Ford
Freestyle
Ford
Taurus
Ford Freestyle vs Ford Taurus: 2019 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Ford Taurus comes out ahead of the Ford Freestyle on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Freestyle
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the first-generation North American model (2005-2007), sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by chronic and severe powertrain reliability issues, particularly with the CVT transmission and throttle body. Owners report these failures as frequent, expensive, and often leading to premature vehicle disposal.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best version." For the Indian model, the diesel engine (1.5L TDCi) is universally recommended over petrol options. The Titanium trim is mentioned as a desirable specification.
Known issues
- ⚠**First Generation (2005-2007):** CVT Transmission Failures: Transmission slipping, failure to shift, going into "failsafe" or "limp" mode, harsh jerking, solenoid issues, and complete failure.
- ⚠Throttle Body Failures: Causes erratic idling, stalling, loss of power, "wrench" light illumination, and inability to accelerate. Requires repeated replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical Gremlins: Intermittent "check charging system" alerts, random stalling, dashboard warning lights (ABS, wrench) illuminating erratically, and complete electrical system haywire behavior. 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 more power on its best-equipped version than the Ford Freestyle, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Ford Freestyle is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ford Freestyle or the Ford Taurus?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ford Freestyle and the Ford Taurus. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ford Freestyle or the Ford Taurus?
The Ford Freestyle seats more passengers than the Ford Taurus on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Ford Freestyle is classed as a Crossover, the Ford Taurus as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ford Freestyle or the Ford Taurus?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Freestyle or the Ford Taurus?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ford Freestyle than the Ford Taurus. See the known issues comparison above.