2012 Ford Taurus is “Fun to Drive” and Hits the Bull’s-eye

The Ford Taurus, Ford’s iconic full-size sedan, was first introduced in 1986 and quickly became one of the best selling sedans of all time.  The 2012 Ford Taurus is a well rounded sedan with something for everyone.

2012 Ford Taurus Combines Performance and Safety

The Taurus is truly a driver’s car, in line with Ford’s aim to present a “fun-to-drive” image, particularly the high-performance Taurus SHO model with the 365 hp twin turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine and all-wheel-drive. But, don’t think you will be disappointed by the other, less expensive set ups. These deliver many of the same driving dynamics, along with the safety features and high-technology options that Taurus and Ford have become known for.

The Taurus SE comes with a normally aspirated 263 hp 3.5L V6, which is reason enough for a prospective Ford buyer to shift his sights from the smaller Fusion. A Taurus buyer will save money by choosing the $25,555 SE over the $38,155 SHO, but won’t save a lot in fuel costs, as the direct-injection EcoBoost engine on the SHO gets pretty close to the standard 3.5 Duratec’s mpg (17/25 for the turbo vs. 18/28).

Slotting in between these 2 extremes are the SEL for $27,755, providing more features than the SE, like dual-zone air-conditioning and leather trim and then there’s the Limited for $32,155 which provides a more complete luxury package than the SEL without the performance and handling upgrade of the SHO.

2012 Ford Taurus Advanced Technology Features

As with every model in the current Ford lineup, there is a lot of useful technology built into the 2012 Ford Taurus.

MyKey, a personalized electronic key system, is standard right across the 2012 Ford Taurus range.

SYNC – Ford’s class leading technology developed in partnership with Microsoft – links your handheld electronic devices, such as smart phones and USB devices, with your vehicle through voice commands and much more.

The message center with trip computer and compass is standard on all but the SE base model. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning is a great feature which is sadly only available as an option on the Limited and SHO models. This system not only maintains vehicle speed at a preset limit on the highway, but also slows down when vehicles ahead slow, then accelerates when the traffic flow speeds up again.

Likewise, the Sirius Navigation System is optional only on the top 2 models. As basic GPS systems are a dime a dozen these days, however, most buyers in need of electronic map guidance will just head to Wal-Mart for a cheap and cheerful Chinese dash-mounted device. Still, it seems a pity that a major manufacturer like Ford can’t provide such a popular and useful item as standard. For more information on the Ford technology, click here.

2012 Ford Taurus Hits the Bull’s-eye

The 2012 Taurus is all about providing what the market wants, and Ford knows that there is a market for high-spec, high-performance vehicles as well as for entry-level base models which allow buyers to purchase a bigger, more powerful car without blowing the budget.

This is a full-size Ford for every market segment, and if sales in the last 2 years are anything to go by, the 2012 Ford Taurus will be a runaway success.

If you just can’t wait to own one, click here.

 

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The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO-The New Ford a Metamorphosis with Class

If you have not seen the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO when you do, it will take your breath away. Before I can talk about the New 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and what a remarkable machine this is I need to discuss the Old Ford. A short story about  the Old Ford gives readers a new appreciation for what the New Ford has accomplished.

There has been a huge paradigm shift within the New Ford Motor Company, concerning the customer, the dealers and the general state of the automotive business.  There has also been a huge paradigm shift in how people think about the Big Three Automakers.

Street Talk

I get stopped all of the time and people tell me they will never buy a vehicle from GM again. In a way they are lucky. Just about the time GM was graveling for a handout Ford was well on its way to new leadership in product and customer service.

What is the first thing that pops into your imagination when you hear the words Ford and Taurus in the same sentence? OK..now be honest. The old Taurus was a remarkable car only in the fact that it sold almost eight million units, for what  was basically an unremarkable vehicle. If you agree with me shake your head yes. What I mean is that I don’t think you will see a 1986-2005 era Ford Taurus on the Barrett-Jackson circuit in years to come

The first generation of the Taurus started in 1986 and ended in 1991. That year, 1986,  the Taurus was named Motor Trends car of the year with such advanced features as aerodynamic styling and an ergonomic designed interior. Both features well received and ahead of it’s time for the motoring public.

