2002 Ford Taurus Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
19 -20 City / 20 -28 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
155 -200
Seats
5 -6
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Stephanie F
Great vehicle I have very little negative things to say about it.
My only problem is it's very hard and expensive to replace the electronic key and without the electronic key you can only unlock the driver's side door. Which makes it difficult for my children to get in their seats as they are always impatient. Especially in the winter when it's freezing cold. Other than that I have no complaints about my vehicle. I love it.
accountCircle dan b
Great winter car! It has always started even in the coldest weather.
My taurus has been good, reliable transportation for years. It is easy to maintain. I have been able to do most of the repairs it has needed myself. It is, however, coming to the end of It's useful life.
accountCircle Donald F
My car really fast. It is old. But it runs and handles like a newer car.
I like the way my vehicle looks. I like the way my vehicle handles. I wish my vehicle was not so old.
accountCircle Tiffany B
I'd like a bigger vehicle such as an SUV of some kind.
I love my car. It is cheap to put gas in and gets great mileage. There's plenty of trunk space for groceries and room for my kids and their friends to sit. There's a CD player in it but I realize now I do not have hardly any CDs to play in it. I do need to replace the windshield though which is expensive.
accountCircle Sundra F
I go to the carwash every once in a while but I keep it clean.
A good motor very good mileage. It's a great automobile I bought it from a friend. Driving it feels smooth. Just put a new starter it runs great.
accountCircle Renee P
The lack of power especially merging on to a highway.
Accommodates the size of my family. Good gas mileage. Would like a newer vehicle with a better radio.
accountCircle Marie M
This old car rides and rolls.
My car I call her Alice. Has always been very reliable. She is gray with leather seats, she rides smooth on the road and I have to say for as old as she is basically she only needed regular work plugs. Battery. Struts and as always a regular oil change which is the most important thing.
accountCircle Jim B
Everything works, and works well, plenty of legroom
Looks shiny silver and nice stereo Gas mileage could be better

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Haley L
It does get good gas mileage!
I am not the biggest fan of this car! It does not have a good look and there is always something wrong with it, from the transmission to the brakes! I would recommend looking into another car before buying one of these!
accountCircle Cay H
If pulling through to park, always go up farther than you think you should.
It is too long. I feel like I am driving a boat. There’s so much wrong with it and I have spent so much money on it just to make it run right. Not to mention how ugly it is. It is all dented and scratched up and the color itself is horrible.
accountCircle Jen F
A car that does not go the long-term distance.
The hatchback is broken, the back window latch is broken, the defroster does not work, the heat does not work, the air conditioner does not work, the interior vinyl paneling is coming off. The car steers at such a wide radius that we cannot get it into most parking spaces or turn effectively at street lights. It constantly has a major problem like needing a new starter or a new water pump or a new radiator.
accountCircle Andy P
It's not that reliable. It shakes when it goes 60 to 80 mph.
I don't like how i have to fix it all the time. But i like how it gets me from point a to b.
accountCircle Len M
Its gets me to where I need to go.
The likes about it it's a car. The second like is it gets me to point a to be. The last thing is I am thankful to have a car. I am grateful to have a car.
accountCircle karen s
The insurance is very low. I only have 87000 miles on it.
It's old. But the insurance is low I actually bought it from an elderly friend for cheap. It has only 87000 miles It's really a mercury sable
accountCircle Brianna F
02 Ford Taurus, gold, 4 door
Its a 4 door car. It does have the 3 seats in the front and 3 in the back. Built in 6 disc cd player, ac, power windows, tilt steering wheel, trunk popping button on the dash. Does not have a key fob, transmission is messing up, pin striping on the side is falling off, the blower motor caught fire, struts have been replaced a couple times.
accountCircle Jonathan B
It's reliable. I can get from point a to point b when I need to
Old, hand-me-down. Needs new shocks, brakes, compressor, tires. I don't drive it much because I work from home.

Ford Taurus Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

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LX Standard
155 HP 20-20 MPG 5-6 Seats
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LX Standard Fleet
155 HP 24-24 MPG 6 Seats
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SES Standard
155 HP 20-20 MPG 5-6 Seats
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SES Standard Fleet
155 HP 24-24 MPG 6 Seats
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SE Standard
155 HP 23-23 MPG 5-6 Seats
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SE Standard Fleet
155 HP 23-23 MPG 6 Seats
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SE Deluxe Fleet
155 HP 23-23 MPG 6 Seats
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SE Deluxe
155 HP 23-23 MPG 5-6 Seats
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SES Deluxe
200 HP 24-24 MPG 5-6 Seats
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SE Premium
200 HP 23-23 MPG 5-6 Seats
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SEL Deluxe
155 HP 23-23 MPG 5-6 Seats
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SEL Premium
200 HP 24-24 MPG 5-6 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Ford Taurus Owner Reviews

3.70
209 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 25%
4 stars 32%
3 stars 35%
2 stars 5%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Rachel M on April 2, 2021
The vehicle of all vehicles!
I actually love my vehicle. It used to be a police vehicle. It drives smoothly, it is fast, etc. I do not have any problems with its performance. It is very comfortable in the vehicle. I love how it can speed up super fast in no time, I like the color, etc.
accountCircle Martha D on March 31, 2021
Dependability and safety are paramount to me in purchasing cars.
My car is very dependable and comfortable to drive. It is sturdy and offers good protection in an accident.
View All Reviews (209) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #11 Large Cars by Owners

The 2002 Ford Taurus has an average owner rating of 3.75 out of 5 which ranks it #11 of 12 other Large Cars.

