Review: 2009 Ford Taurus Limited

[Louisville86]

This isn't Ranger-based, but it is Ford-based. I was in Baltimore over the weekend and got a 2009 Ford Taurus Limited (at National Rent-a-Car). I had reserved a "premium" expecting a Maxima, but on the line they had several Kia Amantis and a Jeep Grand Cherokee (you choose your own car there). So I went over to the Full Size line and picked up the Taurus. This is the last year for this design, which started as the Ford Five Hundred a few years back.

It was super-loaded in "cinnamon" with beige leather, the 3.5 V-6, 6-speed automatic, 18-inch chrome wheels, heated seats, Microsoft Sync, Sirius satellite radio, sunroof, 6 CD changer, adjustable pedals, backup sensor, and all the usual bells and whistles. Sticker was a bit over $32K.

I enjoyed the car a lot. The Sync worked perfectly, allowing me to use my cell to make calls (voice command was a nice feature). The 3.5 V-6 had a lot of power and torque, and I got 25.5 mpg in mixed driving. Although the car was large, it felt pretty nimble, and had a lot more interior space than a Town Car or Grand Marquis. It had a very quiet ride and cruised effortlessly at 80 or more. The interior was beautiful:

This car had a somewhat mean, aggressive vibe to it, much like the Chrysler 300. I like the looks of the 2010 Taurus, which is mechanically very similar to this one, so it's an even better package.

 

[Jay FX4]

Ford put a lot of effort into the 500. It was a great car but with underwhelming looks....

 

[Louisville86]

Agreed that the Five Hundred/Montego and the ensuing Taurus/Sable came up short in the looks department, which is a shame because they are quite competent cars (also, the original 3.0 V-6 was not powerful enough, and the 3.5 V-6 came along too late). Same for the Freestyle/Taurus X. The one I rented was solid as a house, with zero squeaks nor rattles, even though it had 16K on the clock.

The 2010 Taurus is much better-looking. I wish I could say the 2010 Sable is good-looking, too, but there isn't one (a bad sign for Mercury in general). I think these cars will be a steal in the used market.

 

[Jay FX4]

+1. The shortcomings of the 500/Taurus/Sable are history. They seem to have nailed every aspect of the 2010 Taurus. The other day I saw a giant billboard on Ford Road with a picture of the new Taurus and two words: "Yes Way." That pretty much sums it up.

 

[Louisville86]

And don't forget the SHO, which is a welcome return to Ford's glory days of the '80s. I think Ford is on the upswing, with the hybrid Fusion, the new Fiesta, plus the updated Mustang and F-150. Let's see some similar effort applied to a new Ranger, please!