Best Car Reviews - 2017 Ford Taurus FWD

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Introduction

The 2017 Ford Taurus FWD is a full-size American sedan aimed at drivers who value a quiet ride, a substantial highway presence and a very large trunk more than sporty handling. This review focuses on the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder version, which used Ford’s turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost direct-injection engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Although the Taurus was near the end of its production cycle in 2017, it remained a comfortable, well-equipped choice for families, business users and long-distance commuters seeking a traditional large sedan.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2017 Ford Taurus has a broad, formal sedan shape with a long 203-inch body, a high beltline and a wide grille that give it a confident, substantial appearance. It is less sleek and agile-looking than newer large sedans, but its design communicates comfort and solidity. The 2017 model was essentially unchanged from the previous year, retaining the facelifted front end, LED taillights and the sixth-generation Taurus proportions. Its sizeable dimensions help deliver useful cabin and cargo space, although they can make tight urban parking less convenient.

Large four-door sedan body with a wide, planted stance.
Standard 18-inch alloy wheels on entry versions, with larger wheel options on higher trims.
Automatic headlights, LED taillights and an exterior keypad were available features.
Optional rear spoiler, power moonroof and 19- or 20-inch wheels allowed a more upscale look.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Taurus emphasizes a hushed, secure feel rather than airy modern minimalism. The dashboard is broad and button-heavy by current standards, but major controls are close at hand and the front seats are supportive for long journeys. The cabin seats five, with good front-seat room and a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility. Trim level makes a major difference: the SE is functional, while the Limited adds a more luxurious atmosphere with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Very large 20.1-cubic-foot trunk for luggage, golf bags or family travel.
Power-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel on base models.
Available dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start and power-adjustable pedals.
Higher trims offered perforated leather, seat memory and ambient interior lighting.

Performance and Handling

The specified FWD four-cylinder model uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost inline-four with direct injection, paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Ford listed up to 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane fuel; regular gasoline can be used, but peak output and real-world response can vary with fuel quality and conditions. The turbo engine gives the heavy Taurus useful mid-range pull for merging and passing, though the car’s large size and comfort-oriented suspension mean it feels more relaxed than athletic in corners. Published EPA estimates for the 2.0-litre FWD Taurus were 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 11.8, 8.1 and 10.2 L/100 km. The supplied consumption figure of 12.9 L/100 km is a realistic reminder that short trips, traffic, load and driving style can raise actual fuel use considerably.

Turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine.
Up to 240 hp and 270 lb-ft when rated on premium fuel.
Six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
EPA combined rating of about 10.2 L/100 km for the 2.0-litre FWD configuration.
Comfortable highway ride, but less nimble than smaller modern sedans.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology in the 2017 Taurus ranges from basic but useful to well-equipped, depending on trim and options. Standard SYNC voice control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB ports and a rearview camera covered everyday needs. Models equipped with SYNC 3 gained an 8-inch touchscreen, improved interface response, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and available navigation. Higher trims could also include a Sony premium audio system, satellite radio, parking assistance and keyless entry with push-button start.

Standard Bluetooth, USB connectivity and SYNC voice controls.
Available SYNC 3 infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SYNC 3-equipped cars.
Available navigation, Sony premium audio and satellite radio.
Available Active Park Assist for automated parallel-parking support.

Safety Features

The 2017 Ford Taurus earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated its moderate-overlap front, side, roof-strength and head-restraint tests Good, while the driver-side small-overlap result was Acceptable. A rearview camera was standard, while more advanced driver aids were optional rather than universal. Buyers should check the exact vehicle because blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning depended on trim and package selection.

Five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating.
Standard rearview camera, stability control, traction control and multiple airbags.
Available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Available forward-collision warning with brake support and adaptive cruise control.
Available lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance and automatic high beams.

Pricing and Variants

The 2017 Ford Taurus started at approximately $27,345 in the United States including destination charges for the SE FWD model. The range included SE, SEL, Limited and the performance-focused SHO, although the SHO used all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo V6 rather than the four-cylinder FWD powertrain reviewed here. The optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine was offered on SE, SEL and Limited trims. When new, the Taurus competed with large sedans such as the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse and Kia Cadenza. Its strongest value points were trunk capacity, ride comfort and available equipment, while rivals generally felt newer inside and more responsive on the road.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptionally large trunk for a sedan.
Quiet, comfortable ride that suits highway travel.
Turbo four-cylinder offers stronger fuel economy than the standard V6.
Available SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improve everyday usability.
Strong overall crash-test performance and useful available safety technology.

Cons

Large dimensions and limited outward visibility can complicate parking.
Cabin design and infotainment presentation feel dated beside newer competitors.
Handling is secure but not especially agile or engaging.
Advanced driver-assistance features were optional and can be difficult to find on used examples.
Real-world fuel use can rise noticeably in city driving despite the smaller turbo engine.

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs for a 2017 Ford Taurus at about $559, although age, mileage, location and prior maintenance can change that substantially. A careful pre-purchase inspection and service-history review are especially important for an older large sedan. Owner-reported and generation-wide complaint patterns include engine hesitation or misfire under load, oil-pan-gasket seepage, cooling-system leaks, intermittent loss-of-power complaints, and aging infotainment or electrical accessories. Water-pump concerns are especially associated with the Taurus generation’s V6 engines, so they are less directly applicable to this 2.0-litre four-cylinder version but remain relevant when comparing other Taurus listings.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.2/10. Design: 7.0/10 for its imposing, conventional large-sedan presence. Comfort: 8.0/10 for its quiet ride, supportive seats and enormous trunk. Performance: 7.0/10 because the turbo four-cylinder is capable but the chassis is not sporty. Technology: 7.0/10 with SYNC 3, but lower for cars without it. Safety: 7.5/10 thanks to its five-star NHTSA overall result and available active-safety equipment, offset by the IIHS Acceptable driver-side small-overlap rating and poor-rated headlights.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly presents the 2017 Ford Taurus as a comfortable, dependable-feeling highway sedan with a particularly useful trunk. Satisfaction tends to be highest among drivers who prioritize ride quality, space and a traditional sedan driving experience. Criticism usually focuses on the dated interior design, difficult parking dimensions, fuel use in town and the importance of keeping up with maintenance as mileage rises.

Owners often value the smooth ride and low road noise on long trips.
The oversized trunk is frequently considered one of the car’s best features.
Many drivers find the turbo engine adequate for daily commuting and highway passing.
Some owners consider the cabin controls and dashboard layout old-fashioned.
Used-car buyers commonly stress the value of complete maintenance records and a thorough inspection.

Best Cars in This Category

2017 Chevrolet Impala
2017 Toyota Avalon
2017 Chrysler 300
2017 Buick LaCrosse
2017 Kia Cadenza

Summary

The 2017 Ford Taurus FWD with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is best suited to buyers who want a spacious, comfortable and traditionally styled large sedan at a used-market price. It is not the most modern or agile vehicle in its class, but its trunk capacity, quiet highway manners, available technology and strong overall safety rating remain appealing. A well-maintained example with the right equipment package can still be a sensible choice for long-distance commuting, family transport and buyers who prefer a large sedan over an SUV.