2012 Ford Taurus Review

Currently on the 2012 Ford Taurus has grown dramatically be great. If you think Taurus is too tame, you probably will consider it again, with a 365-horsepower all-wheel-drive Taurus SHO model. SHO is a viable alternative to high-powered sedan, among others, such as the V8-powered version of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, with the use of a more economical fuel. In fact, Taurus SHO Taurus just as efficiently as usual. But at the same time, a fairly high price that Sho is placed in the same category with luxury sports sedans like the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37.

2012 Ford Taurus sedan with five-passenger size for the series is offered in SE, SEL, Limited and SHO trim levels. Standard equipment on the entry level SE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, integrated blind spot mirrors, keyless entry with keypad access to the exterior, cruise control, air conditioning, driver six-way power seats (manual lying down), 60/40-split rear seats -folding, trip computer, tilt steering wheel-and-telescoping and six-speaker sound system with CD player and an additional audio jack. Sync voice-activated electronic interface with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity is optional.

The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, outside temperature display and satellite radio. Options on the SEL include 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, rearview camera, leather upholstery (packaged with heated front seats and a six-way power passenger seat), interior ambient lighting and Sync.

Option on all but the base SE includes, power sunroof, adjustable pedals, 12-speaker premium audio system Sony, and "multicontour" front seats with active bolsters and massage. Options on the Limited and SHO include blind-spot warning system, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers (packaged together), heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, rear power windows color, adaptive cruise control, and navigation systems with touch-screen interface, voice control, Sirius Travel Link service (real-time traffic, weather and other information), a single CD player, DVD audio and digital music storage.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive available as an option on the SEL and Limited models. The Taurus SHO got a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (dubbed "EcoBoost") that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Six-speed automatic with paddle shift standard, such as all-wheel drive. In Edmunds performance testing, the Taurus SHO to go from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds faster. Despite this impressive performance of the engine, EPA fuel economy estimates are the same as the all-wheel-drive regular Taurus. In Edmunds performance testing, a front-drive Taurus went from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds - slow boys to class. Fuel economy with front-wheel drive is a 18-mpg EPA estimated mpg city/28 highway and 22 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops those numbers to 17/25/20.

2012 Ford Taurus with standard ABS disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags and integrated blind spot mirrors. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard on Limited and SHO models and optional on the SEL. Optional on Limited and SHO are pre-collision warning system and blind-spot warning system coupled with cross-traffic warning system, alerting you to approaching cars or pedestrians when backing up.

In government crash tests, the overall value of the Taurus won four of five possible stars, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. It also got the best ratings of "Good" in frontal-Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offset side, and roof strength tests.

In Edmunds brake testing, a Taurus 19-inch wheel stops from 60 mph in a longer than average of 131 feet. Even with summer tires and 20-inch wheels, Sho could only manage 127 meters - the distance for the performance-oriented sedan.

2012 Ford Taurus offers cabin-class passengers, although the use of hard plastic in some places slightly detracts from the overall feel of the class. Door panels are textured to look like a convincing stitched leather, but it's hard to touch. At least the interior comfortable, especially with high-tech optional front seat "multicontour" with built-in massage. Rear seat offers a head and legroom are generous even for a good sized adults. At 20.1 cubic feet, the trunk is one of the largest you'll find in any sedan. Fold down rear seat and the Taurus offers space even more.

On the downside, the car ride beltline, thick roof pillars and a high center console can make the interior feel even though the large size limit. Other problems include sunken gauges that can be difficult to read and a great variety of dashboard and somewhat confusing buttons and knobs. Like most other Ford, Taurus can be fitted with the Sync system is useful, which connects mobile phones and portable music players to automobile electronic interface that includes voice commands.