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Ford Taurus: generations, engines and what to know when buying a US import
Ford Taurus (1985–2019) — a large American sedan, most commonly imported to Lithuania from the US. We look at the generations, engines, SHO version and what to consider when buying a used car.
Taurus in brief
The Taurus is a large front-wheel or all-wheel-drive sedan designed for families and long journeys. It's not officially sold in Lithuania, so you'll only find imported models here.
The model has been in production for a long time and across several generations. Most used examples are from 2000–2007 and 2010–2019; the 2008–2009 model was sold as a Taurus but was technically a continuation of the Five Hundred.
Which generation to choose
The latest generation (2010–2019) offers a modern interior, spacious dimensions and a wide range of engines. It was refreshed in 2013 with updated styling and a new infotainment system.
Earlier generations are simpler and cheaper, but they're also quite dated. If you opt for an older Taurus, pay close attention to the condition of the transmission and engine, as well as the service history.
Engines and transmissions
The latest Taurus comes with a 3.5-litre V6 (around 260–290 hp), a 2.0-litre EcoBoost (around 240 hp) and a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 (around 365 hp) in the SHO version. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic.
Some versions come with all-wheel drive. The SHO is the sportiest, but also the most expensive to maintain.
What to check when buying
Check all-wheel drive components, especially the transfer case (PTU), and the operation of the gearbox. In V6 engines, the water pump may be inside the engine, so leaks can damage the engine — check that the coolant isn't mixing with the oil.
Always check imported cars by their VIN history and auction photos. Pay attention to signs of body repairs and gas equipment if it's installed.
Trim levels
Taurus trim levels in the US market differ from those in Europe; we list the most common versions of imported cars.
SE
2010–2019Base model.
- 3.5 V6 engine
- More basic trim
- Often — no leather interior
SEL
2010–2019Commonly encountered, better-equipped version.
- Often — leather interior
- Often — electrically adjustable seats
- Often — navigation
Limited
2010–2019Higher trim level with extensive features.
- Leather interior, heated seats
- Often — parking camera
- Often — adaptive cruise control
SHO
2010–2019Sport version with twin-turbo engine.
- 3.5 EcoBoost, around 365 HP
- All-wheel drive
- Sport suspension
Comparing versions
| SE | SEL | Limited | SHO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For the budget-conscious buyer | For the family | For comfort | For sporty driving |
| Engine | 3.5 V6 | 3.5 V6 or 2.0 EcoBoost | 3.5 V6 or 2.0 EcoBoost | 3.5 EcoBoost V6 |
| Interior | Base | Often leather | Leather, more equipment | Sport |
| Transmission | Front-wheel drive | Front- or all-wheel drive | Front- or all-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Relative price in the used market | € | € | €€ | €€€ |
Families often opt for SEL or Limited; SHO is for those needing more power.
Pros
- Spacious interior and large boot
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Wide range of engine options
- Prices in the used market are often affordable
Cons
- High fuel consumption
- Imported cars — need to thoroughly check the history
- Maintenance can be expensive, especially for the SHO
Frequently asked questions
Is the Taurus officially sold in Lithuania?
No, all Taurus cars in Lithuania are imported from the USA or other countries.
Which Taurus version is the most economical?
The most economical is the 2.0 EcoBoost, but each engine has its own maintenance quirks.
Is it worth buying a Taurus SHO?
If you're after a powerful sedan and have the budget for maintenance — yes. For everyday use, a simpler version will do.
Updated 2026-10-14 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
