The 2008 Ford Taurus outclasses that year’s Impala in every way that counts, even as it comes up a bit short of the Toyota Avalon. With typical listing prices starting in the low $5,000 range, it’s one of the best sedans for the price.
Is the 2008 Ford Taurus a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – An excellent full-size sedan all around, offering a more practical alternative to road-hogging land yachts and expensive luxury cars.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Simply one of the most comfortable cars in its class for this model year.
- Reliability 8/10 – The 2008 Taurus is one of the most dependable cars Ford has ever mass-produced.
- Safety 8/10 – Excellent safety scores and adequate safety tech make the Taurus a pretty safe choice.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 17/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway, isn’t terrible for a 2008 full-size, but you may find yourself walking more after a few visits to the pump.
- Value 8/10 – Built to last and priced to move, the 2008 Ford Taurus is one of the best sedans for the price in this model year.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Ford Taurus?
Consumer Reports welcomed the returning Ford Taurus with praise for the quicker and more responsive feel, courtesy a brand new engine, and all the same features that have made the car such a winner over the years. Fuel economy was the only real downgrade according to CR.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2008 Taurus an overwhelmingly positive recommendation at 95%, praising the car’s longevity, comfortable interior, and powerful engine. There were a few criticisms for mediocre fuel economy and slow shifting.
Edmunds commended the Taurus for its spacious cabin and trunk, excellent crash test scores, smooth ride, good visibility, and the availability of all wheel drive. They note the front seats being a bit awkward for tall drivers, being positioned too high above the floor. Slow downshifting earned a red mark, too.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Ford Taurus Have?
The 2008 Ford Taurus has generated 172 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Powertrain complaints take the lead with 43 on file, and drivers reporting transmission fluid leaks and jerking when shifting into park.
35 steering complaints point to issues with the rack and pinion system. Drivers report the steering wheel separating from the shaft with repairs costing somewhere around $1,000, and failure mileage being reported as low as 31,000 miles.
A handful of electrical complaints stem from the car losing power while in motion. As one driver describes it, the speedometer stays where it’s at while the RPMs go up, then the car “slams into gear” when you turn the car off and back on.
The 2008 Ford Taurus has been recalled just twice, which is below average for a sedan of this age.
How Long Will the 2008 Ford Taurus Last?
A 2008 Ford Taurus is likely to last around 250,000 miles before the more expensive repairs pile up. The 2008 Taurus packs a 3.5L Cyclone V6 engine, which has a reputation for being among the most reliable six-cylinders ever created.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $498. The most expensive common repairs include new engine pans, starting at around $632, and airbag control modules at $483.
The Taurus is reliable. I schedule basic maintenance (oil changes). Other situations which arise are simple to handle because- the parts can be purchased at an auto store, and mechanics are familiar with the ford brand parts.
Yes, very reliable. It comes equipped with airbags in the door as well as the drivers side airbags. Anti lock brakes.
The car is very reliable. The only problem I ever had with my car was a broken starter, but it was easily fixed and completely taken care of.
Yes it has been very reliable and has not given me any major problems. I drive a 45 mile commute twice a day at least 4 days a week and I always feel safe while driving it.
Only problem is in the cooler months like sept-march the car starts making a cloud squealing sound. It is not a belt but a pulley. In warm weather it is a ls quiet as can be!!
The taurus has been very reliable and dependable, with no problems as of this time. If . I were looking to purchase a new vehicle, a taurus would be my choice.
Yes it is very reliable. We bought it used with 60,000 miles on it and have only had to repair a few minor things. Also is great on gas.
It is reliable. I have over 220000 miles on mine. Had problems with rust and battery. If you maintain the car it will last a while.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Ford Taurus is fairly basic, but adequate. CD players come standard and MP3 players are available. That’s pretty much as fancy as it gets.
Safety technology is good for the model year. Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard, and that’s not bad for a 2008 sedan.
Is the 2008 Ford Taurus a Good Value?
The 2008 Ford Taurus is a pretty good value for its expected longevity. A model with just 125,000 miles on the odometer might sell for around $5,042 at the entry level, or $5,737 for a Limited edition, according to the Blue Book. It’s hard to find a good 2008 sedan in solid condition for under $6,000, so that’s not bad.
If there’s one expense you need to be worried about, it’s refueling. Maintenance is pretty cheap for a Taurus, but it averages 17/24 miles to the gallon, which isn’t terrible, it’s just not as good as a comparable Toyota or a compact.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Ford Taurus?
The Taurus is available in just two trim levels, being the base SEL and the high-end Limited.
With the entry-level SEL you’re getting:
- 6-way power adjust driver seat
- Leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
- CD player Cloth seating
- Woodgrain trim Anti-lock brakes and traction control
The top-of-the-line Limited edition adds:
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- Heated front seats
- Leather seating
- Heated mirrors
What Engines Come In the 2008 Ford Taurus?
- The Taurus comes packed with a 3.5L V6 delivering 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in rear/all wheel drive. You can expect to average around 17/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway, in the 2008 Taurus.
What Colors Does the 2008 Ford Taurus Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Ford Taurus?
While not technically classifying as a luxury car, the Taurus is one of the more comfortable full-size sedans on the road, with 53 inches of hip room, cushy seating, and suspension that’s just firm enough as to feel supportive, but not rigid.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Ford Taurus Have?
The 2008 Ford Taurus offers an impressive 21 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk. That’s 5 or 6 medium suitcases, which should be more than you need for most road trips, even with the full crew on board.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2008 Ford Taurus was the first model year in the car’s 5th Generation, running from 2008 to 2009.
2006: The wagon model was retired in 2006.
2007: 2007 was a fleet-model-only year for the Taurus, with the 500 taking the place of the sedan on the commercial market.
2008: The 5th Gen marked the debut of the full-size Taurus, the car having been a mid-size to this point.
2009: No major changes for 2009.
2010: The 6th Generation Taurus launched in 2010, boasting a new front end and a 263 horsepower 3.5L Duratec V6 engine.
How Does the 2008 Ford Taurus Compare to the Competition?
The Taurus is a solid choice if you’re looking for a practical full-size sedan with some luxury leanings. The Taurus’ closest competitor would arguably be the Impala, which was showing its age by 2008 and handled more like a fishing boat than a car.
Some would argue the 2008 Toyota Avalon to be the best full-size sedan for the model year. It is an excellent choice, promising incredible longevity and better tech than you’ll find in a Taurus. But it should average around $3,000 more in the Blue Book, without necessarily delivering another $3,000 worth of value.
The 2008 Taurus might not be on the shortlist for best full-size sedan released in 2008, but it’s definitely one of the best options for the price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Ford Taurus?
Yes. The size is great for families and friends. Ford is a great brand name which has been around for years.
Yes, very good. Very dependable. Comes with seat warmers and back up camera. Very roomy and comes with a very good sized trunk.
Yes, it is a good vehicle. I have been driving it for two years now. Only minor repairs have been needed throughout the years.
Yes, I love my Taurus, it rarely gives me any problems even for being over ten years old. It has been very reliable.
Yes! It is been a terrific vehicle!! Very dependable and reliable! One of the best cars I have ever owned!! I love my Taurus!
Yes the taurus is sturdy, comfortable, spacious, and reasonably priced. Nice selections. Of colors offered.
Yes it is a good reliable vehicle. Lots of room for storage and comfortably. Safety locks and airbags for the children. Runs very well on gas.
Out of other ford cars this is a good choice. Reliable engine and transmission. Some minor problems such as rust and exhaust.
