2010 Ford Taurus: First Impressions
Ford has created quite a buzz lately with its all-new full-size sedans -- the 2010 Taurus and Taurus SHO. We'll have a more in-depth review of how they drive and ride on Monday and Tuesday, but right now we can only provide our static impressions.
The new Taurus aspires to be much more upscale than ever before. Its long list of features rivals that of German luxury sedans, but this is still a real-world large sedan with a starting price of $25,170. From the outside, it looks big -- really big -- and heavy. Although it is nearly identical in size to the outgoing 2009 Taurus, the new model's tall beltline and proportionally smaller windows give it an imposing and solid profile. The broad styling is further accentuated by an SUV-like nose and a flat, tall hood.
The aft proportions are just as hefty, with a slab-like sloping tail. Fortunately, the monotony of the massive expanses of sheet metal are broken up by some very deeply creased character lines. The new Taurus is one of the biggest-looking Ford sedans we've seen in a few decades. Base model curb weight is estimated to be 4,015 pounds.
Inside, the most visually striking element is the ski jump-like center console that blends seamlessly into the aggressively raked dash. The center stack's controls are nearly identical to every other current Ford vehicle, which is to say, fairly easy to operate but not all that attractive. It's an interesting cabin, but not without a few faults.
As unique as the center console looks, it's rather tall, making gear selector operation a bit awkward. The swooping arc that stretches from the dash to the front seatbacks feels substantial, but is unfortunately constructed from hard plastic. Elsewhere, soft-touch materials abound -- but they have a strange vinyl-like quality and a spongy feel, especially in the massive dash-topping binnacles. These binnacles seem out of place in the scheme of things, resembling a large, overhanging awning. Throughout the interior though, panel fitment is tight and consistent.
Look for our driving Impressions in the coming days. In the meantime, you can also check out our full road test of the new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO at Inside Line.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report
- Posted by
- Mark Takahashi June 19, 2009, 9:52 PM
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- Ford, Test Cars and Car Reviews
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- 2010 Ford Taurus, First Impression, SHO
"the new model's tall beltline and proportionally smaller windows give it an imposing and solid profile"
And worse visibility.
See, I don't like this on Fords too. ;)
So... How was visibility compared with the outgoing model?
I was very impressed with exterior styling and interior layout of the new Taurus. Materials, fit and finish, cluster design, and center stack, all resemble a feel of a much more expensive vehicle. I haven't driven one yet so I cannot comment on the dynamic part of it yet but just looking at it brings a lot of excitement.
I just hope that it would be a good seller. The question really is will it be a hit or another rental favorite???