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Rex RoyThe 2010 Taurus rides on a suspension similar to the 2009-2010 Lincoln MKS, a vehicle well liked here at TheCarConnection.com. The big Lincoln is responsive, and the Taurus should be as well. The biggest change is the rear suspension that is completely different from the 2009 model. The standard wheel and tire combo on the 2010 Taurus is also larger than the 2009 model, with sizes of P237/55R18 vs. P215/60R17. More tire contact area along with a lower-profile sidewall helps sharper handling responses and increases the amount of mechanical grip available to the driver.
Of course, when it comes to performance, we're all looking forward to the release of the 2010 Taurus SHO with its 365-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine. This will separate this Taurus from any regular flavor of full-size car.
In advance of our drive this week, here's what we like about the Taurus at first glance:
- Interesting new lines
- Revamped interior with higher-quality feel
- Reborn SHO edition has 365 horsepower
- Available all-wheel drive
- Cutting-edge features like SYNC
And what we're not so fond of:
- SHO Taurus is pricey at $38K
- Still not as handsome as Malibu or Altima
- Very big car
So what does the 2010 Ford Taurus say about its maker that the outgoing Taurus didn't? How about that Ford Motor Company has style, is bold enough to resurrect a performance icon (the SHO), and wants to win buyers back to the Blue Oval based on its products, not the size of its rebate checks?
Stay tuned for more coverage of the 2010 Ford Taurus as I cruise around eastern Tennessee today, and report on the Taurus next week and the SHO the week after.
2010 Ford Taurus SHOEnlarge Photo As we prepare to drive the 2010 Ford Taurus today (our first road test review is coming next week), it's important to have a frame of reference. A good comparison for the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus is the outgoing model. formerly known as the Five Hundred. Pitting these two sedans against one another shows how differently Ford Motor Company is thinking these days. While we've given you a quick summary below, check out this link that compares the 2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2010 Ford Taurus. It utilizes our Car Compare tool to provide a great snapshot of how these cars stack up. 2007 Ford Five Hundred 4dr Sdn AWD exterior front leftEnlarge Photo 2009 Ford Taurus The outgoing Taurus hasn't been a big sales success for Ford, but it does have some interesting personality traits. In our Bottom Line for the 2009 Taurus, we pointed out the positives in this big, front- or all-wheel-drive sedan: Spacious trunk Comfortable, roomy cabin Nimble handling Great braking performance Available SYNC interface The big Ford also rides smoothly, responds to driver inputs more quickly than its looks would suggest, and posts commendable results in the safety category. In other words, the 2009 Ford Taurus is a traditional full-size American car that targeted buyers who wanted comfortable, if a bit boring, transportation. Now for the dislikes: No fun for enthusiasts here Yawn-worthy exterior, especially in the rear Disappointing fuel economy Next up? The new Taurus, which arrives in showrooms in a few weeks with reshaped sheetmetal, a more up-to-date interior, and a raft of new safety gear and features. The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO uses the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which pairs gasoline direct injection with twin turbochargers to generate an estimated 365 horsepower.Enlarge Photo 2010 Ford Taurus You've likely read that the 2010 Ford Taurus shares some mechanical DNA with the 2009 model, but don't let that scare you away from considering this new sedan, especially if you like some visual and dynamic spice mixed into your automotive diet. The old and new Taurus ride on an identical 112.9-inch wheelbase, but the 2010 Taurus looks nothing like the humpbacked 2009 model. The new design is crisp and strong looking. Careful detailing gives the 2010 edition character. If you didn't know it was a Taurus, you could easily mistake it as a luxury car from some other manufacturer. Some basics; while the 2009 Taurus was large, the 2010 model is larger: 1.1 inches longer overall and 1.7 inches wider. Mercifully, the roof of the new Taurus is shorter, a dimensional cut we're glad to see. While the 2009 Taurus may be smaller on the outside, it actually offers more interior room