Target Audience:
Families, fleet buyers, individuals seeking comfortable and spacious transportation.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, Dodge Intrepid (previous generations), Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord (larger trims), Nissan Maxima.
Key Selling Points 2006:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available V8 engine, improved styling over previous generation, competitive pricing.
Value:
Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, saving on labor costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, emissions, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starter system, charging system.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, transaxle (automatic transmission) overhaul, drive shafts, CV joints, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, traction control), wheels and tires.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
Electrical And Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay information, lighting systems, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics, audio systems, security systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, diagnostic strategies for all major systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical components, body panels, interior components. Includes rebuild procedures for major assemblies.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities and types, electrical system specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Code And Displacement:
3.0L Duratec 30 V6 (Vulcan successor) / 4.6L Modular V8 (excluding the most basic trims).
Engine Configuration:
SOHC V6 and OHV V8
Horsepower V6:
Approx. 201 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque V6:
Approx. 203 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower V8:
Approx. 239 hp @ 4900 rpm (may vary slightly)
Torque V8:
Approx. 287 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (may vary slightly)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Orange) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations and oil life monitoring system. Typically 5 quarts (4.7L) for V6, 6 quarts (5.7L) for V8.
Spark Plugs:
Typically Motorcraft Platinum or similar (e.g., AGSF32PM for V6). Check manual for exact part numbers and gap.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transaxle (4F50N for V6, 4R75W for V8)
Optional Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on certain trims (e.g., SEL).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon V
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.9 quarts (8.4L) for a dry fill, typical fluid change around 4-5 quarts.
Length:
Approx. 203.7 inches (5174 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 114.5 inches (2908 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 108.3 cubic feet (3067 liters)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)
Curb Weight V6 FWD:
Approx. 3570 lbs (1619 kg)
Curb Weight V8 AWD:
Approx. 3950 lbs (1792 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
5 Stars (2006 Model Year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
5 Stars (2006 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2006 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2006 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available/standard on certain trims
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear seatbelt reminder.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional premium audio systems (e.g., Mach 460), available CD changer, and Sirius satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed hands-free phone system (e.g., Ford Voice Command).
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry keypad on the driver's door and remote keyless entry fob.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitor System (OLMS).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or as needed for optimal cabin air quality.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Replace typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or as indicated by severe usage or fluid condition. Refer to manual for specific intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter, using Ford specified coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs. V6 Duratec may have separate coil-on-plug ignition. V8 Modular typically uses 8 spark plugs.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specified Ford power steering fluid.
Common Problems V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on many Ford V6s of this era), occasional transmission solenoid issues, rear main seal leaks.
Common Problems V8:
Spark plug blow-out (especially on early modular engines), occasional coil pack issues, cam phaser issues on some variants (less common on this specific application).
General Issues:
HVAC blend door actuators, power window regulators, and occasional ABS sensor failures.
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford, a pioneer in automotive manufacturing and mass production.
Taurus Legacy:
The Ford Taurus was a groundbreaking vehicle for Ford, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. The 2006 model represents the fourth generation, a redesign intended to revive its sales and market appeal.
Manufacturing Location:
Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Hapeville)
Production Years For This Generation:
2000-2007
Critical Reviews:
While the 2006 Taurus was a competent vehicle, it was generally seen as a competent but aging design in a segment that was increasingly shifting towards more modern offerings. It often received praise for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, but less so for its styling and driving dynamics compared to some rivals.
Fuel Economy Est Mpg V6 FWD:
Approx. 18 city / 27 highway
Fuel Economy Est Mpg V8 AWD:
Approx. 17 city / 24 highway