1
car
2002 Toyota Avalon
4.56
2
car
2002 Buick Park Avenue
4.17
11
car
2002 Ford Taurus
3.7

Ranks #2 Large Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Ford Taurus has a combined MPG of 29 which ranks it #2 of 12 other Large Cars.

1
Tie
car
2002 Buick LeSabre
29 MPG
1
Tie
car
2002 Toyota Avalon
29 MPG
2
Tie
car
2002 Ford Taurus
28 MPG

Is The 2002 Ford Taurus A Good Car?

I feel that the 2002 Ford Taurus is a very good car. Good amount of interior space, and seating the could hold a family. Cargo space in the trunk is exceptionally for the size of vehicle. Fairly... Read More
Jessica P.
Yes, so far it’s been reliable and only had minor issues. Almost got 209k miles on it so that’s good.
Carol B.
It seems to have been until the transmission went out at 114,000 miles and it has had the usual problems with the air conditioning
Ashley P.
Great mileage under 105,000. Interior in great condition. Little rust on it but fixable. Fits perfect for me and my 2 kids but could use something bigger for friends.
Steph V.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Ford Taurus?

It is really reliable, and most of the issue I have personally encountered, happened to be somewhat simple to fix.
Ellen G.
It’s pretty reliable, I've had to replace a couple of sensors, fix a gas leak and water pump. I think it needs a tune up
Rachael S.
It takes a hit to the car better than the driver does. It has a rebuilt transmission, the car went up and into a ditch in the winter and sprang the struts in the back of the car. The heat and a/c... Read More
Courtney H.
The car has a little bit on it around the back tired on the body of the car. And a few months after I bought it 3 semi trucks drove by me and 1 kicked a rock at my windshield which is currently still... Read More
Melissa S.
The Taurus is very reliable for me. Just this past three months, I have had problems come up. I need new tires (which I have no money). Also, my air conditioning does not work and it is in the high... Read More
Sarah C.

Is The 2002 Ford Taurus A Good Value?

I believe the average cost would be between $1,000 to $3,000. I feel that it's a good value for what you get.
Carolina S.
I paid $1200 for mine so I think that was a great deal. I'm not sure what the going rate would be for a different one though.
Monica M.
It was used and was under $10,000 in July 2011 with one owner prior to purchase. The seats have air bags for the back passengers in the front bucket seats which cause some back pain. It's still under... Read More
Danny C.

Related Articles for 2002 Ford Taurus

From the Vehicle History blog

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2009 Ford Taurus Review: Maybe the Best Full-Size American Sedan for 2009
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2008 Ford Taurus Review: One of the Best Full-Size Sedans for the Price
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2005 Ford Taurus Review: Arguably the Most Well-Rounded 2005 Mid-Size, by a Very Narrow Margin
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2004 Ford Taurus Review: A Fairly Average, Dated Car at a Really Good Price
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2003 Ford Taurus Review: A Solid Used Car, if You Can Find One That Wasn’t a Fleet Vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coolant for 2002 Ford Taurus?

Answer: The 2002 Ford Taurus most recommended coolant is Prestone, yellow 50/50 pre-diluted coolant or antifreeze. It is available in one gallon containers from most major retailers, at any automotive parts and...

How to unlock a 2002 ford taurus without keys?

Answer: Unfortunately You will need to call a locksmith to unlock a 2002 Ford Taurus without the keys. If You lose the key and fob, You can expect a dealer replacement and progRamming to cost $200 or more, depending on...

How much coolant does a 2002 ford taurus hold?

Answer: The 2003 Ford Taurus is going to have a coolant capacity of 2 gallons. You're going to need to use 50/50 antifreeze for the coolant in this vehicle. A single gallon of antifreeze will cost between $8 and $20...

What is the rear strut pinch bolt size for the 2002 ford taurus?

Answer: The 2002 Ford Taurus uses a rear strut pinch bolt size of 12x1.75, with a grade 8 bolt hardness. If You're replacing this, You'll likely want to pick up some penetrating oil in addition to the part, as it can...

How do I perform a gas cap light reset in the 2002 ford taurus?

Answer: To perform a gas cap light reset in the 2002 Ford Taurus, watch: https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=b74TQRmsy54 Vehicle parts will eventually become ineffective. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 30,000...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety