2005 Ford Taurus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan /Se/Sel, 4dr Wagon /Se/Sel
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,307–3,497 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints137 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 33 for similar models — most often about the vehicle speed control.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Ford Taurus is a large car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,307 lb (4dr Sedan /Se/Sel).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 10% better than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan /Se/Sel | 197.6 in | 72.8 in | 56.3 in | 108.7 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,307 lb | 64/36 |
| 4dr Wagon /Se/Sel | 197.6 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 108.7 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,497 lb | 64/36 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | +10% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Taurus | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | +10% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Taurus FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +10% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Taurus Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -7% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Taurus Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -7% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Taurus Wagon FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -7% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Ford Taurus under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Ford Taurus (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Chrysler 300 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Nissan Altima | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Taurus.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Ford Taurus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Ford Taurus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 82 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 20 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Taurus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Taurus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Taurus | 21 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2018 Taurus | 21 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 52 |
| 2017 Taurus | 23 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 44 |
| 2016 Taurus | 23 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 86 |
| 2015 Taurus | 26 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 280 |
| 2014 Taurus | 26 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 225 |
| 2013 Taurus | 25 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 564 |
| 2012 Taurus | 22 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 61 |
| 2011 Taurus | 22 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 133 |
| 2010 Taurus | 22 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 110 |
| 2009 Taurus | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 1 | 25 |
| 2008 Taurus | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 1 | 128 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →