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2010 Ford Taurus Bottom Line

July 24, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

Editors at TheCarConnection.com drove the new 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Taurus SHO to bring you this hands-on review of its performance, styling, quality, comfort, and features. Editors also evaluated the Ford Taurus against its competition to provide you the best information and help with your shopping decision.

Likes:

  • Interesting new lines
  • Revamped interior with higher-quality feel
  • Reborn SHO edition has 365 horsepower
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Cutting-edge features like SYNC

Dislikes:

  • Taurus SHO is expensive
  • big car that feels big
  • Still not as handsome as Malibu or Altima
  • Rear-seat headroom is small for its size

Buying Tips:


The 2010 Ford Taurus likely won’t be sent to rental fleets as quickly as previous editions. Ford will try to avoid discounting in its first year of sale, but the dire state of the economy may force it to offer small rebates early in the new Taurus’ life.

There’s a new Taurus in town—for the new model year, Ford revamps the styling and packaging of its full-size sedan and creates a more attractive, more capable competitor in a class that includes top sellers like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Malibu. The new 2010 Ford Taurus comes in SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO versions. It carries a base price of $25,995 and can spiral over the $37,995 base sticker for the SHO performance edition. High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided Taurus and a Taurus SHO to produce this hands-on road test.

All around, the 2010 Ford Taurus presents an interesting new shape. The old VW Passat-like roofline is gone, replaced with a crisper profile that hints at the smaller Ford Fusion. The front fenders are pronounced and the roof is lowered, giving the sedan a sportier stance. Up front it’s less than perfect; with a broad upper chrome bar, three dissimilar painted bars below, a new grille, and wrap-around headlights, there’s a lot to take in at first glance. The rear fenders are most interesting, with sculpted shoulders and firm, straight character lines playing off each other in a way no Taurus has ever seen. Inside, the Taurus is more focused; defined areas for the driver and front passenger are marked with a low, long center console. The instrument cluster presents information to the driver in three, deeply recessed gauges, and lots of blue-lit gauges and small black buttons are placed logically. Standard Tauruses wear more traditional faux-wood and plastic trim, while the SHO gets special badging, glossy black dash trim, and more metallic highlights inside and out, as well as a trunklid spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and a snazzier grille.

The 2010 Ford Taurus has the moves to match its trimmer, more athletic looks. It sports a newly revamped 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. It moves off the line smartly, and acceleration is smooth and plentiful at all sane speeds. The six-speed automatic’s a smooth operator, but paddle shifters (on SEL and Limited versions) feel a little gimmicky in a big sedan like this. Fuel economy is impressive, at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive models; adding all-wheel drive subtracts 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Road manners are the biggest improvements; the Taurus is firmer than you might expect from such a big sedan, taut but not high-strung, with a smooth ride and some natural body roll. The steering is direct and precise, and it provides plenty of feedback, a notable accomplishment since it’s electronically dialed in, rather than hydraulically assisted.

The Taurus SHO benefits from a lot more power, but it’s a little less transformational than in past SHO Taurus sedans. Older versions were very distinct from base cars; the new car’s 365-horsepower, turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 version of the same engine breathes easily but not as dramatically as expected. Ford quotes a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 6.0 seconds for the new SHO; the curb weight of 4,368 pounds must mask some of its strength. Fuel economy, in case you’re wondering, is 17/25 mpg.

As with the other paddle-shifted Taurus sedans, you can leave the SHO Taurus in manual mode and click off shifts as you please, with electronic backup in case your gear choices harm the engine and gearbox. The SHO suspension is tuned for handling, with stiffer shocks and springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and new suspension mounts, and it pays off with crisp turn-in and nicely balanced handling. Hustle it through corners, and the SHO leans a little before it takes a good set and grips the pavement as well as any competitor, save for the Nissan Altima, the handling standout in the class.

