Though the 2009 Ford Taurus is a result of name and design changes in the past few years, the 2009 Taurus is a carryover from the prior model year. It seems that Ford has finally gotten it right with an aerodynamic, elegant exterior and an impressive engine configuration. Superior power sets the 2009 Ford Taurus apart from the competition, like the Chrysler Sebring, and a wealth of standard features make the sedan a great pick for even the most discriminating buyers. An affordable price, technological upgrades, and Ford's Personal Safety System give the four-door sedan a wide-reaching appeal.

Under the hood, the Ford Taurus is equipped with a generous 263 horsepower 3.5L DOHC V6. However, some buyers might be disappointed with only one engine option. Not only that, only a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is available as well. But, with 249-lbs per foot of torque, the Taurus is one of the most powerfully equipped sedans on the market. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Ford Taurus, but buyers can upgrade to the more adaptable all-wheel drive if necessary. Ford's Side Protection and Cabin Enhancement is a reinforced frame system that both protects passengers in the event of a collision and provides higher driver seating for an unobstructed view. The four-wheel independent suspension provides a smoother ride, and the IHTSA awarded the Taurus with five-stars for both frontal and side-impact crash testing.

Inside, the 2009 Taurus comes standard with a great number of features like an MP3 input jack, rich wood accents, three auxiliary power outlets, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The model's Personal Safety System includes superior protection for the front driver and passenger with dual-stage airbags, a driver's seat position sensor, and front passenger sensing system. This front passenger program will automatically gauge the position, mass, and height of the passenger to better determine the force with which to deploy the airbag. It can also prevent further injuries that are many times caused by airbag deployment. A Safety Canopy System gives all passengers overhead airbag protection, and a sensor will automatically deploy the Canopy System in the event of a rollover.

With a base price of $24,125, the 2009 Ford Taurus is truly worth the money. Families will be pleased with the level of protection provided in the model, while individuals looking for a powerful sedan will find that the horsepower is more than enough. However, some consumers could be put off by the 18 city MPG and 28 highway MPG. Nevertheless, for a V6 engine, the fuel economy is quite remarkable.