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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2010 Ford Taurus

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford Taurus

Overview

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2010 Ford Taurus Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The Ford Taurus has long been known as a family sedan, but the 2010 model forgoes that notion, instead targeting buyers who want a car for themselves that also happens to seat five in comfort. There are still the typical sedan trappings, including a roomy interior, a big trunk and comfortable ride, but the new Taurus has a sharper focus on progressive design, engaging driving dynamics and advanced technologies. Competing with vehicles like the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300, the Ford Taurus aims to infuse the often uninspiring full-size sedan category with a dose of passion.

You'll Like This Car If...

You might like the 2010 Ford Taurus if you want a roomy, comfortable sedan but also appreciate modern design, engaging handling and the latest technology.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Taurus delivers a good balance of comfort and responsive handling, but buyers who favor comfort above all might prefer something like the softly sprung Toyota Avalon.

What's New for 2010

From Ford's perspective the 2010 Ford Taurus is more than a full-size sedan; it's also a flagship for the brand as a whole. As Ford's standard bearer, the Taurus has become a technology and design showcase, showing off the capabilities of the Blue Oval.

Driving the Taurus

Driving Impressions The 2010 Ford Taurus drives with the supple feel expected of a full-size sedan while also delivering a reasonably engaging experience in the corners. The Taurus turns with an eagerness...

not always found in the full-size sedan world, giving it a welcome sense of agility. With the exception of a thick B-pillar over the drivers left shoulder, sightlines out of the vehicle are generally good, providing a clear view of the road. Accompanying the responsive handling is an energetic 3.5-liter V6 and standard six-speed automatic transmission that, besides an occasional abrupt shift, operates with a high level of sophistication. Those who enjoy driving fast will appreciate the extra horsepower and performance-tuned suspension of the Taurus SHO. On the road, especially in the curvier sections, the SHO's effortless performance make it a joy to drive and deceptively quick.

Favorite Features

Miko Suede
In a nod to both fashion and the environment, the Taurus SHO features suede-like seat inserts made from recycled plastic beverage bottles. Novel origin aside, the seats feel nice, look good and offer excellent grip, helping to hold occupants in place during hard cornering.

Ford's MyKey
This system can be used to restrict vehicle speed, limit audio system volume and control other functions when a specific key is used to start the vehicle. In effect, MyKey lets parents better control the driving habits of their children, even when they aren't along for the ride.

2010 Ford Taurus Details

Interior

When redesigning the Taurus, much of Ford's efforts went into improving the interior, as evidenced by the extensive use of soft touch materials, a modern dual-binnacle dash design and stylish sweeping center console. Head and leg room are plentiful in all seating positions – even the often uncomfortable rear middle seat – and with more than 20 cubic feet of space, the trunk is big enough to swallow several large bags, further enhanced by split folding rear seats.

Exterior

Standing in bold opposition to the models that preceded it, the 2010 Ford Taurus represents a visually ambitious take on the full-size sedan. A raised hood, slotted three-bar grille and highly-detailed wrap-around headlamps create a strong face for the Taurus. The striking design continues rearward with a raised belt line, a pronounced accent line that is stylishly bisected by the rear fender flare, and technical-looking tail lamps connected by chrome trim. The sportier Taurus SHO is subtly distinguished from lesser models by unique trim, dual exhaust outlets, inconspicuous SHO badges and a rear spoiler.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Included on the 2010 Ford Taurus' list of standard equipment are a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power driver's seat, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, power windows with one touch up and down function for the driver and Ford's programmable MyKey system. The standard audio system is a six-speaker CD player that includes an auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features includes anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, dual front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags and side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.

Optional Equipment

Many of the high-tech features offered for the Ford Taurus are typically reserved for more expensive luxury cars. Among the more interesting options are seats with massage function, automatic high-beams, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. Other options include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, keyless entry and start, power rear sunshade, power adjustable pedals and a 12-speaker premium Sony audio system. On the safety front, the optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) alerts the driver when other vehicles are in his blind spots, while Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when the vehicle is backing up.

Under the Hood

All 2010 Ford Taurus trims feature a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Taurus SHO offers 102 more horsepower than the standard Taurus V6 thanks to the use of direct injection technology and twin turbochargers. With the exception of the SE trim, all Taurus also feature steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, providing manual control of the transmission. Front wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option on both SEL and Limited trims and standard on the Taurus SHO.

3.5-liter V6
263 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
249 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 FWD, 17/25 AWD

3.5-liter V6 Twin-Turbocharged
365 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500-5250 rpm
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

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2010 Ford Taurus Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 99 Ratings for the 2010 - 2012 Ford Taurus models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

2013 Ford Taurus SHO w/ performance package

By Alabama Lawyer (AL) on Sunday, May 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great Ford product!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I ordered a 2013 Ford Taurus SHO with performance package to replace my previous 2011 Ford Taurus SEL (which, in turn, replaced my 2008 Ford Taurus SEL). This is my third Ford Taurus in five years. The 2011 Taurus SEL was equipped with the standard 263 hp 3.5 liter engine. The 2011 model was well-built and was an excellent highway sedan, but lacked acceleration capablility. I would describe the acceleration with the standard 3.5L engine as "adequate" and the car's performance as "adequate" as well. I spec ordered the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO with the "performance package" in early April and the vehicle was delivered eight weeks later to the day. The SHO is a blazingly fast vehicle and there is simply no comparison between the SEL Taurus to the SHO package. The SHO performance package is much 'tighter' steering and ride, a stiff suspension that evens out past 70 mph, really excellent brakes and handling and just an amazing 365 hp turbocharged engine. The interior build quality is excellent and the sound-proofing is superb - very quiet interior noise. A really excellent sedan for long highway operation. My only disappointment so far is the dashboard design and guages - the tachometer is too small to be useful and the water temp guage is only a bar line - the dashboard/guages are not well laid out. The SHO with the performance package is a $10,000 or $11,000 increase in price over the SEL but the SHO with performance package is really worth the price difference. It's like going from 'family car' to 'race car' overnight - really no comparison to the two vehicles insofar as performance capability, yet at the same time, the SHO maintains an understated, solid (not flashy) appearance. An excellent choice for any person looking for a very fast and well-built sedan that can be used daily in business or commute."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Helluva Car

By Illinois Guy (IL) on Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, options, back up cam, ride, mileage,"

Cons: "Techno toys take time to master"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We bought the Limited in March 2011 and have become more impressed with it the longer we own it. Great ride (would be even better with Michelin tires); gas mileage is way better than expected. We're getting over 22 in day to day driving and a little bit of highway on a weekly basis. Still leaning how to use all the techno toys on the vehicle; it has a nav system that's not that difficult to use. Kind of disappointed that Ford wants $199 to update the nav database. Probably won't do that yearly, since roadways don't really change that much; but will possibly every 2-3 years. We've owned Mercedes and Volvos and this car beats them all. Great value with all the features. Considered a Genesis, but didn't have some features we wanted; then on a business trip where I rented a car, was upgraded to a Genesis and was really glad we bought the Taurus. Genesis was nice, but not as nice as the Taurus. Good job Ford!"

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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