The 2010 Ford Taurus is a full-size car, and there’s copious passenger room. Front seats are a little constrained by the large console, though the Taurus has great room for tall drivers. The basic seats are fine and sit high for good straight-ahead visibility. (SHO models get tighter-fitting, suede-trimmed versions.) In the rear seat, the Taurus is wide enough to sit three across, but legroom is only adequate. With the front seats in their rear-most position, things are actually a little cramped. The biggest issues with the rear seat come from tall passengers, as always; the door opening is wide for feet, but the roofline is low, which makes entry and exit a little tougher than need be. With a sunroof installed and six-footers in back, headroom is a letdown, with constant contact between hair and headliner. In contrast, the Taurus’ trunk is enormous, thanks to the high profile of the rear fenders and the tall decklid. At more than 20 cubic feet, it’s almost twice the size of the Acura RL trunk; a tandem stroller and a Diaper Genie could get lost in it. Along with a more stylish cabin, the 2010 Taurus has better noise damping—even though it's not tomb-like, the interior is quiet and vibration free—and nicer materials. Plastics are higher-grade and more attractive in this new model.

On the safety front, the 2010 Ford Taurus is well equipped with standards, including six airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction and stability control; automatic high beams; and rain-sensing wipers. An SOS post-crash alert system is also standard; after an impact that causes airbags to deploy, the SOS system unlocks all doors, turns on the hazard flashers, and sounds the horn. Ford offers a collision warning system and adaptive cruise control on the new sedan, as well as Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems; these use rear- and side-aiming radar to alert drivers to impending disaster. The Taurus SHO also offers an optional rearview camera. The sole strike against the Taurus thus far—crash-test agencies haven’t tested it yet—is the poor rearward visibility that comes from its styling and big headrests on the backseats.

The long list of standard features on the 2010 Ford Taurus means even base versions are well-equipped. The $25,995 Taurus SE gets an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playback; tilt/telescope steering; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; a power driver seat; and power locks, windows, and mirrors. The next trim up, the $27,995 Taurus SEL includes Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; the $31,995 Limited adds 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, a six-CD changer, reverse parking sensors, leather seats and power controls for the front passenger, and the SYNC entertainment controller. The SHO starts at $37,995 and, with its unique powertrain and suspension, gets a spoiler, push-button start, sueded seats, and high-intensity discharge headlamps. On the options list, all-wheel drive adds $1,850 to the SEL and Limited; there’s adaptive cruise control; keyless entry with push-button start; and Ford's keyless entry keypad with a new pad flush-mounted on the driver’s side B-pillar. Also available: Ford’s MyKey feature that lets parents program a specific key fob with restricted vehicle function, such as maximum speed and maximum radio volume. A navigation system and sunroof are big-ticket options, too.

With the 2010 Taurus, Ford’s taken the same tack as with its other recent products, like the 2009 Flex and the 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid. Advanced technical features are a huge selling point for its new products, but take-notice styling is also a new hallmark—as are its turbocharged EcoBoost engines. The Taurus isn’t quite the game-changing sedan that the 1986 original was, but it’s a solid step forward for the company’s portfolio of high-quality four-doors—and one more way to challenge those upstarts from Honda and Toyota.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2010 Ford Taurus, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2010 Ford Taurus is a big sedan with a capable performance edge. The latest Chevrolet Malibu occupies roughly the same size class—bigger than the usual front-driver—but offers a fuel-saving four-cylinder version and a hybrid edition, though no all-wheel drive. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord also offer four-cylinder options; the Accord’s styling stretches the envelope like the Taurus and its handling is better than most full-size sedans, while the Camry appeals to other buyers who want more traditional styling and a more sedate driving experience.

The Bottom Line:

The 2010 Ford Taurus punches up Ford’s reputation for quality and features, with an engaging new SHO model to boost.

