Follow-up test: 2010 Ford Taurus
Vehicle: 2010 Ford Taurus SE FWD
Price as tested: CDN$30449
While the top-of-the-range SHO is powered by an Ecoboost V6 engine, the base Taurus comes with Ford’s venerable 3.5 liter Duratec V6. Our base SE comes standard with front-wheel-drive while SEL can be opted with Haldex AWD, the same system as in the SHO. With 263hp and 249 lb/ft of torque, it is more than enough to move the Taurus off-the-line when mating with 6-speed automatic. Our SE tester, our SEL and SHO, isn’t come standard with manumatic. However, the decent gear ratios have served this 24-valve DOHC V6 relatively well despite of its heavy curb weight (4015 lb to be exact on our tester!). Unfortunately, it feels somewhat lazy to throttle response when it comes to up and downshifts.
Handling wise, Taurus scores well with nice steering feedback. Ford’s large car platform has derived European driving and riding characteristics even on our base car. The ride is compliant and supple, with some terminal understeer one expects from a family sedan. We are also glad to see stability control comes as standard as an active safety feature.
The velour seats provide decent support. Even on the base model, the interior layout and materials have to be Ford’s best effort yet. The use of interior lighting from the dashboard to the center console are classy. It doesn’t feel like any Ford come before. In the past, Ford interiors used to be cheesy with poorly layout control (especially those mickey mouse stereo buttons). Ford’s interiors are on par with the best in the world nowaday.
In the real estate world, its all about location. In the automotive world, its all about product. Ford has proved that they can survive without government bailout by producing atttractive products. The new Taurus is a perfect example. As it provides a decent blend of performance, handling, ride comfort while come with lots of standard features at an attractive price.
Likes:
Handling and ride
Interior
Price/value
Dislikes:
Poor brake feel
Tight trunk access
Smallish rear seat legroom