Acceleration

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.4

It's no hot rod despite the larger, torquier 3.5 V6, but Taurus feels stronger and more relaxed overall than Five Hundred. The automatic transmission is a smooth operator but can be reluctant to downshift for passing. It also tends to "hunt" between gears in give-and-take traffic. Some testers bemoan the continued lack of a manual shift control.

Fuel Economy

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive Taurus averaged 22.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. An AWD model averaged 18.5 mpg in city/highway use. Taurus uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Still firm yet absorbent, but Taurus's retuned suspension and other changes reduce harshness over sharp bumps and potholes. SELs have standard 17-inch tires, Limiteds 18s, but there's little difference in ride quality.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
5	6	5.6

Feels steady in sweeping turns, especially with AWD, but Taurus is too tall and heavy for real agility in tight low-speed corners, where moderate body lean prevails. Available AWD is a boon on wet and snowy roads. Ditto the antiskid system, which should be standard rather than optional. The brakes have fine overall stopping control.

Quietness

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.8

Refined for a mainstream family car. Wind rush is modest at highway speed. Tire noise intrudes only on coarsest pavement. The engine makes an audible but nice-sounding growl at full throttle but is unobtrusive in routine cruising.

Controls

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Clear, simple gauges, but audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons and sometimes hard-to-read electronic displays, all set too low for easiest use. The navigation system suffers from a slightly undersized dashboard screen and could be more intuitive; it absorbs most audio adjustments but doesn't complicate them. Some testers say stalks for wipers, turn signals are still too far from the steering wheel.

Details

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Taurus's cabin materials are nothing special but are appropriate for the price and include many soft-touch surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
9	9	7.9

Occupants sit higher than in most cars, which combines with a low dashtop and tall windows for a take-charge driving feel. Visibility is very good. Headroom and legroom are both six-footer ample, but some testers still want more rearward seat travel. Once situated, the seats are comfortably supportive, and the high positioning is a boon for entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
8	8	7

More chair-height seating, generous headroom, easy ingress and egress, plus near-limousine leg space are all hallmarks. Three adults will fit but may feel cramped on longer trips.

Cargo Room

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	4.8

The voluminous trunk has a flat floor, usefully cubic shape, a large opening, and non invasive strut-type lid hinges. It has a split folding 60/40 rear seat, but the pass-through narrows at the bottom from angled bulkhead supports. A standard fold-flat front passenger seat allows carrying nine-foot-long objects with the trunklid closed. Small-item storage, however, is unexceptional.

Value within Class

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
8	7	7.1

The Taurus makeover fixes most of the old Five Hundred's deficits, particularly when it comes to acceleration. This stronger performance also brings with it similar fuel economy and greater refinement, all at prices comparable to the Five Hundred. It might still trail the Chrysler 300 for eye appeal and the Toyota Avalon for build quality, but this Ford is a Recommended pick for all it has to offer.

Total Score

SEL	AWD Limited w/navigation	Class Average
71	71	68.9

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		58
Average Score		68
High Score		77