The 2011 Ford Taurus, offered in three trim levels (SE, SEL, and the Limited) is not the Taurus of popular memory. Redesigned for 2010, the newly re-conceptualized model, a proven winner for Ford, is roomy and solid. While it may not be a sports sedan, it's an exemplary offering. Almost a luxury sedan in the Limited range, but definitely built for comfort, a superb choice for families, and nothing you'll be ashamed to valet park.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2011 Taurus as a "Top Safety Pick" after the car knocked off the highest ratings in every one of the group's crash tests. Impressive, as is the fact that every trim level of the Taurus comes with electronic stability control standard.
The standard engine down the line is a 263 hp, 3.5-liter V6. It's good compensation for the heft of the car, which trends toward heavy 4,000 lbs. curb weight. There's a six-speed automatic transmission with manual paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. EPA estimates say drivers should get 18 mpg around town (17 with AWD), and 28 on the highway (25 with AWD.)
In terms of acceleration, the 2011 will knock off the jump to 60 mph in 7 seconds and buzz through the quarter-mile in at 92 mph in 15.4 seconds. Plenty enough to land you on the side of the road talking to a state trooper.
Styling is an evolution from the stock, corporate, three-bar Ford front grille, but the roofline takes on a graceful sweep. Inside the twin-cowl dash and waterfall center stack are nothing short of plush. Really one of the best cabins Ford has turned out in a long time, nearing the luxury class and marred only by the annoying integration of some hard plastics. Definite pluses are the fact that the rear seat is one of the roomiest available in the class; ditto for the trunk, which gains space from a backseat that folds down.
Move up from the base model and you get the Ford SYNC system, popular for drivers who want to control Bluetooth gadgets in the car, especially cell phones and MP3 players, via voice. (And in some states, this kind of control is now the law in a bid to cut down on distracted driving.)
The SE opens at an MSRP of $25,170; SEL goes for $27,370; and expect to drop $31,770 on the Limited. All are covered by a three-year / 36,000-mile warranty. Bottom line, Autoblog called it right, "an epic road-trip sedan." Near luxury quality in a mid-range sedan with superior technology, more than passable appearance, and solid performance. Score a win for Ford on the 2011 Taurus.
