CD Article: 2010 Ford Taurus

[CD_Editor]

         
First Drive:


The redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus goes on sale this summer with a base price just under $30,000.  "It's a considerable advancement over the previous model," says Senior Editor, Paul Williams. "It builds on the established Taurus platform... but with improvements..."
 More: View the photos | All the Test Drives

[mrthompson]

I can't wait to see one of these in the flesh.

[Greg B.]

I can't wait to see one of these in the flesh.

Same here, because when I first saw photos of it months ago I was impressed, but the more pics I've seen of late the less I like it.

[Angry Chicken]

Nice car.  Most importantly, do the hinges intrude on the trunk space and is the trunk release cable properly routed and protected?  Have you belittled a Ford lately?  :grin:

[Shnak]

Nice car.  Most importantly, do the hinges intrude on the trunk space and is the trunk release cable properly routed and protected?  Have you belittled a Ford lately?  :grin:

Pretty much the same as the Fusion... 

[Mitlov]

Nice car.  Most importantly, do the hinges intrude on the trunk space and is the trunk release cable properly routed and protected?  Have you belittled a Ford lately?  :grin:

I'm personally waiting for the "it's so overpriced!  Look what I can get for the price!" comments to roll in, comparing the price of a Taurus (fully loaded, including dashboard-mounted coffee maker and two-year houseboy rental) to that of a Mercedes E-Class (equipped with plywood seats and not including the "optional" doors or rear wheels).

In all seriousness, the Taurus seems like a real threat to the Avalon in base trim form, and in SHO form it may give the TL some real trouble.  I think it'll do well for Ford, at least in the States where the large sedan segment is still popular.  As the article mentions, the entire segment is collapsing in Canada, so I doubt this will be a big seller either.

[articsteve]

the Taurus seems like a real threat to the Avalon in base trim form

US Avalon buyers are retires that have downsized and seek function over style (bland and reliable) and keep their cars for the long run.  What an Avalon is, is a stretched Camry V6 XLE, and those buyers have left the domestics forever.  19 inch wheels and self sealing gas caps are not going to do it for those folks.

[DoubleClutch]

the Taurus seems like a real threat to the Avalon in base trim form

US Avalon buyers are retires that have downsized and seek function over style (bland and reliable) and keep their cars for the long run.  What an Avalon is, is a stretched Camry V6 XLE, and those buyers have left the domestics forever.  19 inch wheels and self sealing gas caps are not going to do it for those folks.

Not even the massaging front seats 

I remember back when the 500 first came out. I was at the San Diego airport and over heard two elderly gentleman talking about cars. They went on and on about how much they lusted after the new Ford 500 ... this one looks 1000x better. Yeah, I think it'll sell.

[articsteve]

I remember back when the 500 first came out. I was at the San Diego airport and over heard two elderly gentleman talking about cars. They went on and on about how much they lusted after the new Ford 500

The reality was that it was a sales disaster hence the name was changed mid stream in desperation.

This is a middle of America car, and as great as it might be, middle America has left the building.  Because GMAC is now a well financed corporate welfare agency (TARP) Ford will be forced to lay some hefty cash on the hood of the new Taurus to match those competing offerings from GM and Chrysler.  GM and Chrysler have a coupe of years to buy sales with that money.  From what I have read, Ford will be out of cash by the end of 2009.   

[Rupert]

I find this model name, in it's current fleet position, a little out of place. When introduced it was a Middle America car and wagon in the 80s and wowed the public inside and out. It also happened to be a good car with independent rear suspension...not common in those years. I had a wagon and it was one of the nicest vehicles that I have owned. Still ran great when we traded after 10 years. I wonder if this car caters to Middle America at this point. Thirty grand for starters (closer to 40 out the door) might be too far above the high volume sales level I think. Maybe the Taurus should have been located after the Focus to hit the high volume that is required. Oh and a wagon like the old days would be nice. Perhaps the Middle America spot is now covered by smaller SUV imports and the slot that it was originally in is no longer there or covered by too many entrants.

