Few products reflect the accelerating pace of change more than the automobile. Whereas many of yesterday’s new models were not much more than styling updates, today’s redesigns are more often leaps and bounds ahead of their predecessors in every way. Accordingly, it takes quite a car to claim Kelley Blue Book’s Best Redesigned Vehicle award. In seeking the vehicle that best demonstrates improvement and superiority relative to its predecessor and competitors, we consider exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenience features, performance/capability, driving dynamics, safety, fuel economy, overall refinement and, of course, value. This year, that vehicle is the 2010 Ford Taurus. Ford‘s second win in a row following the F-150’s win last year is but another step in the Taurus. Return to relevance and beyond.
The 2010 Ford Taurus became a contender for this year’s Best Redesigned Vehicle during our very first drive, after which one editor wrote: “We haven’t seen such a bold reversal of character since Ben Kingsley traded in his Ghandi robe to play a murderous gangster in Sexy Beast.” With its sculpted sheetmetal, modern interior and long list of available technologies, the latest Taurus stands in stark contrast to its predecessor. It also delivers an ideal balance of engaging performance and passenger comfort, as well as a feeling of quality that positively pervades the vehicle. The 2010 Ford Taurus isn’t just the new best bet in the segment, it’s one of the most impressive vehicles on the road.
