.gif)
Ford Taurus (sixth generation)
Encyclopedia
The sixth-generation Ford Taurus is a full-size car
manufactured by the Ford Motor Company
since June 2009. It is the sixth generation of the Ford Taurus
, and also the largest Ford sedan available for sale.
was a facelifted
and mechanically enhanced Ford Five Hundred
. While this did address several deficiencies of the Five Hundred, particularly the powertrain, it was still criticized for its handling and bland styling, with one reviewer describing it as a "SUV shaped like a sedan".
In 2008, Ford Motor Company's Chief Executive Officer
Alan Mulally
stated that the new Taurus is "the one we should have built originally".
A leaked photo of a prototype purported to be the 2010 Ford Taurus circulated on the Internet from message boards. Ford contemplated legal action against web sites which posted the photo and Ford attorneys asked site owners to remove the photo.
The US Ford website showed videos comparing the 2010 Taurus to 2009 model year luxury sedans, including the flagships of several Japanese marques. One test showed that the Taurus' paint coat was more resistant to gravel chips than a Lexus LS
460; another noted that the Taurus had a blind-spot detection sensor system that the Infiniti M
45x lacked; the third showed the Taurus SHO outpacing the Audi A6
4.2 L V8 in straight-line acceleration; the last comparison said that Taurus' cabin was quieter than an Acura RL
.
Sales for the sixth generation Taurus are projected to be around 50,000 to 75,000 annually, as Ford planned a lower volume to avoid steep discounts/incentives. Previous iterations of the Taurus, which were classified as midsize cars, had sold 400,000 vehicles per year at their peak in the 1990s.
at Cobo Hall. In May 2009, the new Taurus debuted at three dealers in the Buffalo
, Tampa
, and Houston
, respectively, to be put on display and to build anticipation for the release. The first dealer, West Herr Ford in Hamburg, New York
, was chosen due to the successful unveiling of the redesigned Ford F-150 earlier that year.
The 2009 Taurus's counterparts, the Ford Taurus X
and the Mercury Sable
, ceased production in spring 2009 at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. The 2010 Taurus' production started on June 15, 2009. Unlike previous generations of the Taurus, the seventh-generation Taurus does not have a Sable counterpart from Mercury, as that marque was slowly phased out.
, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Taurus shares the powertrain and many available technological options of the Lincoln MKS
, which is built on the same platform and mechanical underpinnings, while having a starting MSRP of $10000 USD less than the MKS.
While its predecessor was criticized for dull styling, the new Taurus was described as "big and muscular" to draw attention, albeit "a love-it-or-hate-it affair". Motor Trend stated that "its broad stance, high sill line, slit headlamps, and technical grille give it a leopard look" which was considered handsome.
However, others criticized the lack of interior room and reduced sight-lines despite its full-sized exterior dimensions, compared to the previous-generation Five Hundred/Taurus which was praised for its vast interior and greenhouse visibility; one reviewer remarked that while the "old Taurus' interior was cavernous; the new one just feels like a cavern". Edmunds noted that the eighth-generation
Honda Accord
(which competes in the mid-size category
) had superior driving dynamics and a more efficient design that yielded almost as much interior space as the larger Taurus. Car and Driver described the Taurus as overweight and underpowered, with unresponsive braking and steering, while Motor Trend criticized several aspects of the interior as evident cost-cutting.
While the Taurus SHO's EcoBoost V6 engine was praised, some reviewers suggested that it was more of a big engine option while offering a marginal improvement on driving dynamics, and less of a high-performance car (compared to similarly priced cars which are rear-wheel drive like the Pontiac G8
and Chrysler 300
). Car and Driver was impressed with the Taurus SHO's overall performance, but sportiness was compromised with heavy curb weight, numb steering and smallish brakes.
Consumer Reports
has suggested the sixth generation Taurus is actually more of a freshening than a redesign.
concept.
The new Taurus also features Ford Sync
, push-button start, heated front and rear seats, crash avoidance system, and a lane-changing blind spot warning system. Also new for the Taurus is Ford's new Multi-Contour Seats, which feature air cushions that pad the driver and passenger’s entire back, including three for lumbar support, four for lateral support and four for the seat pad. The bottom cushion features Active Motion technology, which provides a subtle continuous massage, designed to lessen back pain on long trips. The 2010 Taurus was the first vehicle to use the Multi-Contour Seats.
- SEL equipment highlights:
- Limited equipment highlights:
The SHO includes a 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine rated at 272 kW at 5500 rpm and 475 newton metre of torque at 3500 rpm, a SelectShift 6-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, torque sensing all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension and steering, 19" alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires (Michelin high-performance tires on the optional 20" wheels), a decklid-mounted spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.
