The 2005 Ford Taurus has a sedan body style that is available in two sub-models. The two sub-models available for the 2005 Ford Taurus are the SE four-door sedan and the SEL four-door sedan. The SEL is the more accessorized sub-model and will cost more, but for the car buyers willing to pay the extra money, the value of the extra features on the SEL sub-model can make owning the Taurus more enjoyable. With the removal of some sub-models from previous years and a continuation of the changes that took place in the 2004 models, the 2005 Ford Taurus comes with a choice of three engines, one of which is a flex-fuel engine capable of using E85. All three engine options are three-liter V-6s coupled to a standard four-speed automatic with overdrive.
The Range
Body Styles: four-door sedan
Engines: 3.0-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic with overdrive
Models: Ford Taurus SE and Ford Taurus SEL
What's New
The changes that took place in the Ford Taurus in 2005 were simplifications including the removal of some sub-models, leaving only the SE and SEL. The standard interior of the SEL has been limited down to a wood trim package that is the 2005 standard. In later 2005 models, a tire pressure monitoring system will be included in the standard package on sub-models using alloy wheels.
Exterior
On the SE sub-model 16-inch steel wheels are issued with a spare wheel being supplied on factory purchases. The SEL model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels with a steel spare. A temporary all-season spare tire is also supplied and mounted on the underbody. The rear defogger helps keep the view behind the vehicle clear in less desirable driving conditions, although the intermittent wipers are only installed in the front. Cargo tie-downs can be found on both sub-models for expanded cargo carrying capacity on the roof.
Interior
The front and rear seats of the Ford Taurus SE are simple and do not come with very many extra features. Its roomy split bench seats with cloth upholstery and is otherwise very simple. The rear seats are very similar and the rear cabin has ventilation ducts to allow for better circulation of fresh air. The SEL sub-model has some extra features that a car buyer will find desirable. The driver seat is six-way power adjustable and the seats are cloth bucket seats instead of the split bench style. An extra feature for the rear seats in the SEL sub-model is that they are split folding seats that allow for more storage. The SEL also has a digital keypad lock system on the power lock doors that is not available on the SE.
Both models have power mirrors. Cruise control with controls on the steering wheel and speed proportional power steering are standard on both models, as is the tilt steering wheel. One 12-volt power outlet is also provided on both models. The SE model only has common comfort features such as air-conditioning and interior air filtration, while the SEL model has more comfort features. Two of the features for the SEL model are stimulated wood trim on the console, dash, doors and shift knob as well as an electrochromatic inside rearview mirror. The four-speaker audio system is similar in both sub-models with the SEL having a single disc CD player that the SE does not.
Performance & Handling
The Ford Taurus SE and SEL are quality buys for its price. While it satisfies most drivers, it does not match the performance of other midsize sedans made available by competing manufacturers. The automatic transmission usually functions well can but sometimes can be hesitant to downshift.
Safety
The safety features found on both models are very similar. The four-wheel anti-lock brake system has ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The driver and front passenger have both head airbags and seat mounted side impact airbags to keep them well protected. The front passenger seat is equipped with an occupant sensing mechanism that will engage and disengage the passenger airbags automatically. Side impact bars reinforce both sides of the car to help everyone inside escape injury. The rear seat has a three-point center seatbelt to keep the center passenger in the rear seat strapped in in the case of an accident. Traction control helps the car keep a safe grip on the road and prevent sliding.
EPA Fuel Economy
Ford Taurus: 18/25 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Fuel economy
- Extra features on the SEL
- Pricing
- Dependability
- Variety of engine options
You Won't Like
- No rear passenger airbags
- Lower performance rating than competing midsize sedans
- Harsh ride
Sum Up
An attractive pricing scale makes up for the less attractive performance.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry