2006 Ford Taurus

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$20,830

starting MSRP

2006 Ford Taurus

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Interior space
  • Seat comfort
  • Overall value

The bad:

  • Handling
  • Visibility
  • Poor resale value
  • Nearly extinct design
  • ABS not standard

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2006 Ford Taurus trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • 153-hp, 3.0-liter V-6
  • Sedan body style only
  • Four-speed automatic
  • Optional side-impact airbags

2006 Ford Taurus review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Even though Ford launched its new Five Hundred sedan for 2005, the automaker’s midsize Taurus continues into the 2006 model year with a simplified lineup and a single V-6 choice. Four-door sedans are offered in SE and SEL trim levels. SEL models gained woodgrain trim on the console, doors and instrument panel for 2005. When properly equipped, sedans seat up to six occupants.

Ford has already dropped the Taurus wagon, and the sedan isn’t likely to last much longer. Mercury no longer offers its related Sable sedan but has instead turned to the new Milan model.

Exterior
Aerodynamic teardrop-shaped headlights and large taillights are the major styling cues on the four-door Taurus sedan, which rides on a 108.5-inch wheelbase and has 16-inch tires. At 197.6 inches long overall, the Taurus is approximately 8 inches longer than the Toyota Camry. Seven-spoke aluminum wheels are mounted on SEL models. A sunroof is optional.

Interior
In SE form, the Taurus sedan can seat up to six people with a front bench seat and folding center storage console. Five occupants fit in the SEL sedan, which is equipped with front bucket seats. All four doors contain map pockets, and the trunk holds 17 cubic feet of cargo.

Standard SE equipment includes air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a cassette stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Moving up to the SEL model adds a driver’s door keypad, a six-way power driver’s seat, lighted visor mirrors, a HomeLink garage-door opener and a CD player. The SE sedan has a column-mounted gearshift, while the SEL has a floor lever. Options include leather seating surfaces and heated mirrors.

Under the Hood
Only a single 3.0-liter V-6 is available for 2006:a Vulcan overhead-valve engine that produces 153 horsepower. The four-speed-automatic transmission incorporates adaptive shift control.

Safety
The front airbags deploy at one of two inflation levels based on crash severity and whether or not the seat belts are buckled. Side-impact airbags, antilock brakes and traction control are optional.

Driving Impressions
The Taurus sedan is satisfying in most respects, but it doesn’t stand above the midsize pack, which includes the league-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Ride and handling are acceptable, but the Taurus can feel a little ponderous at times; it can also exhibit a harsher-than-expected ride. The automatic transmission functions in an easygoing manner but may suffer a bit of hesitation when downshifting.

Interior space is ample, but large roof pillars impair visibility. All the seats are comfortable and supportive. Despite a few drawbacks, attractive prices have made the Taurus a good buy against much of the competition. Now that the sedan is on its way out, it’s tough to recommend at any price.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior design 3.8
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 3.7
  • Reliability 4.4

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Very comfortable car.

Did everything well. Mine was ex-rental vehicle. No ABS or DVD player. Decided to upgrade in 2013. Main problem was very low trade-in value as a discontinued model.

4.0

Inexpensive with turning radius not all that great

Good for the $$$$. Inexpensive but, durable. Turning radius could be better. Style out of date. Comfy seats. Accelerates quickly. Options adequate. Cruise control not as good as GM vehicles.

3.7

It’s good

This car is perfect for my needs, not super flashy but it gets me from point a to b, would recommend to my friends and family

See all 58 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Gold
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
Gold Certified: Ford models up to 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12-Month/12,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty Blue Certified: 90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty Disclaimer: See your dealer for warranty coverage details.
Powertrain
7-Year/100,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Powertrain Limited Warranty Blue Certified: Available Disclaimer: See your dealer for warranty coverage details.
Dealer certification required
Certified 172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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