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Publication Date: December 4, 2009 The Scoop
When the Ford Taurus comes to mind, most people will think of the classic design that was so loved by rental car companies and was retired a few years ago. That design might have become overused and outdated but if you think back to when the Taurus was first introduced, way back in 1986, it was a revolutionary design. Detroit had built nothing like it before and it helped usher in a new era of smooth "jellybean" designs. The clean lines, rounded shape and flush windows were a bold change and it made the Taurus a huge seller. In 1989 Ford introduced a high performance version of the Taurus, called the SHO and with sleeper high performance capabilities it built a cult following. Ford has resurrected the Taurus name with a brand new car that is in many ways is as ground breaking as the original, especially in SHO trim.
The Skin
As is the case with many all-new models, the Taurus has grown. It isn't a mid-sized car but a full-size unit. It shares the same platform as the Lincoln MKS and both are built up from a Volvo S80 platform, which is also used for the Ford Edge and Ford Flex. The SHO gets aggressive 20-inch wheels with satin paint finish. The rear deck has a spoiler, the twin exhaust tips also let people know that this is a serious machine. Much like the similarly sized Chrysler 300, the sides are high and the windows are small. Add this to a high trunk deck and the Taurus can be difficult to see out of. Some level of visibility might have been sacrificed but the overall effect is dramatic. Speaking of the high rear deck, the backup camera is worthwhile on lower trim levels but comes standard on the SHO. The trunk it is huge and deep, plus the rear seats fold down, making the Taurus a very useful vehicle for most families. One thing, that is so simple and been overlooked, is the lack of grab handle to close the trunk. Pretty basic stuff.
The Cockpit
The inside is a pleasant surprise. It is a simple design but it has been very well executed, using excellent materials and superb finish. The SHO gets leather side bolsters on the seats but the inserts are faux suede made from recycled plastic bottles. Standard on SHO is the Active Motion seat future that gently massages the front seats, relieving pressure points and driver's fatigue. Both front and rear passengers are treated to plenty of legroom but the large console in the centre along with the high side doors and small windows can make the front seats feel enclosed. The materials on the doors, dash and trim is first rate and as good as cars costing much more. Ford has made huge strides on interior design and the efforts don't go unnoticed. As one would expect in a car that cost $48,000 there is a long list of electronic goodies like the Sync system, Sony stereo with iPod or USB integration and optional voice activated navigation.
The Ride
This new Taurus SHO is being used as a showcase for Ford ingenuity and the first order of business is the new Ecoboost technology. In order to meet the demands of power hungry buyer but at the same time getting better fuel consumption, Ford has developed a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 with direct injection technology to produce the power of a V8 with V6 fuel economy. This car has a whopping 365hp when using premium fuel but uses only 8.0L/100km on the highway. Keep in mind if you keep your foot down and keep the turbo chargers spooled up, the fuel ratings will suffer. The power goes through a 6-speed automatic, which can be shifted on the steering wheel, to an all-wheel-drive system that adapts to road conditions and driving style. The ride is remarkable well dampened, smooth and quiet considering the size of the 20-inch wheels. Power is superb and the AWD system that exploits the benefits of the rigid platform. For such a big car, handling is sure footed an easily tossed into corners. The real strength of this car is highway cruising like German cars costing $20,000-$30,000 more.
All but the SHO get the regular non-turbo 3.5L V6 with 265hp and they can be ordered as FWD or AWD and the price is easier to take, starting at just under $30,000.
The Good, The Bad
Good: In the United States the Taurus received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "top safety pick", because of its high level of standard safety features like blind spot warning system, collision warning system and cross traffic alert, which detects cars when backing out of a parking space.
Bad: The 6-speed automatic can be shifted manually with paddle shifters but it lacks a sport setting for times when the driver wants more than the basic shift settings.
Zack's verdict
The Taurus SHO really is fighting outside of its class. At first glance I was shocked by the almost $50,000 sticker price but after a few days I came to realize that this car is amazing value. To find a full-sized car with 365 hp, 20-inch wheels, AWD capability, massaging seats, active cruise control and a whole host of innovative safety features would cost tens of thousands more. This new Taurus has already been awarded with the Automobile Journalists of Canada best family car over $30,000 and I wager that it will win North American Car of the Year at this years Detroit Auto Show. The new Taurus, especially in SHO trim is a remarkable car. Maybe not as revolutionary as the very first Taurus way back in 1986 but it is helping to solidify Ford as a maker of first rate cars.
The Lowdown
Power: 3.5L turbo V6 with 365 hp
Fill-up: 12.3/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway)
Backup: 3-year/60,000km
Sticker price: $48,199
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