Editors at TheCarConnection.com drove the new 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Taurus SHO to bring you this hands-on review of its performance, styling, quality, comfort, and features. Editors also evaluated the Ford Taurus against its competition to provide you the best information and help with your shopping decision. Likes:Interesting new linesRevamped interior with higher-quality feelReborn SHO edition has 365 horsepowerAvailable all-wheel driveCutting-edge features like SYNCDislikes:Taurus SHO is expensivebig car that feels bigStill not as handsome as Malibu or AltimaRear-seat headroom is small for its sizeBuying Tips: The 2010 Ford Taurus likely won’t be sent to rental fleets as quickly as previous editions. Ford will try to avoid discounting in its first year of sale, but the dire state of the economy may force it to offer small rebates early in the new Taurus’ life. There’s a new Taurus in town—for the new model year, Ford revamps the styling and packaging of its full-size sedan and creates a more attractive, more capable competitor in a class that includes top sellers like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Malibu. The new 2010 Ford Taurus comes in SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO versions. It carries a base price of $25,995 and can spiral over the $37,995 base sticker for the SHO performance edition. High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided Taurus and a Taurus SHO to produce this hands-on road test. All around, the 2010 Ford Taurus presents an interesting new shape. The old VW Passat-like roofline is gone, replaced with a crisper profile that hints at the smaller Ford Fusion. The front fenders are pronounced and the roof is lowered, giving the sedan a sportier stance. Up front it’s less than perfect; with a broad upper chrome bar, three dissimilar painted bars below, a new grille, and wrap-around headlights, there’s a lot to take in at first glance. The rear fenders are most interesting, with sculpted shoulders and firm, straight character lines playing off each other in a way no Taurus has ever seen. Inside, the Taurus is more focused; defined areas for the driver and front passenger are marked with a low, long center console. The instrument cluster presents information to the driver in three, deeply recessed gauges, and lots of blue-lit gauges and small black buttons are placed logically. Standard Tauruses wear more traditional faux-wood and plastic trim, while the SHO gets special badging, glossy black dash trim, and more metallic highlights inside and out, as well as a trunklid spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and a snazzier grille. The 2010 Ford Taurus has the moves to match its trimmer, more athletic looks. It sports a newly revamped 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. It moves off the line smartly, and acceleration is smooth and plentiful at all sane speeds. The six-speed automatic’s a smooth operator, but paddle shifters (on SEL and Limited versions) feel a little gimmicky in a big sedan like this. Fuel economy is impressive, at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive models; adding all-wheel drive subtracts 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Road manners are the biggest improvements; the Taurus is firmer than you might expect from such a big sedan, taut but not high-strung, with a smooth ride and some natural body roll. The steering is direct and precise, and it provides plenty of feedback, a notable accomplishment since it’s electronically dialed in, rather than hydraulically assisted. The Taurus SHO benefits from a lot more power, but it’s a little less transformational than in past SHO Taurus sedans. Older versions were very distinct from base cars; the new car’s 365-horsepower, turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 version of the same engine breathes easily but not as dramatically as expected. Ford quotes a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 6.0 seconds for the new SHO; the curb weight of 4,368 pounds must mask some of its strength. Fuel economy, in case you’re wondering, is 17/25 mpg. As with the other paddle-shifted Taurus sedans, you can leave the SHO Taurus in manual mode and click off shifts as you please, with electronic backup in case your gear choices harm the engine and gearbox. The SHO suspension is tuned for handling, with stiffer shocks and springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and new suspension mounts, and it pays off with crisp turn-in and nicely balanced handling. Hustle it through corners, and the SHO leans a little before it takes a good set and grips the pavement as well as any competitor, save for the Nissan Altima, the handling standout in the class. The 2010 Ford Taurus is a full-size car, and there’s copious passenger room. Front seats are a little constrained by the large console, though the Taurus has great room for tall drivers. The basic seats are fine and sit high for good straight-ahead visibility. (SHO models get tighter-fitting, suede-trimmed versions.) In the rear seat, the Taurus is wide enough to sit three across, but legroom is only adequate. With the front seats in their rear-most position, things are actually a little cramped. The biggest issues with the rear seat come from tall passengers, as always; the door opening is wide for feet, but the roofline is low, which makes entry and exit a little tougher than need be. With a sunroof installed and six-footers in back, headroom is a letdown, with constant contact between hair and headliner. In contrast, the Taurus’ trunk is enormous, thanks to the high profile of the rear fenders and the tall decklid. At more than 20 cubic feet, it’s almost twice the size of the Acura RL trunk; a tandem stroller and a Diaper Genie could get lost in it. Along with a more stylish cabin, the 2010 Taurus has better noise damping—even though it's not tomb-like, the interior is quiet and vibration free—and nicer materials. Plastics are higher-grade and more attractive in this new model. On the safety front, the 2010 Ford Taurus is well equipped with standards, including six airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction and stability control; automatic high beams; and rain-sensing wipers. An SOS post-crash alert system is also standard; after an impact that causes airbags to deploy, the SOS system unlocks all doors, turns on the hazard flashers, and sounds the horn. Ford offers a collision warning system and adaptive cruise control on the new sedan, as well as Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems; these use rear- and side-aiming radar to alert drivers to impending disaster. The Taurus SHO also offers an optional rearview camera. The sole strike against the Taurus thus far—crash-test agencies haven’t tested it yet—is the poor rearward visibility that comes from its styling and big headrests on the backseats. The long list of standard features on the 2010 Ford Taurus means even base versions are well-equipped. The $25,995 Taurus SE gets an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playback; tilt/telescope steering; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; a power driver seat; and power locks, windows, and mirrors. The next trim up, the $27,995 Taurus SEL includes Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; the $31,995 Limited adds 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, a six-CD changer, reverse parking sensors, leather seats and power controls for the front passenger, and the SYNC entertainment controller. The SHO starts at $37,995 and, with its unique powertrain and suspension, gets a spoiler, push-button start, sueded seats, and high-intensity discharge headlamps. On the options list, all-wheel drive adds $1,850 to the SEL and Limited; there’s adaptive cruise control; keyless entry with push-button start; and Ford's keyless entry keypad with a new pad flush-mounted on the driver’s side B-pillar. Also available: Ford’s MyKey feature that lets parents program a specific key fob with restricted vehicle function, such as maximum speed and maximum radio volume. A navigation system and sunroof are big-ticket options, too. With the 2010 Taurus, Ford’s taken the same tack as with its other recent products, like the 2009 Flex and the 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid. Advanced technical features are a huge selling point for its new products, but take-notice styling is also a new hallmark—as are its turbocharged EcoBoost engines. The Taurus isn’t quite the game-changing sedan that the 1986 original was, but it’s a solid step forward for the company’s portfolio of high-quality four-doors—and one more way to challenge those upstarts from Honda and Toyota. Other Choices:If you like the 2010 Ford Taurus, also consider:Chevrolet MalibuHonda AccordToyota CamryReason Why:The 2010 Ford Taurus is a big sedan with a capable performance edge. The latest Chevrolet Malibu occupies roughly the same size class—bigger than the usual front-driver—but offers a fuel-saving four-cylinder version and a hybrid edition, though no all-wheel drive. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord also offer four-cylinder options; the Accord’s styling stretches the envelope like the Taurus and its handling is better than most full-size sedans, while the Camry appeals to other buyers who want more traditional styling and a more sedate driving experience. The Bottom Line:The 2010 Ford Taurus punches up Ford’s reputation for quality and features, with an engaging new SHO model to boost. Editors at TheCarConnection.com drove the new 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Taurus SHO to bring you this hands-on review of its performance, styling, quality, comfort, and features. Editors also evaluated the Ford Taurus against its competition to provide you the best information and help with ...

