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Summary
The Ford Taurus remains one of the 10 best-selling vehicles, car or truck, in the United States. Since it was introduced in 1985, Taurus sales have averaged more than 350,000 units every year, and the car line recently surpassed 6 million units in total sales. An all-new Ford Five Hundred sedan is on the horizon, but we expect to see the Taurus sell on a price basis for several years to come.The Taurus soldiers into 2004 offering value in the form of cash rebates and other incentives. Base prices and option prices have climbed, however, and content has not always increased. Taurus rides smoothly for family duty, yet offers crisp, sporty handling. Plus it's bigger than most mid-size cars. We recommend the newer Duratec engine for its responsiveness and efficiency, and we highly recommend opting for ABS and side airbags.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Taurus LX sedan ($19,660); SE ($20,195); SES ($21,380); SEL ($23,305); SE wagon ($21,630); SEL wagon ($23,455) |
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Engines:
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3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
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Transmissions:
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four-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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front dual-stage airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, dual rear child-seat anchors, emergency inside-trunk release |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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side-impact airbags; ABS; traction control |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Chicago; Atlanta |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Ford Taurus SEL ($23,305) |
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Standard Equipment:
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3.0-liter 24-valve Duratec V6, ABS, power driver's seat, console with floor shifter, power mirrors, doors and locks, keyless remote, electronic climate control, AM/FM/cassette stereo with 6-disc CD changer, automatic headlamps, five-spoke machined alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat, tilt steering, tinted glass, anti-theft, traction control, adjustable pedals |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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side-impact air bags ($390); traction control ($175); power adjustable pedals ($120); power moonroof ($895); Luxury and Convenience Package ($185) includes auto-dim rearview mirror w/compass and heated side mirrors; power passenger seat ($350); leather seating surfaces ($945); Mach premium audio ($345) |
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Destination Charge:
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660 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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27370 |
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Layout:
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front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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201 @ 5500 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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207 @ 4500 |
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Transmission:
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four-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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20/28 |
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Wheelbase:
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108.5 |
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Length/width/height:
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197.6/73.0/56.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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61.6/62.1 |
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Turning circle:
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39.7 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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40.0/54.4/42.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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|
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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38.1/55.7/38.9 |
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Cargo volume:
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17.0 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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1750 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent |
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Suspension, r:
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independent |
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Ground clearance:
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5.5 |
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Curb weight:
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3322 |
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Tires:
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P215/60R16 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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18 |
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