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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,960–$28,363 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2018 Ford Taurus earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,960–$28,363, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Taurus sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Ford Taurus, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and reliability and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Ford Taurus ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,960 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 17%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Ford Taurus scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6.9/10 | $23,800 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $22,960 | |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $22,120 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.7/10 | $21,280 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $20,440 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Ignition 01/03/2018 · 18V141000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles equipped with mechanical key ignition systems. The keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the ignition when transmission is not in the PARK position. As such,… |
|---|---|
| Suspension / Rear 10/02/2020 · 20V072000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension. |
| Structure / Exterior trim 12/09/2025 · 25V611000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving. |
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 13/10/2025 · 25V695000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.