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QUALITY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
the updated Taurus is one of those rare cars in which the center rear seat is actually adult-habitable for more than five blocks
Car and Driver
It's a tad snug for the car's full-size footprint
USA Today
the seats are too soft
Cars.com
Rivals many premium sedans for hushed comfort.
Consumer Guide
Its plush seats feel like overstuffed easy chairs, complete with heating and cooling in front.
CNET
Front seats in the Taurus are a little constrained by the large console, though it 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. And the ride, while being slightly on the firm side, doesn't bound or bounce. Plastics are higher-grade and attractive, though some might be overwhelmed with chrome.
Conclusion
A mammoth trunk and quiet, well-trimmed interior might help you get over the lack of interior space, especially in back, in the 2011 Ford Taurus.
