Let's drive
On the road, the Taurus is somewhat surprising. Don't expect hair-raising accelerations, of course. Still, the old 200-hp V6 of the defunct Five Hundred (a decent performer) has been upgraded to 3.5 liters and 263 horsepower to deliver the kind of performance one quickly learns to appreciate.
The commanding size of the Taurus obviously translates into a significant weight, but the additional power makes up for it. Mated to Ford's all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, the engine is quite responsive and efficient.
True, body roll in corners is considerable, as is understeer, but once again, the Taurus isn't really made for spirited driving. The car calmly moves about, exhibiting a wide array of qualities like poise and quietness. The AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system is a bit too intrusive, literally cutting all power to the wheels as soon as the vehicle starts to skid, making the driving experience a little less pleasant -- and not necessarily safer. If you drive smartly, AdvanceTrac will never bother you.
Wrap-up
The steering is not as responsive as one could hope for, the suspension is a tad too soft and the styling is overly conservative. Yet, the new 2008 Taurus offers an interesting combination of comfort, safety and power -- kind of like the old Taurus but with much more advanced technology.
Interior room
V6 power
Visibility
Slow steering
Soft suspension
Non-supportive seats
Intrusive ESC
Conservative styling
photo:Ford
On the road, the Taurus is somewhat surprising. Don't expect hair-raising accelerations, of course. Still, the old 200-hp V6 of the defunct Five Hundred (a decent performer) has been upgraded to 3.5 liters and 263 horsepower to deliver the kind of performance one quickly learns to appreciate.
 |
| The understated body will appeal to those who want to fly under the radar. |
The commanding size of the Taurus obviously translates into a significant weight, but the additional power makes up for it. Mated to Ford's all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, the engine is quite responsive and efficient.
True, body roll in corners is considerable, as is understeer, but once again, the Taurus isn't really made for spirited driving. The car calmly moves about, exhibiting a wide array of qualities like poise and quietness. The AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system is a bit too intrusive, literally cutting all power to the wheels as soon as the vehicle starts to skid, making the driving experience a little less pleasant -- and not necessarily safer. If you drive smartly, AdvanceTrac will never bother you.
Wrap-up
The steering is not as responsive as one could hope for, the suspension is a tad too soft and the styling is overly conservative. Yet, the new 2008 Taurus offers an interesting combination of comfort, safety and power -- kind of like the old Taurus but with much more advanced technology.
 |
V6 power
Visibility
 |
Soft suspension
Non-supportive seats
 |
Intrusive ESC
Conservative styling
photo:Ford
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