Chrysler
300
Ford
Taurus
Chrysler 300 vs Ford Taurus: 2019 Comparison
The short answer
The Chrysler 300 offers power, while the Ford Taurus excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Chrysler 300 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Ford Taurus if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
300
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is consistently praised for its distinctive, muscular styling, spacious and comfortable interior, smooth highway ride quality, and strong value proposition, particularly for V8 models offering significant power at a lower price than premium German competitors. However, owner feedback reveals a pervasive and very frequent criticism regarding long-term reliability and build quality, with the brand's reputation being a dominant theme.
Best version to buy
2015 and later models equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination is specifically highlighted as offering a significant improvement in reliability over earlier models with the Chrysler-designed transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠General long-term reliability and build quality concerns: pervasive criticism of the brand and model's propensity for costly repairs, electrical gremlins, and interior rattles/squeaks as the vehicle ages. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Powertrain-specific failures (V6): oil cooler leaks and valvetrain issues (e.g., lifter/camshaft problems, often manifesting as a ticking sound), particularly noted on higher-mileage examples and pre-2014 models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Powertrain-specific failures (V8 HEMI): lifter failure, a known issue that can lead to significant engine damage. Frequency: recurrent.
Taurus
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model variant, ranging from extreme frustration to high satisfaction. The sixth-generation (2010-2019) models, particularly non-SHO trims, attract significant criticism for major, costly mechanical failures, including internal water pump leaks leading to catastrophic engine damage and persistent transmission shifting problems. These issues are frequently described as rendering the vehicle a financial burden, with repair costs often exceeding the car's value.
Best version to buy
Taurus SHO with Performance Package: Owners of the sixth-generation (2010-2019) SHO specifically recommend models equipped with the Performance Package, citing benefits like stiffer suspension bushings, upgraded brakes, and a 3.73 final drive ratio which improves throttle response over standard gearing. For older generations, the 1994 Taurus SHO with the Yamaha V6 is mentioned as a memorable and engaging model, though noted for its own specific maintenance needs.
Known issues
- ⚠Internal water pump failure (3.5L & 3.7L engines): Coolant leaks into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. A very expensive repair requiring engine removal.
- ⚠Transmission shifting problems: Includes rough shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, failure to shift into higher gears (stuck in 3rd), and feeling of being in neutral. Affects 6F50/6F55 transmissions. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Persistent electrical and module failures: Includes audio control module failure (resulting in no sound), malfunctioning wiper switches, interior lights that won't turn off, and failing airbag sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Ford Taurus is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chrysler 300, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chrysler 300 is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chrysler 300 or the Ford Taurus?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chrysler 300 and the Ford Taurus. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chrysler 300 or the Ford Taurus?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chrysler 300 or the Ford Taurus?
The Ford Taurus is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.7 L/100km combined versus 13 L/100km for the Chrysler 300, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler 300 or the Ford Taurus?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.