The SHO Performance Package includes upgraded brake pads, recalibrated electronic power-assisted steering for improved responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the Electronic Stability Control, a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration, and summer-compound 20" Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires with premium painted wheels.0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) time is rated at 5.2 seconds.
(CVPI) ended production in late 2011, a variant of the sixth-generation Taurus will be offered to police forces. Ford is referring to the new police car simply as the "Police Interceptor", rather than a Taurus, although production models will likely be named "Taurus Police Interceptor". It will be available with both engines of the civilian Taurus: the 3.5 L Cyclone V6 producing 196 kW, and the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 from the SHO rated at 272 kW. The EcoBoost version will feature all-wheel drive, like the SHO. The Police Interceptor will include much of Ford's latest safety technology, such as Blind Spot Information System
, rear view camera, reverse sensing system, Ford SYNC
, and electronic stability control
. Ford states the Taurus Police Interceptor will match the safety record of the CVPI, and have desirable CVPI features unavailable on the Taurus like a column-shifted automatic added back in. Police officers have criticized the lack of room in the Taurus PI compared to the Crown Victoria.
(NHTSA) crash test ratings:
The most obvious changes at first glance is the new front facia incorporating shaper angles very similar to the recent facelift of the Ford Territory
in Australia
.
Changes to the rear of the car were minor with the only noticeable change being new taillights.
While the interior remains mostly unchanged, the Taurus now incorporates the MyFord Touch
system which means a new head unit with 8" touch screen, steering wheel and interactive gauge cluster. Other features new to the 2013 Taurus include a heated steering wheel, and an all new Sony sound system featuring HD Radio and iTunes Tagging. Additional interior features include Multicontour seats with Active Motion (massage), push-button start, auto high beams and a rear view camera.
The engines available on the face lifted Taurus are an EcoBoost engine with 177 kW and 339 newton metre of torque.
On SHO models there is a 3.5 L turbocharged V6 272 kW of power and 475 newton metre of torque. This engine is paired with six-speed high capacity 6F55 SelectShift Automatic.
Full-size car
A full-size car is a marketing term used in North America for an automobile larger than a mid-size car. In the United States, the EPA uses "large car" to denote full-size cars....
manufactured by the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
since June 2009. It is the sixth generation of the Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
, and also the largest Ford sedan available for sale.
Development and marketing
The preceding Ford fifth generation TaurusFord Taurus (fifth generation)
The fifth-generation Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 2008 until 2009. It is the fifth in six generations of the Ford Taurus...
was a facelifted
Facelift (automobile)
The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...
and mechanically enhanced Ford Five Hundred
Ford Five Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size sedan that was produced by the Ford Motor Company during the 2005 to 2007 model years in North America. In North America, the name evoked the classic Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the 1950s through 1970s.-Overview:The Five Hundred was introduced at the...
. While this did address several deficiencies of the Five Hundred, particularly the powertrain, it was still criticized for its handling and bland styling, with one reviewer describing it as a "SUV shaped like a sedan".
In 2008, Ford Motor Company's Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
Alan Mulally
Alan Mulally
Alan Roger Mulally is an American engineer and business executive who is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Motor Company...
stated that the new Taurus is "the one we should have built originally".
A leaked photo of a prototype purported to be the 2010 Ford Taurus circulated on the Internet from message boards. Ford contemplated legal action against web sites which posted the photo and Ford attorneys asked site owners to remove the photo.
The US Ford website showed videos comparing the 2010 Taurus to 2009 model year luxury sedans, including the flagships of several Japanese marques. One test showed that the Taurus' paint coat was more resistant to gravel chips than a Lexus LS
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, although since 2006 all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also...
460; another noted that the Taurus had a blind-spot detection sensor system that the Infiniti M
Infiniti M
The "M" nameplate has been used on various mid-luxury cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan.The first iteration was the M30 Coupe/Convertible, which were rebadged JDM Nissan Leopard....
45x lacked; the third showed the Taurus SHO outpacing the Audi A6
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
4.2 L V8 in straight-line acceleration; the last comparison said that Taurus' cabin was quieter than an Acura RL
Acura RL
The Acura RL is the flagship car for North American luxury brand Acura — marketed in Japan as the Honda Legend and manufactured in Saitama, Japan...
.
Sales for the sixth generation Taurus are projected to be around 50,000 to 75,000 annually, as Ford planned a lower volume to avoid steep discounts/incentives. Previous iterations of the Taurus, which were classified as midsize cars, had sold 400,000 vehicles per year at their peak in the 1990s.
