2010 Ford Taurus SHO
The 2010 Ford Taurus undergoes a major freshening, including the return of the SHO high-performance model, shown here.

Ford’s famous flagship undergoes a major freshening for model-year 2010. Though built on a basic platform that dates back to 2005, the 2010 Ford Taurus has seen enough styling and feature changes that it might as well be an all-new vehicle. While Ford’s primary target is the Chrysler 300, the company hopes to draw buyers who might look at more-expensive luxury sedans, such as the Audi A6.

At its most basic level, Taurus derives most of its design from the 2005 Five Hundred large sedan. Ford reskinned the Five Hundred for the 2008 model year, changing the name back to Taurus. The original Five Hundred/Taurus models were solid large cars that offered cavernous interior space and reasonable pricing. They earned Consumer Guide Best Buy or Recommended status from 2005-2009. Finding any sort of driving pleasure from these models was a tall order.

Click here for a full review of the 2010 Ford Taurus.
Ford hopes to inject more life into the driving experience, at the same time adding high-tech features and gadgets, all at a price point similar to the outgoing Taurus. The 2010 model comes in base SE, volume SEL, and high-line Limited trim levels, all with front-wheel drive. As with the previous Taurus, Ford offers all-wheel drive on the SEL and Limited. Each uses Ford’s corporate 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. SEL and Limited versions have steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Also making a reappearance is the Super High Output (SHO) Taurus. Last produced in 1999, the 2010 Taurus SHO marks the debut of Ford’s “EcoBoost” twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This report focuses on the standard model, of which we sampled the front-drive SEL, which is expected to make up the bulk of sales.

What’s Cool…

It’s Actually Engaging to Drive
Ford has succeeded in making Taurus more than just a people-transporting appliance. While no one will mistake it for an Infiniti G37 or Pontiac G8, this large car doesn’t feel at all ponderous when taking turns. Well-controlled body lean and good steering feel make Taurus feel almost nimble.

Lots of Available High-Tech and Luxury Features
SEL and Limited models are available with a wide range of high-tech features that you’d expect to find in much pricier vehicles. In addition to Ford’s Sync cell-phone and MP3-player interface, the 2010 Taurus can be equipped with the following: Blind-spot alert, cross-traffic alert (which activates when the transmission is in reverse and it detects any traffic moving towards the vehicle), adaptive cruise control, Sony-brand audio system, navigation system with real-time traffic/weather/news/sports, and a capless fuel filler.

Smooth, Hushed Travel
Taurus rides smoothly, with no apparent float or wallow that might be expected from a big car. It’s also extremely quiet. Ford has done a good job tuning the 3.5-liter V6 engine’s sound; it’s no longer the coarse mill it was when it came online in 2006. Wind and road noise are also well controlled.

What’s Not…

Ford Hasn’t Quite Perfected Its 6-Speed Automatic
Taurus’ automatic transmission shifts smoothly for the most part. However, like some 6-speed Fords we’ve tested, this car sometimes hunts between gears. This is especially prevalent on hilly terrain. The SEL’s paddle shifters help minimize this tendency, but we wish Ford would have also included a manual override on the center console.

It’s Less Roomy than Before
The last-generation Taurus’ greatest strength becomes its greatest weakness for 2010. Rear headroom is the most glaring point. The 2010 Taurus’ roof was lowered 1 inch, and its slope trims head clearance significantly. Front headroom suffers as well, particularly on models equipped with the available sunroof. Legroom is very good up front, but the back seat is no longer the limousine-like space it was in the outgoing version.

Some Interior Materials Disappoint
While the 2010 Taurus’ cabin is more stylish than before, some interior trim pieces don’t cut the mustard. The plastic trim that surrounds the center console area is particularly uninspired.

CG Says:

No longer the appliance it was, the 2010 Ford Taurus is functional, refined, quiet, and surprisingly engaging to drive. It’s less spacious than it was, but its ride, handling, and feature set more than make up for it. With the impending disappearance of the Pontiac G8, and the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon being a bit long in the tooth, Ford has asserted Taurus as a preeminent large car that doesn’t take a large toll on the wallet. Even folks who are considering cars with premium nameplates would be wise to give Taurus a look--it’s that good.

06.30.2009