Target Audience:
Families, fleet vehicles, executive transport
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Chrysler Concorde/LHS, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima
Platform Sharing:
Unique in its class for sharing a rear-wheel-drive biased platform (DEW98) with Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type, offering improved handling and ride quality compared to previous FWD Tauruses.
Interior Space:
Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Powertrain Options:
Emphasis on V6 and V8 engine options providing robust performance for the segment.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems (OBD-II diagnostics)
Transmission:
Automatic Transaxle (AX4N, 4F50N), manual transmission (less common), clutch (if applicable), torque converter, gear shifting mechanisms
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, parking brake, brake rotor/pad replacement, brake caliper service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, sway bars), steering linkage
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, anti-theft systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal and installation, system repairs, calibration procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II scan tool usage, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations and resolutions
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics.
Diagnostics Level:
Expert-level diagnostic procedures, including the use of specialized Ford scan tools (e.g., WDS - Worldwide Diagnostic System).
Component Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including machining specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, component-level electrical wiring diagrams with circuit tracing information.
Engine Options 2000-2007:
3.0L V6 (Duratec and Vulcan variants), 3.9L V8 (Jaguar AJ-V8 based, in later 'Taurus SHO' models and Lincoln LS)
Base Engine Common:
3.0L V6 Duratec (offering better performance and efficiency than the older 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6)
3.0L Duratec V6 (Approximate):
200-201 hp @ 5750-6000 rpm, 200-207 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm
3.0L Vulcan V6 (Approximate):
150 hp @ 4900 rpm, 185 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
3.9L V8 (Sho, Approximate):
235 hp @ 5500 rpm, 265 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (later SHO models had higher output, up to 275 hp)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., AX4N, 4F50N)
Optional Transmission:
Manual transmission was very rare or unavailable in North America for this generation. A specific 5-speed manual was available on some earlier models and export markets.
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard. Some performance models (SHO) may have offered Intelligent AWD.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V (for 4F50N and AX4N)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for refill, higher for overhaul.
Length:
Approx. 202.0 inches (5131 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.0 inches (1422 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 113.4 inches (2880 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 105 cubic feet (2973 liters)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 17 cubic feet (481 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3900 lbs (1588-1769 kg), depending on engine and options.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 stars (for models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
'Good' (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac) became available on later models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended by Ford.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
3.0L Duratec V6: Iridium spark plugs, typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) replacement interval. 3.0L Vulcan V6: Conventional spark plugs, typically 30,000 miles (48,000 km) interval.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as specified by severe duty service intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C200-CD (or equivalent for synthetic).
Coolant Type:
Ford Super Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (for ethylene glycol based systems). Check specific vehicle application.
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent MERCON ATF for some applications - consult manual).
Ignition Coil Packs:
Common on Duratec engines, can lead to misfires and rough running.
Intake Manifold Gasket:
Plastic intake manifolds on some Duratec engines can develop cracks or gasket leaks, leading to vacuum leaks and poor running.
Transmission Problems:
Some early 4F50N transmissions experienced issues with solenoid packs or torque converter clutch (TCC) operation, though generally more robust than prior transmissions.
Rear Main Seal:
Potential for oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Suspected Carbon Buildup:
On Duratec engines, carbon buildup can occur on intake valves, affecting performance and efficiency. Seafoam or similar treatments may be beneficial.
Ford Sedan History:
The Ford Taurus has a long and storied history in the American automotive market, dating back to its revolutionary redesign in 1986 which made it a sales phenomenon.
Generation Overview:
The 2000-2007 models represent the sixth generation of the Taurus, a significant departure from previous generations due to its adoption of the DEW98 rear-wheel-drive platform. This was a controversial move for some traditional Taurus buyers but aimed to elevate the car's driving dynamics and compete with more premium sedans.
Platform Rationale:
The platform sharing with Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type was part of Ford's 'Premier Automotive Group' strategy to leverage shared architectures.
Facelifts:
Received minor updates and trim changes throughout its lifecycle, including aesthetic revisions and powertrain enhancements.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily manufactured at Ford's Atlanta Assembly Plant (Hapeville, Georgia) and Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).
End Of Production:
Production for the US market ceased in October 2007, making way for the Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (2008MY) and later the revived Taurus nameplate on a front-wheel-drive platform.
