Service Cars

2006 Ford Taurus Review

just rented a 2006 for 2000 mi trip--long drives and tight curves when you find how well you really like a car---snatch one --its got high value --engine is fine!!!! you dont need more --and you can keep 26-27mpg while ghoing as fast as you want.....the foam in the seats is a little firm on the long rides and the seats could be a little higher but its a comfy family car....ps also ride the focus best car for the money period.

Its a great all around car for my family, we cover a lot of miles, and it makes for a great trip.

Favorite Features

Styling, interior features and the car is very quiet inside.

Suggested Improvements

Moonroof at the SE level, power seats too would be nice on really long road trips.

Whats New for the 2006 Ford Taurus

The wagon has been dropped from the lineup, leaving just the Taurus sedan, and the Duratec V6 engine is no longer available.

Interior Design and Special Features

Ford Taurus cabins have a dated look and feel, but most controls are easy to find and use. The broad, flat seats arent especially supportive but can accommodate occupants of all sizes. Carrying six passengers is a legitimate prospect if your Taurus has the front bench seat. The front bench seat also includes a flip/fold center compartment with cupholders and storage cubbies. The trunk measures a spacious 17 cubic feet.

Safety

Front disc/rear drum brakes are standard. An optional Safety/Security package bundles seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants, antilock brakes and traction control into one group. The Ford Taurus earned a perfect five-star rating in NHTSA frontal crash testing and three stars in side-impact tests. In 40-mph frontal offset testing conducted by the IIHS, the Taurus has earned a "Good" rating and was named a "Best Pick" among family cars.

Powertrains and Performance

There is one V6 engine offered: the 3.0-liter "Vulcan" V6. Power is rated at just 153 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Expect to average 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Driving Impressions

The engine is noisier than most competing V6s and has less power than most competing four-cylinder engines. The automatic transmission gets the job done but is slow to downshift and not especially smooth. Ride quality in the 2006 Ford Taurus is generally comfortable, but can be harsh over more severe bumps and ruts. Braking distances are longer than those of most peers, and neither the suspension nor the steering is suited for brisk driving around corners.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The Ford Taurus comes in two trim levels, SE and SEL. Standard items on the SE include remote keyless entry; air conditioning; cassette stereo; power locks, windows, and mirrors; cruise control; a trip computer; and a front bench seat (allowing the car to seat up to six). Move up to SEL trim and you get all of these items standard, along with a keyless entry keypad on the driver-side door, body-color rearview mirrors with approach lamps, alloy wheels, perimeter alarm system and a stereo with CD player. Additional SEL features include wood trim accents and front bucket seats with a center console, floor shifter and power adjustments for the driver. SE models can be upgraded with a Preferred Equipment package that includes alloy wheels, rear spoiler and power driver seat. The SEL offers a Premium Package with a six-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, leather seating, rear spoiler, power passenger seat, HomeLink universal transceiver and auto headlamps.

2006 Ford Taurus Summary

The 2006 Ford Taurus is a 4-door, up to 6-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the SE Sedan and the SEL Sedan.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 153-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Pros

Perfect size, comfortable ride, good trunk space, nice sound system, great value for the money

Cons

Several small problems, ie roof rack cracked, tire repairs, lots of oil usage for first 1000 miles,