First Impressions
“It looks angry, daddy.”
I looked down at my 5-year-old and thought how delighted the Ford guys would be if they heard that. It is an angry face, attached to a solid body that would not be out of place in a comic book. The 2010 Ford Taurus (view photos) is a bold, unique design with just enough family resemblance to various Ford concept cars of the past to be recognized.
Although the Ford Taurus SHO is the best looking of all five 2010 trims (those fantastic wheels help), all new Ford Taurus trims have presence and are huge. No, I don’t mean ‘Lincoln MKT’ huge (although the Taurus and MKT/MKS are kissing cousins) – I mean it has a big personality. Sit a 2010 Taurus next to any sedan in its bracket and the Taurus will have a higher hood and beefier lines while maintaining a simple silhouette.
Interestingly, the massive sedan maintains a factory-built rake. That is to say that the rear end sits much higher than the front end. From the rear, viewed from the square(ish) taillights on – the dipping nose is very apparent.
To me, it looks like a retro-futuristic getaway car taken from a gangster-themed film noir - especially in silver or black. I’m amazed that this is mostly the same car that underpinned the boring Ford 500 and last generation’s Taurus. All of these vehicles (including the current Taurus) have Volvo bones, which is not a bad thing.
In this case, with development costs being what they are, Ford has managed a remarkable change for the better.
My only styling gripe (which is more of a curiosity than a “gripe”) is the continued side character line in the rear quarter panel. It takes a moment to figure out that it is not an accidental crease from a fender-bender. I think it’s too small or too isolated from the rest of the Taurus’s character line.
All told, the 2010 Ford Taurus evokes an image of solidity, as if it were carved from a solid chunk of steel. I am thrilled with the look overall and grateful that Ford added some of its European design language into the Taurus.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Base price is $25,170 for the entry model SE. The mid-level SEL starts at $27,370 ($29,220 with AWD) with the top-of-the-line “Limited” starting at $31,770 (AWD Limited Taurus is $33,620). The spectacularly horsepowered SHO starts at $37,770 and is available only in AWD.
Popular options include:
- Remote starter ($395), Adaptive Cruise Control ($1,195), leather ($1,395) and 20-inch chrome wheels ($2,310).
- The Rapid Spec 302A option package includes adjustable pedals, auto-dimming driver mirror, auto high-beams, blind-spot information system (BLIS), keyless ignition, rain-sensing wipers and Sony premium sound ($2,000).
Interior Features
Forget comparing the 2010 Ford Taurus with a Toyota Camry (the former models’ direct competitors). This new model competes with the 2010 Toyota Avalon and the 2010 Lexus GS. This is not said lightly as I find Toyota/Lexus interiors to be among the highest quality interiors on the market.
Ford has managed to instill a great deal of comfort, even in their base Taurus’ interior.
Legroom upfront is generous. The seating position is higher than an equivalent competitor from General Motors, Chrysler or Toyota. The easiest comparisons for interior features and styling are the Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse.
Unusually, there is a large lump under the front seats which is partially responsible for the elevated seating position. It can be seen when the seat is back at its furthest distance from the steering wheel. The seats are comfortable for large folk (like your humble reviewer), but are a tad flat for drivers who don’t boast as much backside.
The dashboard is one of the jewels of the Taurus’s interior. Looking like a cross between an electronic keyboard and a retro-futuristic concept car, the large dashboard matches the exterior’s lines beautifully. Gauges, switchgear, entertainment and communication devices are easy to learn and locate.
Rear-seat legroom is quite good, but not as commodious as one might think when looking at the sheer size of the 2010 Ford Taurus. When seated in the back, passengers will notice the massive rear pillar obscuring their view. Even at more than 6-feet tall, I had to lean forward in order to see out of the side glass. Still, it did give the impression of a limousine from the inside.
A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) are optional devices that give an audio visual warning when a vehicle is approaching the Taurus’s blind spots.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The 2010 Ford Taurus received a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety receiving their top score of “good” in all crash tests.
Ford’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is 3 years or 36,000 miles with the powertrain warranty lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles.