Used 2014 Ford Taurus

Ford’s 2014 Taurus is working the full-size sedan market against newer rivals like the Toyota Avalon and all-new Chevrolet Impala. A tough task considering how good the competition is, but the Taurus has many tricks up its sleeve, starting with its engine lineup. A V6 is a must in this class and the Taurus has a fine one, but it also offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is surprisingly robust and fuel-efficient. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the mighty SHO, powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 and AWD. Of course, the Taurus is also a technological player, with the latest in voice activated interfaces (SYNC), as well as safety and security features like Ford’s Lane Keeping System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Full size sedans aren’t supposed to move like the 2014 Ford Taurus moves, at least not when they cost less than $30,000. The Taurus is no 7 Series, but does deliver impressive ride comfort, a serene cabin and adept handling – not to mention impressive acceleration from both the V6 and turbocharged EcoBoost engines. High tech allies such as Ford’s Torque Vectoring and Curve Control help keep the Taurus bulk in check. By using very slight brake force applied at specific wheels, these systems help the Taurus round curves with assuredness. The view from the Taurus’ driver’s seat isn’t bad, although we found the wide B-pillar just behind the driver’s head and the front windshield pillars to be rather thick, obstructing our side view. Fortunately, the Taurus’ exterior mirrors are a vast help, as is the optional "BLIS" system that warns of objects too close to the vehicle’s side when changing lanes.

The Ford Taurus for 2014 is equipped to carry five, but four adults would be the prime number for comfort over long distances. The driver and front passenger can enjoy the available massaging seats, helping to negate back fatigue on long drives. Climate-controlled front seats providing both heating and cooling are also offered. Most of the Taurus audio and navigation controls can be operated via the steering wheel or by voice command. Further separating itself from the pedestrian family sedan, the 2014 Taurus offers such upscale options as automatic high-beam dimmers, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind-spot monitoring, and a power sunshade for the rear window.

Compared to most sedans, the 2014 Ford Taurus is far from being in the norm. It’s a tall sedan, with wide doors and a low roof, and a steeply raked windshield and rear window. The Taurus’ large rear deck creates a vast 20-cubic-foot trunk capable of carrying a week’s worth of luggage or two golf bags, and the low liftover makes it easy to get things in and out.

2.0-LITER ECOBOOST ENGINE
Ford’s turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine cranks out 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque (that’s more torque than Ford’s standard 3.5-liter V6), yet attains an impressive 32-mpg highway figure.

FORD’S MYKEY
This system can be used to restrict vehicle speed, limit audio system volume and control other functions when a specific key is used to start the vehicle. In effect, MyKey lets parents better control the driving habits of their children, even when they aren’t along for the ride.

Included on the 2014 Taurus’ list of standard equipment are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power driver’s seat, steering-wheel controls for audio and cruise control, power windows with one-touch up/down functions for the driver, and Ford’s programmable MyKey system. The standard audio system is a 6-speaker CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags protecting both the front and rear passengers.

Among the more interesting options are seats with massage function, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. Other options include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Intelligent Access with push-button start, a power rear sunshade, power adjustable pedals, the SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system (standard on Limited and SHO), and a 12-speaker premium Sony audio system. On the safety front, the optional Blind Spot Information System alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when you’re backing up. Lane Keep System helps the driver keep in his own lane.

All 2014 Ford Taurus trims start with a 288-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional on front-wheel-drive (FWD) models is Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder. The Taurus SHO offers 77 more horsepower than the standard Taurus V6, thanks to the use of direct-injection technology and twin turbochargers. With the exception of the SE trim, all Taurus models also feature steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, providing manual control of the transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on both SEL and Limited trims and standard on the Taurus SHO.

3.5-liter V6
288 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
254 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 mpg (FWD), 18/26 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPC city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (SHO)
365 horsepower @ 5,550 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,250 rpm
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg