When the Taurus first debuted, it changed the way we thought about mid-size family sedans. Suddenly there was a better way to get the kids back and forth from school and soccer practice than using a minivan. Then, in the mid-1990s, the designers of the Taurus fell in love with the oval – a bad move that caused the Taurus to lose its place at the top of the hill, surpassed by Honda and Toyota. Like much of what we’d like to forget about the 1990s, that’s now behind us, and the newly redesigned Ford Taurus looks more like a European driving sedan that’s poised to reclaim its dominance of the mid-size family sedan category.
The interior of the Taurus looks like any of the other current Ford models. The layout is logical, even if the appearance is a little cluttered and button heavy. Still, the design is stylish and fresh. In some respects, the cabin even outstrips the Lincoln MKS for luxury.
The 2010 Taurus is available in four trim packages, the SE, SEL, Limited and the once market-dominating SHO package. Standard equipment on the SE includes cruise control, full power accessories, 17 inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, a tilt and telescoping steering column and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. When you step up to the SEL, you add automatic dual zone climate control, improved cloth upholstery, and satellite radio, standard. You also have the option of getting a power passenger seat, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery and a special electronics interface system.
All of the options from the SEL trim package are standard for the Limited, which also adds 10 way power front seats, an upgraded stereo system and driver memory functions. Take the final step up to the SHO and you get a more powerful engine, xenon headlights, a sport tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, faux suede upholstery inserts and upgraded leather trim.
A number of really nice options are also available for the SLE, Limited and SHO models, including a sunroof, power adjustable pedals, massaging seats, a blind spot warning system, cooled and heated seats, 10 GB of digital music storage and more.
The engine is a 3.5 liter V6 with 263 horsepower and a six speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is standard, although all wheel drive is available on the SEL and Limited. The SHO has a more powerful engine – a 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 365 horsepower and a standard six speed automatic transmission. The SHO also features automatic all wheel drive, which is great for drivers who live in climates that receive heavy rains or snowy conditions.
Finally, antilock disc brakes are standard, along with traction and stability control, side curtain airbags and front air bags. A rear view camera, rear parking sensors and a pre-collision warning system are optional safety features that you can upgrade to with the 2010 Ford Taurus.
Overall, the redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus is a solid car for the money, although some former Ford fans may find themselves priced out of this car due to all the upgrades and improvements that have been made to this model.
