The Ford Taurus is a large sedan that is available in either front- or all-wheel drive. Three trim levels are offered: base SE, midlevel SEL and top-of-the-line Limited. The well-equipped SE comes with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, power seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux wood-grain interior trim, air-conditioning, a CD player with an auxiliary input jack and cruise control. Move up to the SEL and you'll be treated to power-folding heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control, a six-CD changer and satellite radio.
The Ford Taurus is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is mandatory, but buyers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at a laudable 18 city/28 highway and 22 combined for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel drive taxes the Taurus to the tune of 17 mpg city/24 highway and 19 combined.
Antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every Ford Taurus. Crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration returned perfect five-star ratings by every measure, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety similarly awarded the Taurus its top "Good" rating in every test.