[Mitlov]

This is a middle of America car, and as great as it might be, middle America has left the building.

Artic is right.  Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Boston are still in existence, but besides that, when you drive through America, this is all you see:

US Avalon buyers are retires that have downsized and seek function over style (bland and reliable) and keep their cars for the long run.  What an Avalon is, is a stretched Camry V6 XLE, and those buyers have left the domestics forever.

Wow...you sound like a Buick exec 20 years ago.  Don't place such blind faith in brand loyalty.  Toyota's rise is because people didn't stay loyal to one brand forever...for them to now rely on that sort of thought would be the ultimate irony.

19 inch wheels and self sealing gas caps are not going to do it for those folks.

Did you even read the article?  If you think gimmicks like that are the new Taurus's only virtues, you clearly didn't.

[Jaeger]

I have seen the Taurus in person.  It makes the Avalon look trim and sleek.

Jaeger

[The Mighty Duck]

Wow...you sound like a Buick exec 20 years ago.  Don't place such blind faith in brand loyalty.  Toyota's rise is because people didn't stay loyal to one brand forever...for them to now rely on that sort of thought would be the ultimate irony.

  And well put.  It's a foolish claim indeed to say that "those buyers have left the domestics forever".  It's like the woman that leaves her boyfriend for you: do you really have any assurance she won't do the same thing to you down the road?

[articsteve]

"those buyers have left the domestics forever". 

Who you quoting?  Yourself. 

You and Mitlov make a good pair.   

I refer you back to Rupert's post.  

[The Mighty Duck]

"those buyers have left the domestics forever". 

Who you quoting?  Yourself. 

You and Mitlov make a good pair.   

I refer you back to Rupert's post.  

  Kids, this is why you don't blaze and post.

[rrocket]

Wow...you sound like a Buick exec 20 years ago.  Don't place such blind faith in brand loyalty. 

How many domestic cars do you own again, Mitlov??   

[rrocket]

The headlights and housings look REALLY nice....

[initial_D]

$30,000 for the cheapest model will be a hard sell, unless there is significant discount and ultra low financing rates. That is a low volume mover price.

Our family had 2 Tauri before (86 + 91), and we won't be buying a Ford ever again. Not brand loyalist, just research and buy what is good on the market, from a brand with a long reputation and track record for reliability and GOOD resale value&easiness.

[Mitlov]

Wow...you sound like a Buick exec 20 years ago.  Don't place such blind faith in brand loyalty. 

How many domestic cars do you own again, Mitlov??   

Why is it that when I say Toyota need to start taking Hyundai seriously, NOBODY points out that I don't own one myself, but several people feel the need to point out that I don't own a Ford whenever I say the exact same thing about Ford?

As for the cars I've owned, you're being a moron.  I've owned three cars, two of which I've had a real say in purchasing.  I've never owned a Korean car.  I've never owned a Mazda.  I've never owned a BMW or a Porsche.  Am I not allowed to say positive things about these brands?   

[rrocket]

As for the cars I've owned, you're being a moron. 

Oh boo-hoo....did I hurt your feelings?  You want some cheese with that whine??   

I think what Steve has said is right..and I guess we could use you as an example.  Young, educated, car knowledgeable.  Owns no domestics.  I think that is the "middle-America" group Steve was talking about.  Sorry if you dislike the characterization.  There are MANY here who also fall into that category...me included. 


Although I will say...the attention to detail that we saw during the manufacture of Ford's latest products puts them leaps and bounds ahead of any domestic competitor, and on pretty much on par (IMO) with the imports.....


And sure you're allowed to make comments about ANY car brand.  That being said, why do you get so hissy when others make comments about certain car brands (like say...Steve in this thread)?  Or are you the only one allowed to make comments (good or bad)?