Release
The 2010 Ford Taurus was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto ShowNorth American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
at Cobo Hall. In May 2009, the new Taurus debuted at three dealers in the Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
, and Houston
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
, respectively, to be put on display and to build anticipation for the release. The first dealer, West Herr Ford in Hamburg, New York
Hamburg (village), New York
Hamburg is a village in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 10,116 at the 2000 census. The village is reportedly named after Hamburg, a city in Germany...
, was chosen due to the successful unveiling of the redesigned Ford F-150 earlier that year.
The 2009 Taurus's counterparts, the Ford Taurus X
Ford Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X was a 6- or 7-passenger full-size crossover SUV that was produced by Ford Motor Company in the United States. It was originally introduced in 2005 as the Ford Freestyle, before being renamed Taurus X for the 2008 model year. In Ford's lineup, it replaced the Ford Taurus station...
and the Mercury Sable
Mercury Sable
The Sable was a very important sedan for both Mercury and the American auto industry.Ford had lagged in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against General Motors' Chevrolet Citation and its best-selling Chevrolet Celebrity/Pontiac 6000/Oldsmobile Cutlass/Buick Century quartet as...
, ceased production in spring 2009 at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. The 2010 Taurus' production started on June 15, 2009. Unlike previous generations of the Taurus, the seventh-generation Taurus does not have a Sable counterpart from Mercury, as that marque was slowly phased out.
Reception
The Ford scored well in test drives, and the media was pleased with some of the new features available in the 2010 Ford Taurus. Some of these features include all wheel drive, cross traffic alert, collision warningPrecrash system
A precrash system is an automobile safety system designed to reduce the severity of an accident. Also known as forward collision warning systems they use radar and sometimes laser sensors to detect an imminent crash...
, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Taurus shares the powertrain and many available technological options of the Lincoln MKS
Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. The MKS first appeared in concept form at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006 with the production version, a 2009 model, appearing later at the Los Angeles International Auto...
, which is built on the same platform and mechanical underpinnings, while having a starting MSRP of $10000 USD less than the MKS.
While its predecessor was criticized for dull styling, the new Taurus was described as "big and muscular" to draw attention, albeit "a love-it-or-hate-it affair". Motor Trend stated that "its broad stance, high sill line, slit headlamps, and technical grille give it a leopard look" which was considered handsome.
However, others criticized the lack of interior room and reduced sight-lines despite its full-sized exterior dimensions, compared to the previous-generation Five Hundred/Taurus which was praised for its vast interior and greenhouse visibility; one reviewer remarked that while the "old Taurus' interior was cavernous; the new one just feels like a cavern". Edmunds noted that the eighth-generation
Honda Accord (North America eighth generation)
The North American eighth generation Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan and coupe introduced for the 2008 model year. It is also marketed in parts of Asia and as the Honda Inspire in Japan....
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
(which competes in the mid-size category
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
) had superior driving dynamics and a more efficient design that yielded almost as much interior space as the larger Taurus. Car and Driver described the Taurus as overweight and underpowered, with unresponsive braking and steering, while Motor Trend criticized several aspects of the interior as evident cost-cutting.
While the Taurus SHO's EcoBoost V6 engine was praised, some reviewers suggested that it was more of a big engine option while offering a marginal improvement on driving dynamics, and less of a high-performance car (compared to similarly priced cars which are rear-wheel drive like the Pontiac G8
Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan that was produced by Holden, the Australian General Motors subsidiary. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the United States, and in 2008 for the 2009 model year in Canada. Production stopped in...
and Chrysler 300
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size upscale car first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car. Sales in the U.S. began in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model year car. Designed by Ralph Gilles, the new 300 was built as a high-end sedan while the SRT-8 model was designed to be the...
). Car and Driver was impressed with the Taurus SHO's overall performance, but sportiness was compromised with heavy curb weight, numb steering and smallish brakes.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
has suggested the sixth generation Taurus is actually more of a freshening than a redesign.
Design and features
The design of the sixth-generation Ford Taurus was led by Chief Designer Earl Lucas. Many of the Taurus' design elements were influenced by the music that the design team listened to. According to Earl Lucas, "When you've got good music, it's amazing how many shapes come out". The sixth-generation Taurus also features a more aerodynamic version of the 3-Chrome Bar grille, and a rear end similar to that of the Ford InterceptorFord Interceptor
The Ford Interceptor is a concept car which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Interceptor is a retro-styled sedan that reflects a modern interpretation of the classic sporty American muscle cars from the 1960s, like the Ford Galaxie. Ford...
concept.
The new Taurus also features Ford Sync
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
, push-button start, heated front and rear seats, crash avoidance system, and a lane-changing blind spot warning system. Also new for the Taurus is Ford's new Multi-Contour Seats, which feature air cushions that pad the driver and passenger’s entire back, including three for lumbar support, four for lateral support and four for the seat pad. The bottom cushion features Active Motion technology, which provides a subtle continuous massage, designed to lessen back pain on long trips. The 2010 Taurus was the first vehicle to use the Multi-Contour Seats.