Other Choices:

The 2010 Ford Taurus is a big sedan with a capable performance edge. The latest Chevrolet Malibu occupies roughly the same size class—bigger than the usual front-driver—but offers a fuel-saving four-cylinder version and a hybrid edition, though no all-wheel drive. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord also offer four-cylinder options; the Accord’s styling stretches the envelope like the Taurus and its handling is better than most full-size sedans, while the Camry appeals to other buyers who want more traditional styling and a more sedate driving experience.

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See the Ford Taurus in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (12 total)

  1. By Berk Thornton #1, Posted: 7/26/2009

    Love the car - - but why on earth did Mullaly & Co. build it LONGER THAN THE FORD FLEX ??? Way too big.

  2. By Dan #2, Posted: 7/30/2009

    The malibu???? please.....there is nothing pleasing to the eye with that one...same old GM "stuff"...much improved over the former model, but not even close.... to the new taurus.. sorry.... listen to people who did unsuspecting reviews with the nameplate covered up on the taurus. this is going to be a huge hit for Ford and American cars

  3. By isaiahg #3, Posted: 8/6/2009

    Too bad the Tuarus doesnt compete with the Altima, or Malibu. It competes with the Bland Avalon, and Impala, but it does compete with the Maxima. I also hope it' big because it's a full size car.

