2004 Ford Taurus

Since its introduction for the 1986 model year, the Taurus has, in its own low-key way, become one of the legendary nameplates in Ford 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, more than 6.0 million Tauruses have been sold, keeping the vehicle among America's best-selling passenger cars every year. The 2004 Taurus boasts more improvements and continues to deliver an even-more-refined mix of desirable elements at an affordable price.

For 2004, a new grille and refined front and rear fascias complement the interior and powertrain improvements for the new model-year.

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. For 2004, a new grille and refined front and rear fascias complement the interior and powertrain improvements for the new model-year. Four trim levels continue in the sedan: LX, SE, SES and SEL. Even the LX, which opens at $19,660, contains a host of impressive features including a 3.0-liter/155-horsepower OHV Vulcan V-6, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, a tilt steering column, intermittent wipers, an AM/FM radio, and floormats. Also included is Ford's comprehensive Personal Safety System, which includes standard dual front airbags, three-point safety belts, an array of sensors that can determine the severity of a frontal crash and tailor the deployment of the airbags, and Beltminder. This sophisticated package earns top 5-star marks in government frontal impact tests.


Getting even more specific, seating in the LX and SE editions has a flip-fold center armrest and allows for six passengers. The SES and SEL have front buckets that are also SE options. For a starting price of $20,195, the SE's expanded goodies roster also includes cruise control, keyless remote, alloy wheels and anti-lock front disc/rear drum brakes.

Seating in the LX and SE editions has a flip-fold center armrest and allows for six passengers. The SES and SEL have front buckets that are also SE options.

We sampled the top of the Taurus ladder, an SEL Premium sedan. In addition to power-adjustable pedals (which are conveniently activated from the instrument panel), the SEL nets supplemental side-impact airbags as well as the hotter 3.0-liter Duratec V-6, a 24V twincammer that cranks out 201 horses and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. An improved exhaust system for 2004 qualifies the Duratec engine for LEV-II (Low Emissions Vehicle-II) compliance. Helping make the best use of all that motivating force as it passes to the front wheels via the four-speed autoshifter (a given on all Taurus models) is a standard all-speed traction-control system. MSRP for the SEL Premium sedan starts at $23,305.


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 stabilizer bars at both ends-do a credible job of keeping things under control. Hard-line enthusiasts are likely to pine for a bit more feel in the power rack-and-pinion steering and a more linear brake pedal. Rougher road surfaces can also subject the Taurus's otherwise peaceful inner sanctum to some low-frequency rumble and minor impact harshness. However, typical 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.