2010 Ford Taurus + SHO

Make no mistake, the Taurus has moved upward in both capability and size. There’s plenty of room for 6-foot (plus) drivers, and even a pro football linebacker won’t have too many complaints about room in the back seat. Move to the rear of the car and open the trunk: The liftover height is comfortably shallow but, given the tall flanks and the purposely raised decklid, you’ll be met with a space of cavernous proportions. Something else you’ll be left with when you examine the new Taurus is the look and feel of the trim. Fit and finish is impressive.

Power and Performance

Using Ford’s newest (optional) signature Intelligent Access with Push Button Start arrangement in our test car to bring the base engine to life, we knew we were in for a treat. The standard Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 produces a healthy 263 horsepower along with 249 pound-feet of torque. The new Taurus is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive available as an option. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offered while SEL and Limited versions include a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shift activation.


The 2010 Taurus body structure has been stiffened considerably while chassis underpinnings are similar to the architecture found on the Lincoln MKS, with struts incorporated on the nose and a multi-link, fully-independent arrangement in the rear. Suspension roll stiffness is increased and the steering response is much improved. The result is a highly capable full-size sedan that’s sure-footed and comfortable to drive in a wide range of road, weather and traffic conditions.


One of the factors that pushed the original Taurus to the forefront in sales was the inherent value, perpetuated by a long list of standard and reasonably priced optional equipment. The 2010 model follows that value leader blueprint by incorporating items such as six standard airbags, AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control traction control, ABS brakes, rain sensing wipers, projector beam halogen headlights and other technology-laden hardware as standard equipment. Optionally available is a Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert system (essentially, rear-and side-facing radar to alert drivers to impending situations). Additionally, the SYNC voice-activated communication and entertainment system includes a 911 Assist enhancement that will place a call to a local emergency operator in the event of an airbag deployment. Twelve-speaker, premium sound systems from Sony are available along with a SIRIUS Satellite radio system, as are heated and cooled seats, an adaptive cruise control and a power rear sunshade.

More Technology

There’s more too: Ford offers a number of technologies on the Taurus that are definitely exclusive. Case in point is MyKey. MyKey is an easily programmable system that can limit the car’s top speed to 80 mph, and/or limit the stereo's volume up to 44 percent of maximum, and set a series of sustaining chime if the seat seat belts aren't in use. The MyKey system can also permanently enable the traction control system and set chimes for when the car reaches 45, 55 or 65 mph. So what’s the purpose? Think young drivers. It’s a clever way for the safety-conscious parents to limit certain aspects of motoring and simultaneously ensure that specific rules are being followed.


Another major technology Ford is incorporating into the 2010 Taurus is BLIS, or Blind Spot Information System. Essentially, when another vehicle takes a position within the mirror blind spot, a light flashes on the A-pillar warning you not to change lanes. It works by way of a small digital camera mounted beneath the sideview mirror that continuously monitors the blind spot area and through use of a computer, calculates changes between frames.