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2006 Ford Taurus

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Ford Taurus
Pictured: 2010 Ford Taurus Limited 2 -- 10-31-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan /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
3,336 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 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 3,336 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 12% better than the 2006 large car average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.

What changed for 2006

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Taurus — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Taurus →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan /Se/Sel197.6 in72.8 in56.3 in108.7 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,336 lb64/36

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Taurus3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20+12%$3,350444
Taurus FFV3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+12%$3,350444
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.9 MPG2006 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Ford Taurus under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Ford Taurus (this car)20 MPGNot rated0
2006 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2006 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2006 Toyota Camry25 MPGNot rated4
2006 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated2
2006 Chevrolet Malibu24 MPGNot rated4
2006 Volkswagen Passat24 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Taurus.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Ford Taurus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

70Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
119,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Vehicle Speed Control33
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Unknown Or Other7
Electrical System7
Engine7
Service Brakes6
Power Train6
Air Bags5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/02: 117/04: 217/05: 117/06: 217/08: 217/10: 117/12: 118/01: 218/03: 118/05: 218/07: 118/10: 119/01: 120/08: 120/10: 120/11: 121/01: 121/03: 122/02: 222/06: 222/07: 223/01: 123/06: 124/09: 117/0217/0617/1218/0519/0120/1122/0223/01max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Ford Taurus buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Vehicle Speed Control — 33 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 119,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Taurus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Taurus years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Taurus21203.1 in★★★★★218
2018 Taurus21203.1 in★★★★★452
2017 Taurus23203.1 in★★★★★444
2016 Taurus23203.1 inNot rated486
2015 Taurus26203.1 inNot rated6280
2014 Taurus26203.1 inNot rated5225
2013 Taurus25203.1 inNot rated9564
2012 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated561
2011 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated4133
2010 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated3110
2009 Taurus21202 inNot rated125
2008 Taurus22202 inNot rated1128

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →