As occupants watch the world slip by through the large windows, they won't be punished by a rough ride. Taurus' fully independent suspension system, that has accompanied Taurus from day one, favors comfort over handling. This is not to say that it's a slug in the corners. I've driven many over the years and have found the Taurus to be remarkably nimble for a car of its size. Highway cruising is quiet and stress free thanks to low road and wind noise as well as a comfortable cabin.
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| In keeping with the exterior maturation, the cabin of the 2004 Taurus will feature improved levels of quality, a well thought-out design and many standard goodies. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
But comfort is only one Taurus attribute. It also offers a fair dose of power while burning cleaner than others in its class. A revised exhaust system helps its all-aluminum Duratec engine achieve a low emissions LEV11 rating. Other than that both Taurus powerplants remain as they did in 2003. They are each 3.0 liter (Vulcan 182/Duratec 181 cubic inch) displacement V6's attached to four-speed automatic transmissions featuring adaptive shift control programming and front-wheel drive.
The entry level Vulcan engine is a rugged single-overhead cam, 2-valve per cylinder unit producing 155 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque. The optional and much preferred double-overhead cam, 4-valve per cylinder Duratec engine significantly raises the ante by delivering 201 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines have been in existence long enough for the majority of bugs to be worked out, so reliable performance should be expected. On the negative neither engine will set the world on fire, but to be fair both provide adequate acceleration in normal city driving. If heavy loads and long highway hauls are part of your regular routine, I recommend you pony-up for the Duratec.