2004 Ford Taurus
Should You Buy a 2004 Ford Taurus?
The 2004 Ford Taurus is a mid-sized sedan that offers a blend of practicality and performance, making it a solid choice for families and daily commuters. With a 3.0L V6 engine producing 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, it provides adequate power for city driving and highway merging. The front-wheel-drive configuration ensures decent traction in various weather conditions, while the 20 MPG combined fuel efficiency keeps running costs manageable. However, prospective buyers should be aware of its MSRP of $23,740, which may be on the higher side for a vehicle of its class, especially considering its age.
Despite its strengths, the Taurus has faced some reliability concerns, as indicated by the 479 total complaints reported to the NHTSA. Notably, issues related to vehicle speed control account for a significant portion of these complaints, particularly around the 60,000 to 120,000-mile mark. While the Taurus boasts a reliability score of 92.9/100, potential buyers should weigh these factors carefully when considering their purchase.
The 2004 Ford Taurus is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals seeking a reliable daily commuter with ample seating and cargo space.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for up to 6 passengers
- +Decent fuel economy for a mid-sized sedan
- +Good reliability score of 92.9/100
- +Affordable maintenance costs
- +Front-wheel drive offers better traction in adverse conditions
Weaknesses
- -Significant complaints regarding vehicle speed control
- -Older design may lack modern features and technology
- -Performance may feel underwhelming compared to newer competitors
- -Higher MSRP for a vehicle of its age
- -Limited resale value due to age and market perception
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2004 Ford Taurus has several known issues primarily related to vehicle speed control, which has been reported frequently in the 60,000 to 120,000-mile range. Additionally, there are complaints regarding the powertrain and electrical system. While the vehicle has a respectable reliability score, the presence of crash and fire incidents should not be overlooked. Overall, while there are no significant NHTSA complaints on record that would render the vehicle unsafe, buyers should remain vigilant about these common issues.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 20
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Width
- 72.8 in
- Height
- 56.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 108.7 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,307 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –