acceleration but avoids its maintenance risks, making it the most sensible choice for most owners.

## FAQ

**What is the most reliable Ford Taurus model year?**

The 2013–2019 cars with the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6 are the safest bet. That engine has no turbochargers, no charge piping, and no intercooler, and the 2013 refresh resolved the interior and packaging complaints of the earlier sixth-generation cars. Front-drive examples avoid the power-transfer unit entirely, which removes the most common expensive surprise on these cars.

**Is the Ford Taurus SHO worth buying used?**

Yes, with one condition: documentation. The 365-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost and standard all-wheel drive make it the most satisfying Taurus ever sold, and it costs a fraction of comparable German sport sedans. But the internal water pump and the PTU are both real expenses, and an undocumented car is a deferred bill. Records first, price second.

**What are the common problems with the Ford Taurus?**

On sixth-generation EcoBoost cars, the internal chain-driven water pump is the headline concern, because a failure can route coolant into the oil. Power-transfer unit wear affects all-wheel-drive cars whose fluid was never changed. On the 1996–1999 Yamaha V8 SHO, cam-sprocket failure is the documented weak point. Older cars are dominated by rust and tired suspension.

**Which Ford Taurus years should I avoid?**

Avoid the 1996–1999 oval-styled cars unless you specifically want the V8 SHO as a curiosity, and treat 2000–2007 fleet-era cars as bargain basics rather than good cars. Any EcoBoost SHO without water-pump and PTU service history should be avoided at asking price — not because the car is bad, but because the unknown repair exposure is large.

**How long does a Ford Taurus typically last?**

A well-maintained 2013–2019 car with the 3.5L V6 commonly reaches 150,000 to 200,000 miles without major drivetrain work. The SHO can match that, but requires stricter adherence to water-pump and PTU service to get there. Across the nameplate, maintenance history predicts longevity far more reliably than model year or original build quality.

**What is the best Ford Taurus for a daily driver?**

A 2013–2019 SEL or Limited with the 3.5L V6. It is comfortable, quiet at highway speed, mechanically simple, cheap to buy, and cheap to keep. It gives up the SHO's acceleration but avoids its maintenance risks, making it the most sensible choice for most owners.

**Are there any Ford Taurus years known for transmission problems?**

The 2008–2009 models replaced the earlier CVT with a conventional automatic, which is more reliable. However, the 2000–2007 cars with the 3.0L Vulcan and 3.0L Duratec are known for transmission issues, particularly the AX4N. The sixth-generation six-speed automatic is generally solid, but service history matters. Regular fluid changes are essential for longevity.

**How much does it cost to replace the water pump on a Taurus SHO?**

Because the water pump is internal and chain-driven, the job is labor-intensive. Expect a bill ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 or more at an independent shop, and higher at a dealer. The part itself is not expensive; the labor is. This is why many owners sell the car rather than fix it, making it a key negotiation point.

## Sources

- https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/taurus
- https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/taurus/
- https://www.edmunds.com/ford/taurus/
- https://www.kbb.com/ford/taurus/
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/taurus/
- https://www.cars.com/research/ford-taurus/
- https://www.autotrader.com/cars/ford/taurus
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ford/taurus

## Related on PULSE

- [More best ford taurus model years (ranked) rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Best Ford Taurus Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

1. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SHO

2. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus SEL

3. 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO

4. 2010-2012 Ford Taurus SHO

5. 2013-2019 Ford Taurus Limited

6. 2008-2009 Ford Taurus

7. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus SHO

8. 2000-2007 Ford Taurus

9. Police Interceptor Sedan

10. 1996-1999 Ford Taurus

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

Is the 2013 refresh really worth paying more for over a 2012?

Should I buy a manual or automatic first-generation SHO?

Does the Taurus make sense as a small-business fleet car?

How bad is the PTU problem, really?

Is a Police Interceptor Sedan a good used buy?

What is the best Ford Taurus for a daily driver?

FAQ

Sources

Related on PULSE

Two scores — Gate vs IQ