Brand Perception:
Positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and increasingly tech-laden large sedan, evolving from its earlier performance-oriented iterations.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on modern styling, interior comfort, advanced safety features, and optional potent EcoBoost powertrains.
Trim Levels:
SE, SEL, ST, Titanium (typical for 2018 model year, specific trims may vary by market).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.0L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L Ti-VCT V6), transmission (6F50, 6F55 SelectShift Automatic), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering (EPAS), brakes (ABS, EBD, ESC, rotor/pad replacement), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), infotainment system, lighting, power accessories, charging system, starter system, anti-theft system, instrument cluster, diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body And Trim:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seating, airbags, safety restraint systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine component replacement (e.g., spark plugs, belts, hoses, water pump), transmission service and overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension and steering component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, symptom-based diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic routine maintenance and inspections to complex diagnostic procedures and full mechanical/electrical component overhauls and replacements.
Engine 1 Type:
2.0L Ti-VCT Inline-4 EcoBoost (Direct Injection, Turbocharged)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1999 cc
Engine 1 Power:
240 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
270 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3497 cc
Engine 2 Power:
280 hp @ 6500 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Type:
3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Direct Injection, Twin-Turbocharged)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3497 cc
Engine 3 Power:
365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with Port and Direct Injection (EcoBoost engines), Port Injection (Naturally Aspirated V6).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating recommendations vary by engine, premium often recommended for EcoBoost).
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed automatic (SelectShift®)
Transmission Model Standard:
6F50 (typically with 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L Ti-VCT V6), 6F55 (typically with 3.5L EcoBoost V6, heavier duty).
Transmission Type Optional:
All-wheel drive (AWD) available on certain trims and engine combinations.
Transmission Features:
Driver-selectable gear changes (SelectShift), sport mode, adaptive shift logic.
Length:
Approx. 202.0 inches (5131 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.0 inches (1930 mm)
Height:
Approx. 59.5 inches (1511 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.9 inches (2868 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 102.4 cu ft (2899 L)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 20.1 cu ft (569 L)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3,750 lbs (1701 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 4,250 lbs (1928 kg) (for AWD/EcoBoost models)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Typically 5-star overall rating (check specific model year and configuration for exact results).
IIHS Rating:
Good in most crashworthiness categories; front crash prevention ratings vary based on optional equipment.
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Ford's AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Driver Assistance:
Available Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front-seat side-impact airbags, Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags (for all rows).
Seatbelts:
3-point safety belts with front load limiting retractors and pretensioners.
Sync System:
SYNC 3 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity.
Navigation:
Available integrated navigation system.
Parking Assistance:
Available Active Park Assist, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality.
Ford Pass Connect:
Available modem for remote start, vehicle location, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities via the FordPass app.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 20,000 miles (32,000 km), replace as needed. Check more frequently in dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 10,000-20,000 miles (16,000-32,000 km) or as needed for air quality.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN, Ford WSS-M2C945-A/B) for 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L Ti-VCT V6. SAE 0W-30 (API SN, Ford WSS-M2C946-A/B) for 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid:
MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (for 6F50/6F55).
Coolant:
Ford Ultimate Engine Coolant (VC-13-G) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D2 (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid (FMVSS No. 116).
Common Problems:
While generally reliable, some owners report occasional issues with the power steering system (EPAS), particularly at low speeds. Infotainment system glitches (SYNC) can occur. Early EcoBoost models sometimes exhibited turbocharger or boost-related concerns, though these were often addressed via TSBs.
Technical Service Bulletins:
The manual will detail relevant Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for common or recurring issues addressed by Ford.
Ford Legacy:
Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903, has a long history of producing popular and durable vehicles across various segments.
Taurus Lineage:
The Taurus was a groundbreaking vehicle in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its aerodynamic design and front-wheel-drive layout. The 2018 model represents the sixth generation, significantly evolved from its predecessors.
Manufacturing Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production Run:
Sixth generation production ran from 2010 to 2019. The 2018 model year is part of this generation's later phase.