The Auto Writer

The 2010 Ford Taurus is a truly luxurious full sized sedan that just may appeal to European sedan enthusiasts thanks to its SHO-stopping EcoBoost engine, all wheel drive and its interior and safety amenities galore.

The magical mystery tour known as the 100 City Taurus Tour has been hopscotching its way across the U.S. since June, featuring prototypes of the 2010 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO. On Monday, Raleigh, NC marked its ninety-something stop with just a handful of cities left before coming to an end in Asheville next week. I caught up with the Ford team early in the afternoon, along with a pair of sparkle silver sedans made available for test drive. Though I was offered both vehicles, I chose the SHO because I wanted to experience EcoBoost technology first hand. Believe me when I say this: I made the right choice!

Sure, the cars available were prototypes, thus the interior wasn’t an exact representation of what Taurus shoppers would get if they bought one today, but the stuff that really counts including seating comfort, ride quality, all wheel drive, six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and its potent 3.5L EcoBoost V6 were.

Making the Most of Limited Time

I had just thirty minutes to put the Taurus through its paces, but I made sure that at least part of my trip included interstate driving. Fortunately, I didn’t bring along passengers which allowed me to act a bit crazy when opportunities arose as when I made a Mercedes E-Class and then a Lexus IS-250 eat my dust. And that they did!

Both Taurus models offer a 3.5L V6, but EcoBoost is standard with the top of the line SHO. For the novice, EcoBoost is turbocharged direct engine technology which essentially offers V8 power while still delivering V6 fuel economy and emitting fewer harmful emissions. True, the standard V6 delivers 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway while the EcoBoost 17 mpg city/25 highway, but it is a step above the ancient, but much slower Ford Crown Victoria which delivers 16 city/24 highway. Besides, the SHO is all wheel drive while the Vic is rear wheel drive – not a good comparison to make.

Pricey, But Powerful

I was much too busy driving to play around with the numerous electronic controls and gizmos that come with the fully loaded SHO which is priced at $37,170, a $12K premium over the base SE model. And that was a good thing too because the SHO does an excellent job of holding exterior noise to a minimum while offering a pillow soft Lincolnesque ride, but it also lulls you into thinking you’re driving within the speed limit.

Without much notice I found myself hitting 80 mph while having the strange feeling that 75 mph was too slow. In a 65 mph zone that lack of awareness can cost you points and bring you a hefty fine. Still, it was a tremendously satisfying experience knowing that I could blast past anyone on the road with plenty of power in reserve. Plus, if you want a more engaged driving experience, then simply shift your transmission into manual and paddle shift your way forward.

Not Your Grandpa’s Crown Vic

The 2010 Taurus has been pushed upmarket to become a bonafide full sized sedan. Sure, the most recent model (the sedan formerly known as the Five Hundred) qualified for that segment, but the latest iteration of the Taurus is a car that is longer, wider and much more powerful than the previous generation model, the first truly all new full-sized Ford in three decades.

Other than popping the hood, exploring the trunk, taking in the optional 20 inch wheels and sitting in the back to gauge rear leg room, I cannot honestly give you a full review of the all new Taurus, at least just yet. However, based on my first impressions this car will certainly attract a loyal following, going after Chrysler 300C, Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala owners, perhaps even convincing Acura RL and Lexus ES drivers to take a closer look.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

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