The Ford Taurus was first introduced in December 1985 as a 1986 model.It was a front wheel drive automobile and was a milestone design not just for Ford but the entire American automotive industry. Between 1992 and 1996 it was the best selling car in the US, losing this status to the Toyota Camry in 1997.Sales declined thereafter but the Taurus continued to be a favorite of car rental companies.This further depressed the residual value of the cars and Ford finally stopped producing it in October 2006. Ford had hoped that the Ford Five Hundred and the Ford Freestyle would be worthy successors of the Taurus . However these two cars went almost unnoticed due largely to their unattractive styling and underpowered engines.
As it became clear that the Five Hundred and the Freestyle would have to be upgraded substantially, CEO Alan Mullaly decided to revive the Taurus name for the new models and the Five Hundred became the new Taurus and its mechanical twin the Freestyle became the new Taurus X. Clearly Ford is banking on consumer awareness of the Taurus name to help it come up with a winner.
But the name is not all that Ford is banking upon. The new car is powered by a 3.5L Duratec V6 engine that generates 263 horsepower compared to the 153 horsepower of the old Taurus and 203 horsepower of the Five Hundred. The car is not fast, about 7.6 seconds to 60 but it does'nt lag too far behind the competition.The vehicle is styled to reduce aerodynamic drag and to cut out noise. Interior noise is greatly reduced, partly by using a new sound absorptive material called Sonosorb.
Where this car has done particularly well is that it has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's(NHTSA) highest five star rating for not only the front crash test (driver and passenger) but also the side crash test (front and rear outboard passengers).It is also the 'Top Safety Pick' of the Insurance Institute of Highway safety (IIHS). It provides as standard equipment the Safety Canopy System with rollover sensors and side curtain airbags, the Personal Safety System featuring dual- stage front airbags plus side impact airbags.
It has attractive styling with a new chrome grille and new taillights. It is also amongst the roomiest cars available with a huge trunk in which to carry your golf bags.Although the mileage could have been better, experts consider it to be a good car.
Although it does not promise to be a bestseller it certainly deserves a second look.
