The 2010 Ford Taurus has taken a leap forward, offering a safer, more refined driving experience. This full-size, four-door sedan has been completely redesigned for the 2010 model year. It gains new technology, refreshed interior and exterior design and an array of safety features.
The 2010 Ford Taurus doesn’t simply react in the event of an accident; it attempts to avoid one in the first place. The vehicle stability control feature improves handling and control and along with traction control and antilock brakes, provides a helping hand in poor driving conditions. Safety features also include front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags, active head restraints and airbag occupancy sensors. If an accident should occur, Taurus technology takes over, providing optimum protection for its occupants.
Optional safety features include a blind spot warning system, a traffic information system, a pre-collision warning system, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. The Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert utilizes rear- and side-aiming radar to alert drivers of potential collisions. Ford’s SYNC now includes a 911 Assist feature that instantly places a call to a local emergency operator upon deployment of the airbags.
For travelers, Ford offers Travel Link, a SIRIUS data service that sends traffic, weather, gas prices and even sports scores to the information screen on the dash. The Taurus is equipped with an ignition disable device that will prevent the engine from starting if a key other than the correct original manufacturer key is used. Automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers come in handy, and for convenience, the Taurus has keyless entry with push-button start. Optional features include a navigation system with a hard drive music storage system and a Sony sound system.
In the overhaul, the Taurus receives a stronger, boron steel body structure to provide the most protection possible for occupants in the event of a collision. Last, but not least, the Taurus offers MyKey as standard, which allows its owners to set seatbelt reminders, stereo volume limits and stability control settings. For those who enjoy going the extra mile in their Taurus, multi-contour seats with a massage function will be an option. Ford certainly hasn’t left anything out. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, the Taurus is expected to earn five out of five stars across the board, and top scores are also predicted in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing.
The interior of the Taurus is as sophisticated as its safety features. It has user-friendly controls and a fresh design that contributes to its new upscale image. It has a twin-cowl dash constructed using high-quality materials. With technology such as a six-way power driver’s seat, power passenger’s seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering column, it’s comfortable and refined. As a full-size five-passenger sedan, the Taurus provides plenty of front-seat and rear-seat room. The SYNC electronics interface, a voice-activated technology, is optional on every trim except for the base.
This year, the Taurus SHO, a performance-oriented model, makes a comeback. Ford fans may recall the early 90s when the Taurus SHO was a favorite, but the driving experience is now better than ever. The Taurus SHO boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns 365 hp. The Taurus SE, SEL and Limited models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249 lb/ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. On all trims except for the SE, the transmission features manual shift control with downshift rev-matching capability. Front-wheel drive is standard on every Taurus and all-wheel drive is available on SEL and Limited trims.
On the outside, the three-bar chrome grille that has long been a trademark of the Taurus now sports a new design. The fenders have been sculpted, and the headlights wrap around with high-tech lighting. The Taurus gains a more modern look overall, one that’s certainly as appealing as its interior.
The Taurus driving experience is much more engaging thanks to the recent overhaul. Road & Track says, “With available all-wheel drive, a huge, quiet and well-appointed cabin, best-in-class trunk volume and a 263-hp V6, the Taurus does everything expected of a modern large sedan.” Add to that the long list of safety features and the Taurus soars to the top of its class.