Variants and Trim Levels
- SE equipment highlights:- Engine - 3.5 L 24-valve DOHC Duratec V6
- Six-speed Automatic Transmission
- Radio - AM/FM stereo with single CD player with clock, MP3 capability, six speakers
- MyKey
- AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control
- SEL equipment highlights:
- Six-Speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission with Paddle Activation
- Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
- Steering wheel - Leather-wrapped manual tilt/telescopic with speed and secondary audio controls
- Shift knob - leather-wrapped with chrome insert (no hill mode button)
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio
- Perimeter anti-theft alarm
- Limited equipment highlights:
- Seats-Perforated leather-trim bucket seats
- Ambient Lighting (seven varied colors)
- SYNC Voice-activated Communications and Entertainment System
- Radio – Premium AM/FM with six-disc in-dash CD
- Mirrors - Chrome-accented, heated with memory and security approach lamps
- Reverse Sensing System
- Rear View Camera
Taurus SHO
The 2010 Taurus SHO was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. It went on sale in summer 2009, with a base MSRP of $37,995 (including destination fees).The SHO Performance Package includes upgraded brake pads, recalibrated electronic power-assisted steering for improved responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the Electronic Stability Control, a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration, and summer-compound 20" Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires with premium painted wheels.0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) time is rated at 5.2 seconds.
Police Interceptor
When the Ford Crown Victoria Police InterceptorFord Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Though the name has been officially in use since 1992, the 1978–1991 full-size LTDs and LTD Crown Victorias and 1992 updated body style used the "P72" production code designation for both fleet/taxi and police models, with the model itself being internally classified as S...
(CVPI) ended production in late 2011, a variant of the sixth-generation Taurus will be offered to police forces. Ford is referring to the new police car simply as the "Police Interceptor", rather than a Taurus, although production models will likely be named "Taurus Police Interceptor". It will be available with both engines of the civilian Taurus: the 3.5 L Cyclone V6 producing 196 kW, and the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 from the SHO rated at 272 kW. The EcoBoost version will feature all-wheel drive, like the SHO. The Police Interceptor will include much of Ford's latest safety technology, such as Blind Spot Information System
Blind Spot Information System
BLIS, an acronym for Blind Spot Information System, is a system of protection against collisions in the vehicle blind spot developed by Volvo. Volvo's previous parent Ford Motor Company has since adapted the system to its Ford, Lincoln , and Mercury brands.This system was first introduced in the...
, rear view camera, reverse sensing system, Ford SYNC
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
, and electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
. Ford states the Taurus Police Interceptor will match the safety record of the CVPI, and have desirable CVPI features unavailable on the Taurus like a column-shifted automatic added back in. Police officers have criticized the lack of room in the Taurus PI compared to the Crown Victoria.
Safety
2010 National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
(NHTSA) crash test ratings:
- Frontal driver:
- Frontal passenger:
- Front side:
- Rear side:
- Rollover:
2013 refresh
The 2013 refresh of the Taurus was unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show and bears cosmetic changes, new engines and new technology.The most obvious changes at first glance is the new front facia incorporating shaper angles very similar to the recent facelift of the Ford Territory
Ford Territory
The Ford Territory is a crossover SUV built by Ford Australia and based on the EA169 platform of the Ford BA Falcon. It was released in April 2004. Its code name inside Ford was E265. It won the 2004 Wheels Car of the Year award, the reviewers praising car-like handling and practicality as reasons...
in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Changes to the rear of the car were minor with the only noticeable change being new taillights.
While the interior remains mostly unchanged, the Taurus now incorporates the MyFord Touch
MyFord Touch
MyFord Touch is an in-car communications and entertainment system developed by the Ford Motor Company and Microsoft. The technology comes factory installed with Ford's product offerings and is based on the Microsoft Auto 4.0 software platform. It is regarded as the next-generation of Ford Sync...
system which means a new head unit with 8" touch screen, steering wheel and interactive gauge cluster. Other features new to the 2013 Taurus include a heated steering wheel, and an all new Sony sound system featuring HD Radio and iTunes Tagging. Additional interior features include Multicontour seats with Active Motion (massage), push-button start, auto high beams and a rear view camera.
The engines available on the face lifted Taurus are an EcoBoost engine with 177 kW and 339 newton metre of torque.
On SHO models there is a 3.5 L turbocharged V6 272 kW of power and 475 newton metre of torque. This engine is paired with six-speed high capacity 6F55 SelectShift Automatic.