  4. By bruno #4, Posted: 8/15/2009

    I have the 2008 Limited Taurus. I am 6 ft. 5 in. and weigh 365 lbs. This car is the most comfortable car I have driven, besides the Chrysler Pacifica. For those folks who do not like a large vehicle, you all have plenty of choices. I am glad to see Ford producing such a comfortable sporty car with relative good mpg. I would also like to see some of the updates on a Town Car and Crown Vic. I think there is still a market for a large affordable highway cruiser. I have owned Nissan, Toyota and GM. My 08 Taurus beats them all for value. Cannot wait to try out the 2010 Taurus. I know it will be a hit. Thanks Ford for producing the cars we want. Oh, the Chrysler Pacifica was comfortable but to expensive to operate.

  5. By Clayton #5, Posted: 9/12/2009

    The 2010 Ford Taurus? No way!! It is way over priced and simply is not what the economic society is looking for. 20 MPG? Please, I'll buy a F-150 then. You have disappointed me for the last time. I'm going Chevy.

  6. By LongTimeTaurusDriver #6, Posted: 9/25/2009

    You folks that do these reviews need to get a new gig because you obviously don't know jack about cars. The '10 Taurus is NOT new! Only the styling and interior are new. Underneath the new sheet metal and better upholstery is the same platform (loosely based on the Volvo S80) as the last several model years, and with the same 6 speed tranny and 3.5L engine it has had since '08. Yes, the 263HP 3.5 arrived in the Taurus in '08, as did the GM/Ford jointly developed 6 speed transmission. I've driven my '08 Taurus a little over 50K miles, and just ordered a '10. Same car, new lipstick. Looks more modern, but unfortunately they took what was one of the most commodious and comfortable back seats, and sacrificed it on the altar of zoom zoom looks. Bad decision. Cars of this exterior dimension should have limo accommodations in the rear passenger area. As mentioned in the review, unless you are a gnome, do NOT order a moonroof. Even in the front if you are anything over six feet tall, you will be uncomfortable. Handling is very similar to the last couple models, which actually is not bad for a big heavy sedan. New car is marginally quieter, and the styling is pleasant, but way too much sacrifice was made in the visibility and interior volume department. In fact, this thing only has one more inch of rear leg room than the Fusion, and the Fusion (Mazda 6 pan) has a very cramped back seat for adults. Not a bad attempt at an update, but geez Ford, after 100 years in the biz you would think you should know that your big car should be big inside too. Start working on the fix for this now so when I order the next one my wife won't be complaining about the back seat, which I have already heard from her about with this one, and I don't even have it yet!

  7. By Gary Folger #7, Posted: 10/7/2009

    Drove one over the weekend and can say I'm overly pleased. I'm going to buy one this weekend if I can find the right color combo. Great car, better handling and pickup than my Accord. Drive one and you'll love it!

  8. By Pam Guidry #8, Posted: 10/13/2009

    We just purchased a 2010 Taurus. I hve driven these cars for years. My question is about the headrests. I didn't test drive this car because my husband bought it, But am I the only one that thinks these headrests are extremely uncomfortable? I can't configure the seats in any way that will position my head so that it is not protruding too far forward. It is giving me back and neck strain.

  9. By Paul L #9, Posted: 10/21/2009

    Rented one for a week. Adequate road manners and power, but visibility was so poor to the rear and also to the sides that backing up or changing lanes on the interstate was a very stressful process.
    For my money?
    Keep shopping.

  10. By Leslie Ajayi #10, Posted: 10/26/2009

    I traded in my 2008 Ford Taurus for the 2010 Taurus. I thought the 2008 was a great act, but Taurus 2010 is the Taurus ever built and one of the best car i have ever driven. This car glides, is very responsive and obedient, like reading your thoughts !. The exterior is aerodymamic and the drivers seat feels like a cradle ! THe dashboard is logically arranged, and like a cockpit. The climate control, the Sirius radio, the heated side mirrors, and the rear doppler enhances the safety and confidence of this car, in addition to a supoerior and noiseless acceleration.
    Kudos to Ford automobile Engineering !

  11. By mynewtaurus #11, Posted: 10/26/2009

    I got a new SEL AWD with full options. Much better car, may be better than most of the premium sedans of its class for the value. My only concern is the rear visibility.

  12. By  AutoCritical #12, Posted: 11/1/2009

    This is another example of Ford really stepping up on their car designs. There are a few hints of the Mondeo and Interceptor flavor that make it fit nicely into the line up of new Fords. I personally don't like the parallel-ness of the body side as it makes the car seem a bit static. I wrote more about the design and about some improvements that could have been done at http://bit.ly/1ab1vE

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