2002 Ford Taurus SEL Premium

Since its introduction for the 1986 model year, the Taurus has, in its own low-key way, become one of the legendary nameplates in Blue Oval history. In a daring-at-the-time move, Ford used this eminently practical four-door to pioneer the aero look in modern family sedans. Since then, 5.7 million Tauruses have been sold, keeping the vehicle among America's best-selling passenger cars every year. While no one will accuse the current iteration of breaking mass quantities of new ground, it continues to deliver an appealing mix of desirable elements at an affordable price.

Ford pioneered a new look in family sedans with the aerodynamic bodylines of the current-generation Taurus.

The last major transition for the Taurus came in model year 2000, when a comprehensive restyling and numerous engineering upgrades added more visual and practical appeal. Four trim levels continue in the sedan line—LX, SE, SES, and SEL—while the wagon side of the family offers only the latter three variants. Even the LX, which opens at $18,185, includes a host of impressive features such as a 3.0-liter/155-horsepower OHV Vulcan V-6, a 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, a tilt steering column, intermittent wipers, an AM/FM radio, and Ford's comprehensive Personal Safety System. The safety package includes standard dual front airbags, three-point seatbelts, and an array of sensors that can determine the severity of any crash and tailor the deployment levels of these passive-response elements to match. This sophisticated package earns top 5-star marks in government frontal impact tests.


While all 2002 Taurus models get an LED-type high-mount stop light, floor mats and several new exterior colors, the LX and SE now come with a standard bench set in both front and rear; the SES and SEL have front buckets that are SE options. For a starting price of $19,560, the SE's expanded goodies roster also includes cruise control, keyless remote, alloy wheels and anti-lock on the front disc/rear drum brakes.

Most Taurus models are powered by a 3.0-liter V-6. Lower-levels have the 155-horse Vulcan OHV version, while higher-trimmed cars such as the SEL get the 200-hp Duratec DOHC powerplant.

This time out, we sampled the top of the Taurus ladder, an SEL Premium-grade sedan. In addition to power-adjustable pedals and new security approach lamps (which it shares with the SES), the SEL nets supplemental side-impact airbags as well as the hotter 3.0-liter Duratec V-6, a 24V twincammer that cranks out 200 horses and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. Helping make the best use of that motivating force as it passes to the front wheels via the mandatory 4-speed autoshifter is a standard all-speed traction-control system. Optioned up with leather upholstery, power moonroof, and the Luxury/Convenience Group (heated mirrors, perimeter lighting, compass), the bottom line on our test car rose from $22,900 to $25,225, including $625 in freight charges.


Even in SEL guise, the Taurus makes no pretense at being a sport sedan. Nonetheless, fully independent coil-sprung underpinnings—MacPherson struts up front, parallel links with tension struts in the rear and anti-roll bars at both ends—do a surprisingly credible job of keeping things under control in most driving situations. Hard-line enthusiasts are likely to pine for a bit more feel in the power rack-and-pinion steering, a more linear brake pedal, and tires with a touch more grip than the standard 215/60TR16 all-season rubber provide. Rougher road surfaces can also subject its otherwise peaceful inner sanctum to some low-frequency rumble and minor impact harshness. However, typical Taurus owners are more apt to laud its ability to balance the comfort/compliance/competence equation than to take real issue with any of those lesser shortcomings.