Once you've slipped through the generously sized doors, the Taurus seems much more
conventional. Plenty of space has been provided in an environment that has been laid
out for maximum comfort and convenience. A front bench seat is installed in basic G
and GL models, but the upscale bucket seats in our LX test car were much more
comfortable.
There's ample luggage space as well, reached through a deck lid that is awkwardly
shaped but compensates to some degree by having a lower liftover height than found on
previous versions.
The GL's front seat is divided by a nifty center section that can be used as a
seatback, armrest or center console depending on the way it's positioned. Within are
cupholders (graduated in size and elevation to accommodate a variety of beverage
container sizes), a gimballed ashtray that won't spill regardless of position, and a
storage cubby. This is a strikingly clever piece of design that's certain to provoke
imitations as the age of cupholders advances.
One ovoid shape does appear in the interior. It's the panel carrying climate and sound
system controls. Knobs and pushbuttons have been laid out in logical sequence, and the
Taurus driver will quickly learn to locate them by feel alone, a recent--and
welcome--design innovation called tactile differentiation within the industry. One
downside of the control pod is that it doesn't lend itself to aftermarket audio
installations, and a CD player is absent from the option list.
Other nice details within the cabin are shared with other Fords. The soft-touch
control switches are especially nice, as is the instrument cluster which features
simple, easy to read dials.
Drawbacks? The biggest is the illusion that the Taurus interior is less spacious than
it is, a combination of cowl and beltline height and the sweeping shapes of the door
panels, which appear to intrude into passenger space, but do not.
All versions of Taurus and Sable are comprehensively equipped with standard air
conditioning, an AM/FM radio, tilt steering column and power windows and mirrors.
LX/LS models add a better 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette system, power locks and seats, and
a host of small but much-appreciated convenience features, including map lights and
retractable front and rear grab handles, making ingress/egress an easier job. The SHO
is further distinguished by standard leather upholstery.
Depending on the model, the Taurus is either adequate, quick or just plain fast. The
base 3.0-liter V6 engine is a derivative of the familiar Taurus Vulcan V6, reworked to
increase smoothness and durability. It's satisfactory in daily use, reasonably
economical and quiet, though a bit anemic when pulling a full load.
Our LX tester's 3.0-liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6, an enlarged version of the
new Duratec unit used in the smaller Contour/Mystique, adds spice to the mixture. It's
more responsive and just as fuel-efficient, with considerably more top-end power.
More exotic is the first Taurus V8, a joint Ford/Yamaha design installed in the SHO.
Rated at 240 hp, it delivers plenty of punch and thrives on high rpm. Like the other
Taurus engine choices, it is available only with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Like most of today's automatic transmissions, it's electronically controlled, though
it's not quite as smooth as those offered in General Motors' cars.
Road manners are a genuine plus for the Taurus. The ride in our LX tester was
comfortable over all types of road surfaces, without compromising handling. Body roll
is minimal in corners, and traction is good. The variable-assist power steering
transmits just the right amount of road feel to the driver.
Overall, the Taurus' redesigned--and much stiffer--chassis has been tuned for a more
European feel, and the handling that goes with this tuning is arguably the best of any
mid-size family sedan in the business.
The base car brakes are up to hard use, but the LX/LS 4-wheel discs are better. ABS is optional on most models, standard on the SHO.