Ford Taurus 0-60 times

The Ford Taurus was once a best-seller in the U.S. market. However, following an upgrade in 2013, the model has struggled to compete with other full-size sedans available today. The first three months of 2016 saw Ford sell five times as many Ford Fusions as Ford Taurus models. Various news reports indicate that Ford is planning to redesign the vehicle. Provided that they don’t entirely obliterate it, there may be hope. The existing model proceeds to subsequent years, comprising only a few modest improvements.

The Ford Taurus is available in two forms: the front-wheel, 2.0-liter, 240hp engine model and the 3.5-liter, V-6, 288hp model. Both run on a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 does feature an all-wheel-drive version. As for the Taurus SHO, it comes with a few styling tweaks, sports suspension and a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 365hp. The Taurus model is, however, experiencing a lot of trouble in its sales. This may be due to its ancient design, uninspiring performance and a cramped up cabin.

The front-wheel models come with an optional, $995, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that churns torque of about 270 pound-foot and 240hp. At lower engine speeds, the standard V6 gives out 48 horses more and 16 lb-ft less of torque. The downgraded EcoBoost is expected to perform with similar agility, but with better efficiency. This V6 version, however, performs lesser than expected, losing to the standard V6 in hitting the 60mph mark by a few tenths of a second. The turbocharged model produces the highest mpg (23) measure ever recorded from a Taurus.  

For day-to-day driving, getting to 60mph in 7.4 seconds and finishing quarter of a mile in 15.6 seconds at 91mph isn’t so bad after all. Unfortunately, the six-speed automatic transmission is quite the slag. Also, the 2.0 liter-engine seems to struggle to push the Taurus’ weight around. Little manual control and hesitant downshifts from a not-very-impressive and clumsy toggle also don’t help much.  

A test drive that resulted in excellent performance and perfect full-throttle drives at 110mph ended with an unanticipated loss of power. The unusual behavior may have been temperature- or electronic-related. Unfortunately, there was no warning before this happened. Overnight parking did, however, get things back to normal.

The interior isn’t too cramped, except for the thick pillars and small windows that bring the feeling of being in a squeezed car. There are ample leg and headroom with the basic surrounding interior material. As for luggage, there are about 20 cubic feet of storage available which gives more compared to the competition. Maximum capacity can be achieved by folding the rear seats.

Front seats offer cooling, heating and massage features. Accessing them is, however, through a small door opening that is unique amongst other Ford cars. The interior is quite plain, with materials being of basic quality. The Taurus does, however, come with a better Sync 3 infotainment interface.

There’s dire need to give the Ford Taurus a complete overhaul in its design. Key modifications take place every 5 years but not so many changes in between. Considering that the market currently offers better mid-size luxury and family sedans that combine performance, value, efficiency, and packaging, Ford needs to get back to the drawing board with the Taurus.