The Taurus 2010 brings back the idea of the 'personal sedan'---a true 'me' car. SUVs, minivans and the whole mess of soccer mom oriented cars are out of fashion for many reasons one need not list here. I asked Jody Victor to give us the details.
Jody Victor: The 2010 Ford Taurus is probably not the car you are expecting it to be. It has refinement and good looks—as Ford’s new flagship it should. Having ceded the role of basic sedan to the Fusion, the new Taurus is a force to be reckoned with. Weighing in at 4,015 lbs (4,224 lbs with AWD) and 203 inches Ford could have easily dropped the Taurus name altogether—this model is that far beyond any former Taurus.
Though similar to the Lincoln MKS, the Taurus is more interesting. Its greenhouse is more mainstream than the MKS, offering plenty of headroom without an exaggeration to the forum that cursed the last version. It has a chop-top look to it, again not exaggerated (perhaps like the Chrysler 300C), it instead has a menacingly cool-daddy look to it.
The new Taurus’ sculpted hood gives the car a somewhat “muscle” look as well as its wide stance, with its wrap around projector lens xenon headlights, and the new tri-bar grille (a recent Ford trademark). Throw in the Taurus’ flared wheel wells, “suck-sculpted” panels, its sharp, tapered tail and dual exhaust you’ve got a flagship car that appeals to more than one demographic.
The 2010 Taurus sports a transverse-mounted 3.5 liter Duratec V6 for 263HP and 249lb-ft of torque. The SE model is equipped with a regular six-speed automatic transmission. SEL and Limited buyers will be using a SelectShift slusher with paddle shifters. The Taurus will be FWD standard, but AWD will be available in the SEL and Limited models.
The Taurus, as fitting a new flagship, is loaded—adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support; and it all works in unison to create a true twenty-first century driving experience. With all the latter technology crammed into this new Taurus, fuel economy wasn’t left out in the cold; Ford updated the Taurus with a two-speed fuel pump and aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off technology. What does that all mean? When your foot isn’t into the pedal you are saving fuel. The EPA suggests mileage ratings will be around 18mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway for the FWD, AWD rates at 17/25.
As for the interior, one word is sufficient. Class. As in, “top of the class” or “classy”. The twenty-ten Taurus features leather seats (available ventilated seating) and active motion massage functions. The driver and passenger seats in front have good bolstering, but aren’t scoped like some sportier cars in its class. They appear comfortable and with the adjustable pedal system offer a wide range of settings to fit many drivers comfort needs. Microsoft Sync is available as an upgrade and includes traffic, directions, and 911 assistance. Sirius travel link and a Sony audio system will also be available.
Between its techno-junkie appeal, high class interior and redesigned exterior Ford has reinvented a forgotten class of car, the personal sedan. Some are even saying this may be one of Ford’s best sedans in their corporate history.
Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking for this car in the dealerships and on the road soon!