2010 Ford TaurusPetrina Gentile
The Ford Taurus was a smash hit for more than a decade beginning with its 1986 debut. However, amid rising competition, it lost its way.
It was discontinued and replaced with the Ford Five Hundred in 2005 - but that didn't help sales. So, in 2008, Ford resurrected the Taurus nameplate. Which brings us to today: the Taurus has been revamped for 2010.
Included in the overhaul is a new, lower price. The 2010 Ford Taurus SE FWD base model - at $29,999 - is $1,500 cheaper than the outgoing model. My tester, a SEL AWD, is $34,799; the top Limited AWD trim costs $40,699.
Second opinion: Muscle and performance comes alongside equally impressive fuel economy
And that's not all. The legendary, powerful Taurus SHO (Super High Output) model returns for 2010. The heart of the SHO is a new 3.5-litre EcoBoost V-6 engine, which pumps out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford's Ecoboost technology delivers the power of a V-8 engine with the fuel-efficiency of a V-6 while reducing CO2 emissions. But compared to its siblings, the SHO is expensive at $48,199.
The new Taurus is a Top Safety Pick from the U.S. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. It received the highest possible score, a "Good" rating, in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test and evaluations of head restraints against neck injuries in rear impacts.
The Taurus's exterior is wide, low and long with more sculpted fenders and new headlights framing Ford's familiar three-bar grille. New wheels are also available; my tester gets 18-inch five-spoke painted sparkle silver aluminum wheels and a twin-chrome tipped exhaust for a sportier touch. The SHO trim ups the ante with bold 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, a rear spoiler, and SHO decals on the exterior and interior.
Inside, the Taurus looks more like a Lincoln than a Ford. The cabin is large and spacious, especially in the front bucket seats. My tester has optional multi-contour seats. The bottom cushion moves and vibrates to massage your backside. It costs $600, but I'd skip it. It's obtrusive and uncomfortable.
The eight-way, power, heated-and-cooled front seats are a nice touch, though. Cloth seating is standard on the SEL, but my tester had charcoal black leather seating, which costs an extra $750.
In the back, there's room for three adults with adequate leg-, head-, and shoulder room. The seats fold flat for more flexibility if you need extra cargo space. But it's unlikely you'll need it - there's an impressive 569 litres of trunk space.
A one-piece centre-stack houses the climate controls, audio system, and navigation screen - everything is clear and easy to find. The gauges are backlit in blue - which is easy on the eyes. Adjustable pedals are handy for shorter drivers - they move closer to the driver with the touch of a button. Ford's Sync technology, an in-vehicle voice-activated communications, navigation, and entertainment system, is handy for changing the radio or chatting on the phone, but it can get annoying when you sometimes have to repeat the commands several times before the system recognizes it.
Intelligent access with push-button start lets you enter the car and start the engine without a key - provided the fob is nearby. But it makes the SecuriCode invisible entry keypad seem redundant. It lets you unlock the driver's door using a five-digit code on the driver's side B pillar - but why bother when it's faster and easier to use the intelligent access key instead of a code? There are too many passwords and codes in life to remember - why would I want another one for my car?
Second opinion:The handling and equipment level make the Taurus SHO a reasonable rival for luxury sedans costing twice as much
Other cool technology includes auto high beams, which switch headlights to high intensity when other vehicles aren't around. Rain-sensing wipers start instantly when it rains. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the cruising speed to keep a safe distance with the vehicle ahead while a collision warning system senses if the vehicle suddenly stops and warns the driver by flashing a light and sounding an alarm. A Blind Spot Information System detects a vehicle in your blind spot, flashing a warning light in your side-view mirror when it's unsafe to change lanes.
Powering the Taurus is a 3.5-litre V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. It delivers 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. As a daily driver the Taurus is more than competent and comfortable.
The ride is soft, yet secure. It's not spirited or sporty behind the wheel - that's reserved for the SHO trim. But at highway speeds, it's quiet and solid. Rear visibility, however, is obstructed by large rear headrests, thick rear pillars, and a small window. As for fuel economy, the Taurus is thirsty. I averaged 12 L/100 km combined driving - the official numbers are 11.7 city/7.4 highway.
Ford is hopeful its halo sedan will recapture it glory days. It may be too early to tell, but it appears to be on the right track.
pgentile@globeandmail.com
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2010 Ford Taurus
Type: Full-size four-door sedan
Base Price: $34,799; as tested, $40,179 (including freight)
Engine: 3.5-litre, DOHC, V-6
Horsepower/torque: 263 hp/249 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Drive: Front-wheel
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 11.7 city/7.4 highway; regular gas
Alternatives: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Jetta, Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Genesis, Chrysler 300
Petrina Gentile