in six of eight measurements compared to the 2010 edition, plus the 2009's larger trunk boasts a 1.1 cubic-foot advantage. Based on time sitting in each Taurus model, I don't think you won't miss the room that's missing from the 2010 model. The issue is how much room does a person need? The 2010 Ford Taurus delivers plenty. And when it comes to the interior, what's more significant is the design: Ford's recent interiors have been world-class. The inside of even the base 2010 Taurus models look and feel rich and high-quality. Mechanically, the base models of the 2009 and 2010 Taurus share the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The combination provides more than adequate acceleration with 263 horsepower. Mileage is expected to be similar between model years, at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. The 2010 Taurus rides on a suspension similar to the 2009-2010 Lincoln MKS, a vehicle well liked here at TheCarConnection.com. The big Lincoln is responsive, and the Taurus should be as well. The biggest change is the rear suspension that is completely different from the 2009 model. The standard wheel and tire combo on the 2010 Taurus is also larger than the 2009 model, with sizes of P237/55R18 vs. P215/60R17. More tire contact area along with a lower-profile sidewall helps sharper handling responses and increases the amount of mechanical grip available to the driver. Of course, when it comes to performance, we're all looking forward to the release of the 2010 Taurus SHO with its 365-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine. This will separate this Taurus from any regular flavor of full-size car. In advance of our drive this week, here's what we like about the Taurus at first glance: Interesting new lines Revamped interior with higher-quality feel Reborn SHO edition has 365 horsepower Available all-wheel drive Cutting-edge features like SYNC And what we're not so fond of: SHO Taurus is pricey at $38K Still not as handsome as Malibu or Altima Very big car So what does the 2010 Ford Taurus say about its maker that the outgoing Taurus didn't? How about that Ford Motor Company has style, is bold enough to resurrect a performance icon (the SHO), and wants to win buyers back to the Blue Oval based on its products, not the size of its rebate checks? Stay tuned for more coverage of the 2010 Ford Taurus as I cruise around eastern Tennessee today, and report on the Taurus next week and the SHO the week after.
Responses (5 total)
By Stewart #1, Posted: 6/15/2009
Rex,
First and foremost you are a big idiot. Ford delivers what you picky auto writers have been askig for and now you take pokes at it. Still not as handsome as Malibu or Altima
Very big car are your comments. A big car with excellent fuel economy and power, quit your gripping. If you want a small car keep your smart car. As for looks, don't give me your opinion on looks, let the people decide what they like, your unfounded, baseless comments only add to your undeniable stupidity.
By Carguy #2, Posted: 6/15/2009
Some of your comments about the new Ford Taurus are absolutely OFF THE WALL.
"Big car" The car was,is,will be a big car because It was meant to be a FULL-SIZED SEDAN.
IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELVES GOOD AUTO JOURNALIST, Never ever mention your personal preferences, even a FOOL knows that styling is highly subjective in other plainer english, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
It's also pointless to compare it to mid-sized sedans like the malibu and Altima, that's what the 2010 Fusion is for, which by the way blows them out the water in the syling.
did you see that? that was my personal opinion.
By Carl F Thelin #3, Posted: 6/15/2009
Stewart and Carguy - I agree. Ford is doing this right. The Taurus is a full sized sedan to fill the need of the codgers who still love their old Ford 500 sedans. However, the SHO (pricy you say? Not so much for genuine muscle car) will appeal to car nuts who will come up with the dollars. An American made four wheel drive muscle car, ala MB/BMW will do the job.
Stand back! Ford is on a roll.
By dave #4, Posted: 6/16/2009
I agree with the others, Ford is on a roll. Best styling, powertrains, and reliability.
By Bill #5, Posted: 6/21/2009
Mystified by your poor fuel economy. Have 3000 miles on a SE FWD . 22.3 MPG overall since new including 300 mile highway trip which was 30.1 MPG averaging 63 mph. All but the highway trip on oxigenated fuel.
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