I have two M66s pre-lock that are fantastic, especially the one with the newer 4" with transfer bar lock work (circa early 1990s, I think, was bought used). Smoother trigger than the older hammer block lock work in the 3". Both are tight, time perfectly, and accurate to the max, the 4" being more accurate than any DA Ruger or K frame Smith I've owned. My M85SSUL has the slickest out of the box DA trigger I've owned, far superior to the J frames I've tried. The 85 was bought new 12 years ago.
The ones from the 70s were not highly regarded. I don't know 'cause my oldest one is from the mid 80s, the 3" one with the hammer block action. That one has seen enough heavy loads (I bought it used) that the Pachmayr gripper it came with was worn flat on the back side from recoil. It is still tight and times perfect and is very accurate. Lots of holster wear on the bluing, but I got it for $180 at a gun show a few years ago so that don't bother me.
It is the most bashed brand out there, slightly in front of Kel Tec, another brand I very much like. So, go figure.
Even Ruger gets bashed on this board. I mean, if it ain't a Smith (usually pre-lock/mim), it's junk according to the bashers. Whatever, I didn't listen to such crap, just bought one and one has turned into three. I own Rugers, Rossis, a Kel Tec, even a pre-lock Smith. About the only major revolver brand I haven't owned is Colt, never had a Colt, but I'm not going to sit here and bash 'em because I've never owned one or have preferred to buy other guns in the past.
There are a few brands I won't touch anymore so if someone had a bad Taurus in the past, I can sort of relate. I don't do AMT or Auto Ordinance. In fact, I gave up on cheap 1911s all together. Everyone says RIA and others are decent, I'll let them enjoy those. I'll pass.
If someone feels that way about Taurus, I do quite enjoy mine.
I don't think it's the greatest thing since pancakes, but they're good guns and are quite reasonably priced.