The Taurus is a five-passenger vehicle that carries riders and cargo in comfort with “speed of purpose.” The 3.5L V-6 Duratec Engine, with 6-speed auto transmission, has the power to fit nicely into traffic flow on major thoroughfares, and at the same time gets you up to 24 highway MPG.
The test car’s exterior color was light sage Clearcoat with black leather interior seating. Fog lamps, chrome power heated folding exterior mirrors, and 18-inch bright aluminum wheels add to the beauty of the car and even provide comfort to the driver with the knowledge that others will view the car with an appreciative eye. There is also a light on the outside mirror that glows when the entry keypad is pressed, adding additional night beauty and style, not to mention safety.
The message center is centrally located and provides easy viewing for operating the navigation system and the Sirius satellite radio. The DVD family entertainment system keeps the children entertained, while providing great listening for adults.
Ford’s warranty system is one of the best in the industry.
• 3yr/36,000 mile bumper to bumper
• 5yr/60,000 mile powertrain
• 5yr/60,000 mile roadside assistance
The Taurus has a 5-star government safety rating when it comes to frontal driver and crash passenger impacts as well as front seat and rear seat impacts; but only 4-stars when it comes to safety in a rollover.
It is interesting when drivers are asked what feature they like the most about their car. The answer can range from the engine power to the style, or just how comfortable the vehicle is. But for a simple man like myself all the above are significant choices. However, the thing I like most about the Taurus is the ample-plus storage space in the trunk and those inside of the car itself.
My son is a doctor and is constantly on me to drink more liquids, especially water. Driving is an excellent time to consume some liquids. So at any one time I may have opened bottles of water, juice, and soda in the car. I seem to have become a bad example for my wife, as she too will have several bottles open at the same time. The Taurus has eight cup/bottle holders close to the driver and front seat passenger. This helps to solve the problem of not drinking enough liquids. Admittedly, the finding the nearest restroom is our next concern. Then, Taurus meets that need with a superb quality navigation system.
If Taurus is going to compete with other competitor’s similar models it has got to improve the mpgs. I am told Ford engineers are working on this, as reflected in other Ford models that have shown reductions in fuel consumption.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .
