2013 ford taurus SE 4dr Sedan, Ash

Description

Introduction

2013 Ford Taurus SE represents a significant chapter in the story of Ford’s full-size sedan. After its complete redesign for the 2010 model year, the Taurus received a substantial mid-cycle refresh for 2013, bringing updated styling, more powerful and efficient engines, and a host of new technology features . As the entry-level trim, the SE was designed to offer exceptional value, combining the car’s substantial presence and robust performance with a compelling list of standard equipment. This 4-door sedan aimed to attract buyers who wanted a large, comfortable, and safe vehicle without the premium price tag of higher trims, positioning itself as a smart choice in a competitive segment dominated by names like the Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300 .

2013 ford taurus  : Model Overview and Market Position

It was available with front-wheel drive as standard and offered the choice between two engines: the standard 3.5-liter V6 or an optional, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine . This review, however, will focus on the standard configuration: the 2013 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan with the 3.5L V6 and front-wheel drive.

The SE was positioned as the value leader, but it was far from sparse. It came equipped with a range of features that ensured comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender for families and commuters alike. It was a car that felt substantial and solid, a characteristic frequently praised by owners who noted its secure and planted feel on the road .

2013 ford taurus  : Powertrain & Performance

Engine 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (Flex-Fuel Capable)
Horsepower 288 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque 254 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission 6-speed SelectShift Automatic w/ manual mode
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Fuel Economy (EPA) 19 city / 29 highway / 23 combined mpg
0-60 mph ~6.6 – 6.9 seconds
Exterior Dimensions & Capacities

Length : 202.9 inches
Width (w/o mirrors) : 76.2 inches
Height : 60.7 inches
Wheelbase : 112.9 inches
Curb Weight : ~4,037 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity : 19.0 gallons
Trunk Volume : 20.1 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity 1,000 lbs (with proper equipment)
Suspension, Brakes & Steering

Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson Strut w/ Coil Springs
Rear Suspension Independent Multi-Link
Brakes 4-Wheel Disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Front/Rear Rotor Size 13.86 inches
Steering Electronic Power-Assisted Rack & Pinion
Turning Diameter : 39.5 feet

2013 ford taurus  : Wheels & Tires

Wheel Size & Type : 17″ Painted Aluminum
Tire Size : P235/60R17 All-Season
Spare Tire: Compact Steel

2013 ford taurus : Standard Features and Trim Highlights

The Taurus SE came generously equipped from the factory. The focus was on providing a solid foundation of essential features, ensuring that the base model was not a “stripped-down” version but a genuinely well-appointed vehicle. Key standard features included :

Exterior: 17″ painted aluminum wheels, automatic halogen headlamps with wiper activation, LED taillights, body-color door handles, and power-adjustable black side mirrors with integrated blind-spot mirrors.

Interior & Comfort: Front cloth bucket seats with 6-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with armrest and cupholders, air conditioning with a particulate air filter, a tilt/telescoping manual steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls, and cruise control.

Technology: An AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system with six speakers and an auxiliary audio input jack, the MyFord driver information system with a 4.2-inch display, a trip computer, remote keyless entry with the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad on the driver’s door, and power windows with a driver-side one-touch up/down feature.

Convenience: Easy Fuel capless refueling, dual 12-volt power outlets, illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and passenger, and front and rear reading lights.

Expert and Owner Reviews: 2013 ford taurus

The 2013 Ford Taurus SE presents a compelling mix of strengths and weaknesses, as highlighted by both automotive experts and long-term owners.

Commanding Presence and Solid Feel
One of the most consistently praised attributes of the Taurus is its feeling of solidity and security. Owners frequently describe the car as a “beast” that inspires confidence, particularly in adverse weather conditions thanks to its substantial weight and capable front-wheel-drive traction . One owner from upstate New York humorously noted that during snowstorms, their family opts to take the Taurus over their Ford Super Duty trucks, adding “enough said” . This robust feel translates to a comfortable highway cruiser, with experts noting its “very good” ride quality and excellent isolation from wind noise, making long-distance travel a pleasure with minimal fatigue .

Strong and Refined Powertrain
The refreshed 3.5-liter V6 engine was a significant upgrade for 2013, delivering 288 horsepower—a 25-hp increase over the previous year . Expert reviews from MotorTrend confirmed its capability, recording a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for a similarly equipped SEL model, which is “respectable” for a large, near-4,000-pound sedan . Owners echo this sentiment, describing the engine as “strong and smooth” and noting that it provides ample power for merging and passing, while still achieving commendable fuel economy, with some reporting nearly 31 mpg on highway trips . The standard 6-speed SelectShift transmission, while not the quickest-shifting unit, contributes to the car’s relaxed cruising nature .

Exceptional Practicality and Value
The Taurus SE shines in terms of pure utility. Its trunk is a standout feature, described by multiple sources as “humongous” and even “big enough for three cadavers” in one colorful owner review . With 20.1 cubic feet of space, it was one of the largest trunks in its class, dwarfing many competitors . When combined with the split-folding rear seats, the Taurus offers tremendous versatility for hauling large items. For buyers seeking a used vehicle, this practicality, coupled with the car’s strong performance and solid feel, represents exceptional value for the money .

Conclusion

The 2013 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan is a car of intriguing contradictions. It is a large car with a surprisingly snug interior, a comfortable highway cruiser that can feel harsh on rough city streets, and a value-packed vehicle with some frustratingly cheap details. Its standard 3.5-liter V6 provides strong, satisfying power, and its “massive” trunk offers class-leading practicality . The feeling of safety and solidity it provides is a major selling point that resonates deeply with its owners .