Acceleration

SE	SEL	Class Average
4	4	5.6

Full-throttle standing-start acceleration is adequate. Transmission kicks down quickly for passing, but most V6 rivals are stronger.

Fuel Economy

SE	SEL	Class Average
5	5	5.2

No opportunity to measure. Taurus uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SE	SEL	Class Average
5	5	6.1

Stiff and somewhat harsh over potholes, expansion joints, and pavement patches, but good resistance to wallow or float.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE	SEL	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Stable, with little body lean in turns. Good highway-speed tracking. Some testers find steering feel heavy and numb. Stopping power adequate, though brake pedal suffers mushy feel and long travel.

Quietness

SE	SEL	Class Average
5	5	6.2

Engine and road noise are low enough that wind rush is the most prominent sound at highway speeds, but it doesn't require a raised voice to overcome.

Controls

SE	SEL	Class Average
6	6	6.8

Gauges unobstructed, but their markings are small and hard to read. Multitude of look-alike buttons control audio and climate functions, but they're well-marked and easy to reach. All controls nicely lit at night.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE	SEL	Class Average
6	6	6.6

Front outboard seating positions uncrowded and comfortable. Bench's center position suits only toddlers--who should ride in the back seat anyway.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE	SEL	Class Average
6	6	5

Three adults is a squeeze, but two have ample head, leg, and foot room on comfortable, well-bolstered seat. Easy entry/exit, but sloping upper door frames force taller persons to crouch a bit.

Cargo Room

SE	SEL	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Trunk is roomy for the class. Useful split folding rear seatback is available.

Value within Class

SE	SEL	Class Average
4	4	6.1

In the process of being replaced by the Ford Fusion, Taurus still delivers capable road manners, comfortable accommodations, commendable cargo room, and plenty of safety features at a competitive price. But ride comfort is a sore point, and build quality and refinement trail standards set by midsize sales leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Total Score

SE	SEL	Class Average
52	52	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70