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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Ford Taurus

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Taurus

Overview

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2011 Ford Taurus Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

For most of its existence, the Ford Taurus has been known as a rather pedestrian family sedan. Ford put that image to bed last year with the debut of the all-new Taurus and Taurus SHO, two cars that targeted buyers who wanted an exciting 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011

Other than some new colors, there are no major changes for 2011.

Driving the Taurus

Driving Impressions The 2011 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.

2011 Ford Taurus Details

Interior

A careful examination shows that much of Ford's efforts went into improving the Taurus' 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

With the exception of the original 1986 model, the 2011 Taurus stands in bold opposition to the many generations that preceded it. The latest iteration represents a visually ambitious take on the full-size sedan, touting a raised hood, slotted three-bar grille and highly-detailed wrap-around headlamps that create the Taurus' strong face. 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 2011 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, the SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system (standard on Limited and SHO), 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 2011 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 @ 3500 rpm
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Taurus vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Ford Taurus Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 125 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.0/10

What a suprise!!!

By Jerry1420 (NM) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Styling and quality plus a HUGE trunk!"

Cons: "None"

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

"Went to a dealership to buy an SUV and saw this car and the looks of it made my wife and I fall in love with it. Great car and well equipped! We love the digital screens (3) instead of the normal gauges. Everything in our SEL model is touch with almost no buttons or dials. When driving this car you get the feeling that you are driving a luxury (Lincoln) car instead of a well equipped ford sedan. Check this car out, it'll be worth your time."

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Taurus SHO. Pretty cool car, it gets some looks

By Soup (CT) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,200

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Good ride, acceleration, comfort, value."

Cons: "Flimsy body pannels, Sync, Audio volume limit."

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

"Ive had the SHO for about a month now. I like - The handling, 365 horsepower, and comfort. All the features of luxury auto for under $45000. I can listen to Pandora radio through bluetooth. I dont like - Sync its a pain, somtimes it dosent work. (Unavailable) Some of the outer body pannels are flimsy. Its hard to keep clean.(Black) As soon as i drive after a wash, the dust rolls up and sticks to the rear."

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Attractive and comfortable car.

By SF Native (CA) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great looks, good on gas and drives great."

Cons: "No gas cap and no spare tire."

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

"This car style and ride reminds me how American cars used to be built before 1977 gas crisis. This new American classic fits 5 adults comfortably, great V6 power engine, attractive exterior style, good mileage and great "very large" trunk space for your golf clubs or your Costco shopping. I live in San Francisco, where there are no American dealerships in the city, and the most common question asked about the Taurus is that really a Ford? It's nice to get noticed driving around this city in my new American made car. It's the best car I driven and own in a very long time."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Really love this car

By Debbie (TX) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Love the heated/cooled seats and back up sensors"

Cons: "Console is too small"

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

"I would have never purchased a Ford Taurus before the style changed. I really love the looks of it. It rides really well although it does have some road noise. Have been very pleased with the gas mileage averaging about 24mpg. Currently thinking about purchasing a 2013 however am disappointed the Gold color is no longer available. Mine is currently Platinum White which I like but would like a different color. Will probably stick with white or possibly black."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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A Mobile Man Cave

By USASMA3 (TX) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Power, handling, adaptive cruise, man styling"

Cons: "Flaking chrome on tail light trim"

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

"This car rocks. I've got the 2011 SHO. It looks great. Handles great and stands up and runs like a cheetah. Your wife will love being driven around in it but it isn't a car for her. I bought mine with all the whistles and bells. I thought I'd like the massaging ventilated seats the best (don't get me wrong they're pretty darn cool) but I've gotta say my favorite feature is the adaptive cruise control. My wife loves the trunk; I do too when I've got a couple sets of golf clubs in it (you could put four in it if you'd like and take three of your fat buddies with you to the course as well). The SYNC system is a little buggy with a large (80GB) iPod attached (it takes about 2-3 minutes to index all the files when you start up) but the installed Sony sound system rivals any high end sound system you're gonna find. The voice recognition and nav system are clean and easy to use. I too have the same issue that someone else mentioned about the chrome flaking from the tail light trim (thought it was just mine). The AWD handling and power is awesome. I love putting the transmission in manual and paddle shifting past local punks in street racing rice burners. Note: I am a 50 year old professional and used to be a Green Beret. I drove Mustangs for years. I like power and adrenaline but I also have an image to uphold and need to occasionally drive colleagues around. This car has it all for me. When I wear this one out I WILL buy another."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Fusion replacement

By Boats (VA) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 515

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Engine quality, fun, attention getting."

Cons: "None as of yet."

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

"Recently replace my fusion with the Taurus and am very glad that I did this. This car is lot more car than the fusion and is a great attention getter. I got the one in Ginger ale green. People come up to me constantly about this car. Good gas mileage, great comfort and plenty of get up and go. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, but get the upgraded engine. Smaller engine was way too weak. The center electronic console takes some getting used to, but after awhile its easy to use. I am very happy with this car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 125 reviews