Day-by-Day Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

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2010 Ford Taurus SHO

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The SHO is back! This week I am driving Ford’s new-for-2010 Ford Taurus SHO — and unlike the last generation, which had a Yamaha-sourced V8 engine — this SHO is powered by Ford’s new EcoBoost 3.5-litre powerplant, one that has been making headlines.

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The base Taurus starts at only $29,999 but the SHO model, equipped standard with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and 365hp and 350-lb-ft of torque ups the price to $49,729. Add in the collision mitigation system and radar-assisted cruise in my tester and it comes to a whopping $51,229 before the government damage.

This car is certainly no inexpensive performance deal, but it does give you much of everything: power, AWD, comfort, amenities and a trunk capable of fitting at least four sets of golf clubs.

Some of the standard features in the SHO include: heated and cooled seats with massage function, dual-zone climate control, back-up camera, rear sun shade, automatic headlamps, Microsoft Sync with Bluetooth, power adjustable pedals and power everything, including push button start.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $51,229

For more information on Ford and the Taurus SHO visit Ford Canada

Day 2

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I thought it was somewhat odd today when the collision warning system in the SHO told me it had been deactivated. My first assumption was there must be snow on the sensor. Then I remembered that back in October, when I attended AJAC’s Car of the Year Testfest event, the same thing happened on the track, and at the time I thought perhaps it was my aggressive driving.

Well, I double-checked the VIN (vehicle identification number) and sure enough, the vehicle I am driving now is the exact same one I drove back in October — must be a glitch!

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The Testfest sheet also indicates the vehicle as being priced under $50,000, but Ford has raised prices since, which is too bad as I agree with all the comments that this vehicle is priced a little too high.

The interior is very comfortable, though, and if that is what you are looking for, you may not want to look too much further. The Taurus SHO provides a lot of amenities and technology in the package and it all works well together (unless there is a glitch in the system).

The massaging seats are the highlight for sure, as they keep you relaxed and would be excellent on a long journey. I find the driving position a little odd with the very high centre console and lack of space in the dead pedal area. Despite the multitude of adjustments for the seat and steering I can’t seem to get a comfortable position.

The driving position is not uncomfortable, but it feels more laid back and designed for the relaxed driver, rather than the sit-up-in-attentiveness position that I prefer.

Day 3

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I have put enough kilometres on the Taurus SHO now to get a good opinion on its overall features and drivability. There are a few things that are really bothering me with this vehicle, though none of them have nothing to do with how it drives or its comfort.

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With our salt-covered streets come salt-covered cars, and the Taurus has no trunk handle on the inside to close it — a minor annoyance but it also is very difficult to open the trunk after it pops. The struts on the trunklid are not capable of assisting; perhaps the trunk weights in at 500 lb. I’m not sure but it seems heavy!

One huge annoyance are the headlights, which are barely useful. Ford may as well have just taped two flashlights on the front of the car and called it a day. At first I thought it was due to dirty lenses but after a wash I had the same problem. The bulbs simply do not produce enough light. On dark country roads I can barely tell the lights are on and in the city forget it; I expected much better at this price.

But if it is daytime, there is no problem, the Taurus is beyond smooth. The engine, the transmission, the road noise, all perfectly smooth and quiet. Tromp on the go-pedal and the SHO accelerates like a freight train (but it weighs nearly as much, too, though so don’t get carried away.

I drove the SHO on the track at AJAC’s Car of the Year Testfest event and it performed well but not exceedingly so compared to other vehicles in its entered category “Sports / Performance under $50k”. The Taurus SHO is a fast, smooth tourer — that unfortunately must be parked at night.

Day 4

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So much for “fuel consumption like a V6 and power like a V8;” the Taurus SHO returned dismal fuel economy for the week I had it. I even did three highway trips and attempted to be gentle but there was no fuel-saving love to be had.

I averaged 14.4L/100km over the course of the week. This is a big, heavy car 1,981Kg (4,367 lbs) and parked next to the Nissan Titan in my driveway I’m sure it is just as long. Ford’s specs agree, telling me that the Taurus SHO is 5,154mm, or nearly 17 feet, in length!

Perhaps 14.4L/100km isn’t that terrible when put into context, but I was close to the Transport Canada Fuel Consumption Ratings of 12.3/8.0 L/100km (city/highway). One thing needs to be made clear: this is a big powerful sedan like those of yesteryear, only with all-wheel drive to get the power down. It reminds me more of the old Crown Victoria than the Taurus, or perhaps a newer Mercury Marauder.
*Rating out of 5: