2002 Ford Taurus

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$19,035

starting MSRP

2002 Ford Taurus

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

6

Seating capacity

197.6” x 57.8”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2002 Ford Taurus trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2023

2002 Ford Taurus review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford’s midsize sedan and wagon earned major styling changes for 2000, with a more conservative look than the 1996 – 1999 generation. In recent years, it has invariably been one of the top three passenger cars in the annual sales race. Sales rose by nearly 4 percent in 2000 to an impressive 382,035 units. The Mercury Sable is built from the same design, also as a sedan and wagon, but it has more standard equipment and a higher sticker price.

Apart from new body colors, little has changed for 2002. New approach lamps let people know at night that a door is open. Ford has had a Taurus in its lineup since 1986. Available in LX, SE, SES and SEL trim levels, Taurus sedans can seat either five or six occupants, depending on the model.

Exterior
Aerodynamic teardrop-shaped headlights and large taillights are the major styling cues on the four-door Taurus sedan, which rides a 108.5-inch wheelbase. At 197.6 inches long overall, the Taurus is about 7 inches longer than the Chevrolet Malibu and 8 inches longer than the redesigned Toyota Camry. The Taurus sedan is 73 inches wide and 56.1 inches tall, and it comes with 16-inch tires.

Interior
Depending on the model, buyers can seat either six people, with a folding center storage console in front, or five passengers with front buckets. Six-passenger seating is standard on the LX, SE and SES sedans, while the top-of-the-line SEL has space for five. All four doors contain map pockets, and the trunk holds 17 cubic feet of cargo.

Standard LX equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Remote keyless entry, cruise control and a cassette stereo go into the SE sedan. Moving up to an SES brings antilock brakes, a six-way power driver’s seat, a CD player and a split, folding rear seat. Heading the lineup, the SEL gets automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer and cassette player, automatic headlights and power-adjustable pedals. Also optional on other models, the power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals have a 3-inch range.

Under the Hood
Two 3.0-liter V-6 engines are available. The base engine has overhead valves and produces 155 horsepower, and the SEL sedan comes with a dual-overhead-camshaft V-6 that makes 200 hp. Both engines mate with a four-speed-automatic transmission.

Safety
Front airbags deploy at one of two inflation levels based on crash severity, whether the seat belts are buckled and the position of the driver’s seat. Optional side-impact airbags protect the heads and chests of front occupants. Antilock brakes are optional, combined with an all-speed traction control system.

Driving Impressions
Though the Taurus sedan is satisfying in most respects, it doesn’t stand strongly above the midsize pack, including the league-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Ride and handling are acceptable, but the Taurus can feel a little ponderous at times and its suspension doesn’t produce a truly gentle experience. The Mercury Sable tends to come across as more appealing, whether it’s for highway or urban driving.

Performance with the dual-cam V-6 is vigorous and responsive. The automatic transmission functions in an easygoing manner, with just a bit of hesitation when downshifting. Interior space is ample, but large roof pillars have a negative effect on visibility. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Ford’s abundant safety features and attractive prices help make the Taurus a good buy against much of the competition, despite a few drawbacks.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.1
  • Reliability 4.5

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Most reliable car I’ve owned

This car met all of my needs and was pretty reliable I used it for work and going to school and I never had problems with it

4.0

Like it.

This car is perfect for my needs. I needed something reliable for medical care and this fits the bill. Just what the doctor ordered. Comfortable and quiet with only 110,000 miles.

5.0

Love This Car

For a basic car, there is SO MUCH ROOM in this thing. Literally for the whole family , plus the dog. Plus a huge trunk. Thank heavens for adjustable pedals and full adjustable seats (meaning, perfect for all ages and heights), the radio is surprisingly good, and so much more. No complaints. Every issue I've ever had has been standard for a car of its age and mileage. Just a good, solid vehicle for around town and basic commutes/trips (under 3 hours).

See all 48 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Blue
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
36 months/36,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Powertrain
Available
Dealer certification required
139-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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