2010 Ford Taurus SHO: Another Motown Hit

What's New About the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO:
Everything! While the Ford Taurus has always served as basic reliable transportation, it has never had the allure, sex appeal and sophistication of many premium vehicles like Lexus and BMW. However, now that the all-new all-wheel-drive 2010 Taurus SHO has hit the scene, after a 11-year absence, the redesigned hot rod has now become positioned in a different league – one in which many will aspire to own and want to be seen in, with its upscale stylish design.

The all-new Taurus, now known as Ford’s flagship vehicle, is the car the current generation Chrysler 300 would have evolved into - if the ailing automaker wasn’t in a financial crunch. Ironically, the exterior designer of the Taurus, Earl Lucas, who happens to be an African American, attended design school with his friend and crosstown competitor, Ralph Gilles, who was responsible for the once fresh-looking Chrysler 300, which helped to revive the automaker several years ago.

Must Have Goodies:
This all-new Ford is packed with so many industry firsts for a car in its class and price point, there is no way you can own the all-new Taurus without opting for all of the following high-tech safety features. The Candy Apple red SHO we reviewed, with the funky-looking 20-inch wheels, was equipped with a voice activated navigational system, adjustable pedals, a rear-view back-up camera, 10-way power heated and cooled suede and leather front bucket seats, heated rear seats, rain sensor wipers, automatic high-beam headlights which were equipped to turn-off-and-on driving down dark roads, a premium 10-speaker DVD/CD Sony audio system, a keyless push button ignition system and a power sunroof.

Furthermore, the vehicle was equipped with a number of high-end features typically not found in American vehicles. For example, our Taurus SHO was outfitted with an Adaptive Cruise Control system, which automatically gauged the distance of the lead vehicle by lowering and increasing speeds as needed, working in conjunction with Ford's integrated Collision Warning with Brake Support system, which automatically applies the brakes and helps the driver stop quickly, when needed.
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And, the full size sedan was equipped with a Blind Spot Monitoring System, which alerts the driver of vehicles in its blind spot via blinking lights, which appear in the outside mirrors, and audible chimes, before changing lanes. Oh yes, and we can’t forget the power rear sunshade, which is typically found in premium price imports not an American made vehicle. (The Chevy Malibu offers a manual controlled sunshade.) Ford's industry exclusive SYNC system voice activated system is integrated into the vehicle too, which analyze the health of the vehicle, contacts 911, when needed, and works in connection with your MP3 player, iPOD, memory stick or PDA.

What Rocked:

Wow, there were so much that made the SHO rock that we had difficulty narrowing it down to just a few features. With that said, we were extremely impressed with the Cross Traffic Alert system. What’s that, you ask? Just imagine backing out of a parking space; this system warns when cross-traffic appears via audible chimes. The Cross Traffic Alert system serves as an added safety aid and can be used in conjunction with the rear-view back-up camera, reducing the chance of a rear collision.

Also the Taurus we reviewed included massaging seats for both the driver and front seat passenger. Not only did the seats automatically caress your lower back, but your behind, too. This is a great for those experiencing minor back pains or for keeping long-distance drivers awake. Even more important we can’t forget the stylish, but not too flashy, import-like classy design of this full size sedan, with the blended rear spoiler and bold new European-styled headlights. Overall it’s just hard to believe this is a Ford or for that matter a Taurus, after the previous generation conservative bland design.

What We Hated:
Because of Ford's squeamish budget, the Taurus wasn't built on a rear-wheel drive platform. Furthermore, it would have been great if the $45,000 Taurus SHO we reviewed was equipped with a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel to compliment the programmable driver’s seat, which also adjusted automatically allowing easy exit and entrance to the vehicle.

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Moreover, this vehicle goes head-to-head with Lincoln’s more premium-class MKS. If the two Ford vehicles are ever cross-shopped, most buyers will more than likely opt for the Taurus SHO unless they're die hard Lincoln fans or prefer a longer new-vehicle warranty. The Ford Taurus SHO could now be seen as the flagship vehicle for the entire company, especially if it does as well as Ford executives expect. Lincoln may have to find a few more comfort features to add to its option list to truly distinguish itself from the more upscale SHO.

Any Juice:

While the SHO has been out of Ford’s fleet for over 11 years, it returns with a vengeance in 2010, offering a 3.5-liter turbo charged 6-cylinder under the hood, which is capable of firing off 365 horses through the dual chrome exhaust pipes. Similarly, the Acura TL SH-AWD offers a V6, too, which only dishes out 305 horses. Who says an 8-cylinder engine can only put out these type of numbers?

Verdict:
If you’ve never thought about a Ford before, this is one you shouldn’t sleep on. While the all-new SHO has moved upscale, with all of its technological safety features, the unique sport-tuned suspension still makes this smooth riding road runner fun-to-drive on short drives or long trips, unlike many imports.

The SHO is not only capable of seating five comfortably, but more importantly at an affordable price point. The all-new Taurus is available in four trim levels. Base pricing is the same as the previous generation Taurus, starting at $26,000 and easily climbing to $45,000 like the SHO we reviewed. Yet, a base SHO starts out at $37,000. If you’ve never driven an American vehicle before, this is one you should take for a spin before making a move. If you’re a car fanatic like we are, this vehicle definitely won’t disappoint you! To sum up, it’s just hard to believe this is a Ford! There isn't another vehicle on the road today you can find equipped with all of these high-tech features in such an affordable package.

Other Competitors: Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Acura TL SH-AWD

To find out more information about the SHO or other vehicles, visit JeffCars.com's New-Vehicle Pricing Guide.