Top Seller

1992 marked the start of the second generation Taurus. Although the redesign was not all that much, due to the right price point the Taurus continued to be a top seller. Then the third generation Taurus hit the show rooms in 1996 and continued for four model years until 1999. This 3rd generation brought in a whole new design and it you traveled much and if you wanted to rent a car over 50% of all rental fleets were stocked with the Taurus.

The Mulally Lifeline

The new millennium ushered in the 4th generation Taurus. The 4th generation Taurus was destined to the eternal automotive graveyard due to poor leadership and v vision at Ford in the early  2000′s. Taurus was on its last leg. That all changed on September 5, 2006. That was the day that Ford announced it had hired Alan Mulally as the the new CEO of Ford. Mulally  not only saved the Taurus, he injected a new DNA into Ford; Mulally began a crusade  for  quality, first class products.

The fifth generation or the 2008 and 2009 Taurus basically was a search and rescue mission in preparation for the  launch of the sixth generation Taurus in 2010. Before Mulally the idea was to drop the Taurus and introduce the Ford Five Hundred as it’s replacement. The 500  was a  step in the right direction but Ford customers had a hard time trying to figure out just what was the 500?

Actually 24 years in the making we now arrive at the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. That being said I will present a in-dept review of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO in my next post. If you are in my geo area I have a black over black ready for a new home.

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Ford Gains as Good News Abounds

This morning I did a quick Google search on Ford Motor Company. The headlines are amazing:

• Ford Motor Company’s Quick Lane Fastest-Growing Service Brand in the Industry
• Ford Considers $500 Million Investment in Michigan for Production of Hybrids
• Ford Motor Company will off new Fiesta starting at $13,995
• Ford Fusion Gets Top Marks, Company Stock Soars
• Ford Fusion Named “Motor Trend” Magazine’s 2010 Car of the Year
• Ford Vehicle Among Best in Highest Retained value
• Ford Puts Four Vehicles in Strategic Vision 2009 Total Value Awards –Focus, Mustang, Expedition and Super Duty F-250 and F-350.

And that was just over the last few weeks. As a Ford dealer, I see it at the dealership every day. People who just a couple of years ago wouldn’t have considered a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury are taking a look and as they say “Driving One.”

Whether it’s the new found recognition by the press that Ford makes the best vehicles in America, or the awareness that Ford refused to take any government bailout money, the fact it Ford delivers for today’s consumers like never before.

Ford has become the leader with vehicles that embody compelling styling, design excellence, smart technology, safety, fuel economy, low emissions, quality, and more.

As Motor Trend Magazine said in their article announcing the Fusion’s ascension to 2010 Car of the Year, the new Fusion is “better, smarter, nicer, prettier, comfier, leaner, meaner and greener in every way.” Also in contention were the all-new Taurus and the perennial Mustang.

Top to bottom the Ford, Lincoln Mercury line up fits the bill and will only get better.

Over the next few weeks, were going to take a look at each vehicle in the 2010 lineup and take a glimpse at what’s to come.

Thanks for your interest! If I can ever be of assistance in any way please let me know.

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2010 Ford Taurus-The Goods

Remember Shopping for a Diamond Ring?

When it comes to shopping for a new car, it is important to make sure that you pick the right one for you. Unlike everything else that we buy on a daily basis, you cannot just return the car because you did not get what you expected. Most times, people have a hard time finding the right car for their needs. This problem, though, may just have become much less significant now that the new 2010 Ford Taurus has been officially introduced to the public.

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Your Father’s Taurus Was Never Like This…

The Ford Taurus for 2008 has been completely re-designed from its previous incarnation.

The First Taurus

The Ford Taurus was first produced in 1985 for release in 1986. These cars gave their manufactures a revamped and revitalized appearance. A new aerodynamic design and an emphasis on increased visibility paved the way for enthusiastic customers.

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Ford Taurus 2009 – Review and Test Drive

A Roomy New Ford Sedan

Among the 2009 Ford models, the 2009 Ford Taurus boasts the largest interior and trunk in its class, allowing your family and their luggage to travel in both comfort and style. The 21.2 cubic feet of trunk space can actually hold eight golf bags. With the added convenience of the rear seat fold-down feature, the 2009 Ford Taurus can even hold six-foot long items. With the front passenger seat folded down, the Ford Taurus cargo capacity increases more, and you could carry nine-foot long pieces of lumber if you needed to. Not carrying lumber or golf bags? Well, the 2009 Ford Taurus can comfortably fit five adults with those seats back in position.

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