2012 Ford Taurus

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The 2012 Ford Taurus, depending on how it's equipped, can play several different roles. At the base level, at about $26k, the Taurus is a big-car alternative to the likes of the V-6 Honda Accord or Chevrolet Malibu. On the other hand, it could be a luxury rival to the Buick LaCrosse or Toyota Avalon. And in top SHO guise, it's a strong, tech-loaded 365-horsepower luxury performance sedan that can sticker at $45k or even higher.

From one of the front seats, the 2012 Taurus feels almost like a personal-luxury car. There are focused, defined areas for the driver and front passenger, with a wrap-around instrument panel design and a low, wide center console that firmly splits the driver and passenger sides (and actually, taking up a lot of space). The back seat is wide, with potential space for three adults, though legroom and headroom can be surprisingly tight, given the Taurus' full-size exterior. Faux-wood and chrome trim combine with good fit and finish to give it an upscale look and feel that's generally in sync with its price tag. Special badging, glossy black dash trim, and more metallic highlights inside and out help give the SHO more interior panache, while a trunklid spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and different grille hint at the brawn.

The 3.5-liter V-6 that's under the hood of most 2012 Taurus models moves this big sedan plenty quick. With 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, plus a smooth six-speed automatic, it's rarely caught flat-footed, and the paddle shifters included in SEL and Limited versions even feel a little gimmicky in such a big, comfy sedan. On the other hand, the Taurus SHO is focused around performance, with all-wheel drive and a 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 capable of running this big, heavy (nearly 4,400 pounds) sedan to 60 mph in about six seconds. But possibly because of that heft, the SHO is a little less transformational than you might think—in part because the SHO puts the power to the road with such stoicism and a lack of excitement or drama.

Those worried about a pillowy, overly bouncy ride have nothing to worry about here; the Taurus rides more firmly than you might expect--taut but not too harsh, and certainly in base versions no sport sedan. But it's confidence-inspiring, with direct, precise steering and more feedback than is typical from the electric power steering.

The Taurus is strong on safety. In addition to great crash-test scores (IIHS Top Safety Pick) and the standard roster of safety features, Ford offers a collision warning system and adaptive cruise control on the 2012 Taurus, as well as Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems. For 2012, a side-mirror-integrated blind-spot system is standard across the model line, which does help make up for the limited visibility. The Taurus SHO also offers an optional rearview camera.

As an extensively redesigned model is due for 2013, there's very little new to the Taurus lineup for 2012, other than a new color, Ginger Ale Metallic. Even in base form, the Taurus comes somewhat better-equipped than mainstream mid-size sedans. Base cars get a power driver's seat, SEL models include automatic climate control. Meanwhile, top Limited trims are the way to go if you want a loaded car, as they include showier 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, a six-CD changer, reverse parking sensors, leather seats, and power controls for the front passenger. Ford's Sync interface for smartphones and media players is included in Limited and SHO models. Push-button start, sueded seats, and high-intensity discharge headlamps are added in the SHO.

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2012 Ford Taurus

See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

The 2012 Ford Taurus, depending on how it's equipped, can play several different roles. At the base level, at about $26k, the Taurus is a big-car alternative to the likes of the V-6 Honda Accord or Chevrolet Malibu. On the other hand, it could be a luxury rival to the Buick LaCrosse or Toyota Avalon. And in top SHO guise, it's a strong, tech-loaded 365-horsepower luxury performance sedan that can sticker at $45k or even higher.

From one of the front seats, the 2012 Taurus feels almost like a personal-luxury car. There are focused, defined areas for the driver and front passenger, with a wrap-around instrument panel design and a low, wide center console that firmly splits the driver and passenger sides (and actually, taking up a lot of space). The back seat is wide, with potential space for three adults, though legroom and headroom can be surprisingly tight, given the Taurus' full-size exterior. Faux-wood and chrome trim combine with good fit and finish to give it an upscale look and feel that's generally in sync with its price tag. Special badging, glossy black dash trim, and more metallic highlights inside and out help give the SHO more interior panache, while a trunklid spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and different grille hint at the brawn.

The 3.5-liter V-6 that's under the hood of most 2012 Taurus models moves this big sedan plenty quick. With 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, plus a smooth six-speed automatic, it's rarely caught flat-footed, and the paddle shifters included in SEL and Limited versions even feel a little gimmicky in such a big, comfy sedan. On the other hand, the Taurus SHO is focused around performance, with all-wheel drive and a 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 capable of running this big, heavy (nearly 4,400 pounds) sedan to 60 mph in about six seconds. But possibly because of that heft, the SHO is a little less transformational than you might think—in part because the SHO puts the power to the road with such stoicism and a lack of excitement or drama.

Those worried about a pillowy, overly bouncy ride have nothing to worry about here; the Taurus rides more firmly than you might expect--taut but not too harsh, and certainly in base versions no sport sedan. But it's confidence-inspiring, with direct, precise steering and more feedback than is typical from the electric power steering.

