The 1997 Ford Taurus provides a front-drive, four-door sedan or wagon that marked one of the best-selling cars in the 1990s. In a class that includes the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Taurus offers exceptional value to consumers by delivering a solid combination of performance, handling, and comfort, while touting an affordable price.
The Taurus makes a good choice for a family in need of a reliable car that provides ample safety and security at a reasonable price. Drivers get the satisfaction of a pleasurable experience behind the wheel, while passengers enjoy a comfortable ride with plenty of room.
The Range
Body Styles: sedan, wagon
Engines: 145-hp 3.0-liter V-6, 200-hp 3.0-liter V-6, 3.4-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic
Models: Ford Taurus G, Ford Taurus GL, Ford Taurus LX, Ford Taurus SHO
What's New
The only changes noticed on the 1997 Ford Taurus include the addition of some new exterior colors and minor alterations to the equipment packages.
Exterior
The 1997 Ford Taurus has approximately a 198-inch length, 73-inch width, 55-inch height, and 109-inch wheelbase. It features a unique design that looks stylish and attractive, highlighted by rounded corners, a small grille opening, and its wheels pushed out to the corners. The Taurus features body side molding, body-colored front and rear bumpers, power heated black door mirrors, complex surface lens halogen headlights, a solar-reflective windshield, and tinted glass. A power moonroof and daytime running lights remain optional. It has a curb weight of 3326 pounds and sits on 15-inch steel, alloy, or chrome wheels.
Interior
The interior of the Ford Taurus feels roomy enough to fit five or six passengers. In the front, it uses reclining cloth bucket seats with height-adjustable headrests, divided by an armrest, storage console, and two cup holders or a split-bench seat that fits three people. Pockets in the doors and bins on the seats offer easy storage. The dash contains logically arranged gauges and controls for easy use. In the rear, a split-bench seat fits three people. The 1997 Ford Taurus features a lockable glove compartment, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, power windows, side window demisters, air-conditioning, a cargo area light, a remote hood release, and an electronic AM/FM stereo with four speakers. A cassette or CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seating, a power driver’s seat, and power door locks provide options.
Performance & Handling
The 1997 Ford Taurus comes packed with either a three-liter V-6 engine that produces 145 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque or a three-liter V-6 that pumps out 200 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Also, the 3.4-liter V-8 cranks out 235 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque and comes standard in the SHO. All engines combine with a four-speed automatic transmission. Performance seems adequate, characterized by decent acceleration, smooth shifts, and quiet operation. The SHO gets from zero to 60 mph in eight seconds, while it takes G, GL, and LX 10 seconds to complete the feat.
The Taurus utilizes an independent strut front and rear suspension with a stabilizer bar and coil springs. The suspension provides for a relatively smooth and stable ride. Bumps in the road get soaked up nicely. Handling feels better than average, gifting drivers with the ability to take sharp corners easily and maneuver through traffic gracefully. Steering feels responsive and predictable, allowing for precise control at all times.
Safety
The 1997 Ford Taurus has driver and front-passenger front-impact airbags installed. Four-wheel ABS provides an option on all models. Integrated rear child seats remain optional on the GL and LX.
EPA Fuel Economy
Ford Taurus G: 20/28 mpg city/highway
Ford Taurus GL: 20/28 mpg city/highway
Ford Taurus LX: 19/28 mpg city/highway
Ford Taurus SHO: 17/26 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Good handling
- Lots of cargo room
- Good fuel economy
You Won't Like
- Poor rear visibility
- Sluggish acceleration
Sum Up
Holds its own in a crowded sedan market.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Nissan Maxima
- Subaru Legacy
- Eagle Vision
- Honda Accord
- Buick Century