The Taurus is strong on safety. In addition to great crash-test scores (IIHS Top Safety Pick) and the standard roster of safety features, Ford offers a collision warning system and adaptive cruise control on the 2012 Taurus, as well as Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems. For 2012, a side-mirror-integrated blind-spot system is standard across the model line, which does help make up for the limited visibility. The Taurus SHO also offers an optional rearview camera.

As an extensively redesigned model is due for 2013, there's very little new to the Taurus lineup for 2012, other than a new color, Ginger Ale Metallic. Even in base form, the Taurus comes somewhat better-equipped than mainstream mid-size sedans. Base cars get a power driver's seat, SEL models include automatic climate control. Meanwhile, top Limited trims are the way to go if you want a loaded car, as they include showier 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, a six-CD changer, reverse parking sensors, leather seats, and power controls for the front passenger. Ford's Sync interface for smartphones and media players is included in Limited and SHO models. Push-button start, sueded seats, and high-intensity discharge headlamps are added in the SHO.

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2013 Ford Taurus: Preview

Bringing Ford's legendary Taurus nameplate back on track has been one of the automaker's many miracles of the past several years. With the return of the Taurus SHO, and a heavy dollop of tech features and luxury refinement, Ford brought a once-great name back from the brink—as an excellent, albeit staid larger sedan.

Based on the still-rather-conservative restyle we've seen in the 2013 Ford Taurus unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show, that part of the Taurus formula won't change anytime soon. But Ford has stepped it up in nearly all other respects—with better fuel economy, improved driving feel and dynamics, and even more safety and tech features that are typically reserved for German luxury flagships.

Four-cylinder returns to the Taurus

The big news is that the Taurus will offer an available turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that will make V-6-caliber horsepower and torque while returning "at least 31 mpg highway." That's 3 mpg better on the highway than the current 3.5-liter V-6 in the front-wheel-drive Taurus, and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Avalon.

In the 2013 Taurus, a 290-horsepower version of that same V-6 will remain standard, but it adds twin independent variable camshaft timing, bringing it up to date with recent upgrades for the 2011 Ford Mustang, 2011 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKX, and 2011 Ford F-150. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four will be optional, making 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. In either case, they're hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. And yes, the high-performance 2013 Ford Taurus SHO will return, too.

To help achieve those better fuel economy numbers, all Taurus models will get a more aggressive fuel shutoff, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor, reduced-friction lubricants, smart battery management, and a low-tension accessory belt, in addition to the electric power steering (EPS) that the company is deploying on all of its models. The suspension has also been retuned. Soy foam seats and noise padding made of recycled materials are other capstones of Ford's green intent.

Better steering and braking? Check.

Engineers have worked to give the 2013 Taurus a better steering feel compared to the current version; that includes a quicker ratio. And one of our chief complaints—a spongy-feeling brake with long travel—has been explicitly resolved in the new version. Ford says it's improved pedal feel, shortened travel, and upgraded the actual brake material.

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2011 Ford Taurus

Ford last year gave its full-size Taurus sedan a transformation, creating a more attractive, more capable competitor in a class that spans both mainstream mid-size sedans like the Honda Accord V-6 as well as the Buck Lucerne. A new high-performance Taurus SHO, powered by a turbocharged V-6, also joined the model line. The only down side to the new Taurus versus the old? Its interior became a little less spacious in the process. The 2011 Ford Taurus isn?t quite a game-changing sedan, but it's a handsome, solid, high-quality choice.

Although the 2011 Ford Taurus can hardly be called exciting, it's a big improvement over the pre-2010 version. All around, the Ford Taurus got an interesting new shape last year, dropping the old VW Passat-like roofline in favor of a crisper profile that hints at the smaller Ford Fusion. Inside, the 2011 Taurus is more focused; defined areas for the driver and front passenger are marked with a low, wide center console that firmly splits the driver and passenger sides (and takes up a lot of space). And there's lots of faux-wood and chrome trim. The sporty Taurus 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 2011 Ford Taurus moves off the line smartly with its 3.5-liter V-6, making 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is smooth and plentiful at all sane speeds, and 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.

The Taurus SHO benefits from a lot more power, but it's a little less transformational than in past SHO Taurus sedans—in part because the SHO puts the power to the road with such stoicism and a lack of pulse-raising excitement. 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.

Road manners for standard Taurus models are quite impressive; the 2011 Taurus rides more firmly 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. At the same time, you won't forget that the Taurus is a hefty car; it's far from nimble.

Front seats in the Taurus are a little constrained by the large console, though it has great room for tall drivers. 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.

The Taurus is strong on safety. In addition to great crash-test scores and the standard roster of safety features, 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 long list of standard features on the 2011 Ford Taurus means even base versions are well-equipped. The 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 Taurus SEL includes Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; the 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 comes with its unique powertrain and suspension and gets a spoiler, push-button start, sueded seats, and high-intensity discharge headlamps.

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. See details and best of the Web The 2011 Ford Taurus is near the top of its segment in features, though adding too many of the tempting tech options will drive the sticker price way up. See details and best of the Web Handsome exteriorHigh-quality interior feelCutting-edge features like SYNCAvailable all-wheel driveGet Dealer Price Quotes A big car that feels bigCramped backseatSHO is very quick but lacks fun factor

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