Ford brings back the Taurus for 2008

Ford brings back the Taurus for 2008

2008 Ford Taurus
By: Lorne Drury

What's in a name? Lots, it seems, when it concerns the automotive world and the sales of new cars.

For example, the Taurus was long considered the mainstay of the Ford fleet from the time it was first introduced in 1985.

The very next year, in fact, it was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year and by 1992 it had become America's best-selling car for the fifth straight year.

Then, in 2004, Ford brought out a new flagship sedan, the 2005 Five Hundred. A year later, the Taurus was dropped.

Fast forward to 2007 and the Taurus name has suddenly re-emerged on Ford’s 2008 full-size sedan as sluggish sales sent the Five Hundred name to a place in automotive history.

Name recognition obviously means a lot in the car business or we wouldn’t see old names resurrected as we so often do. However, a name change is not all that’s new with Ford's full-size sedan for 2008.


Ford boasts about more than 500 engineering changes on the new model, with the major one being a huge boost in horsepower thanks to a new 3.5L Duratec V6 that delivers 263 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of nearly 30 per cent over the previous engine. It's mated with the same six-speed transmission found in the Ford Edge, and you have a combination ready to take on the best sedans in its class.

My recent tester was a top-of-the-line Taurus Limited, featuring all-wheel drive. Options included a power moonroof, navigation system and 18-inch seven-spoke chrome wheels.

All in, it priced out at $45,129. However, a Taurus in SEL trim starts at a shade under the $31K mark.

While full-size sedans are not normally my cup of tea, I am in the demographic that traditionally would have gravitated to a car like this. Being in the 50-something age group, we ‘mature’ drivers often favour comfort over handling and sportiness unless we’re entering that mid-life crisis stage and HAVE to own just one more sports car before we’re done here on earth.

So if you fit in that first category and only remember the full-size cars your parents used to drive, things have changed, and quite dramatically. The Taurus is evidence of the evolution of the family sedan.

First off, it still has the roominess and quietness we associate with big sedans. But, what is surprising is the improved handling and performance, combined with decent fuel economy.

In fact, Ford claims the Taurus has a 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy despite a boost of 60 horsepower over last year’s car. Styling wise, the Taurus has a ‘Ford family’ look with a new signature three-bar chrome grille like the popular mid-size Fusion sedan. Other exterior changes include a sculpted hood with crisp accent lines and a new front fascia along with new taillamps, rear fascia, chrome side vents and door handles.

All in all, it’s a clean, simple and attractive look, but not the type of styling that makes it stand out from the crowd.

But where it does stand out is the quietness of the cabin. Ford has taken a big step forward here with the use of a new sound package to reduce wind noise. It involves a sound deadening material called Sonosorb, used in the doors, headliner and pillars. Meanwhile, engineers have reduced road noise by stiffening the area where the rear package shelf meets and floor pan and the new climate control system is 50 per cent quieter than before.

From my week behind the wheel, I can attest to the advances Ford has made in this regard. The cabin is simply a pleasant place to be when you don’t have to contend with significant wind and road noise.

When it comes to ride, Ford has made improvements in this area as well including the way the engine is bolted to the body with hydraulic mounts to reduce engine vibration. By moving the engine weight off the sub frame, engineers were able to better tune the suspension for an improved ride.

For a big car, the Taurus doesn’t wallow around corners like full-size sedans of old. Sure, there is minor body roll, but electronic stability control and traction control help keep you on the straight and narrow. The all-wheel drive system didn’t really come into play much during my test period, but it would certainly be welcome in these parts when winter sets in.

Braking is also a strong suit. Four- wheel disc brakes with ABS help bring this large sedan to a quick stop when needed.

Leg room and cargo capacity are key areas in the large sedan category and the Taurus tops the class in both regards.

Both front and rear legroom are outstanding and the Taurus has the largest trunk of any sedan on the Canadian market. For added versatility, the split fold-flat rear seat and fold flat front seat allow you to transport items up to 2.7 metres (nine feet) in length.

While we’re not talking sports sedan performance, the Taurus’s boost in horsepower is a welcome improvement from last year’s rather sluggish Five Hundred. In my time behind the wheel, there was always plenty of power to spare, whether it was needed to accelerate onto the high-speed roads or overtake a slower moving vehicle.

The interior is nicely finished with plush leather and attractive wood accents. The power adjustable pedals come standard on the Taurus Limited and add to the comfort and enjoyment. Seating is comfortable, but I found the seat cushion to require a touch more support.

The Taurus starts at $30,899 for the SEL model.  An All-Weather  Package is offered as a $1,500 option and includes heated leather front seats, heated exterior mirrors with side view lamps, 8-way power driver’s seat and an engine block heater. The Limited AWD starts at $39,199.  The optional navigation system adds $2,695, moonroof $1,020 and 18-inch seven-spoke chrome wheels $790.

A rear seat DVD entertainment system for rear passengers is also available for a $1,000 add on.

Roomy, refined and refreshing is the way Ford describes and new Taurus and they’re not wrong. It’s a huge step forward from last year’s Five Hundred and worthy of a look for anyone in the market for a full-size sedan.

2008 Ford Taurus at a glance

BODY STYLE: full-size four door sedan

DRIVE METHOD: front-wheel or all-wheel drive

ENGINE: 3.5L Duratec V6 engine (263 hp, 249 lb/ft)

FUEL ECONOMY: FWD 11.6L/100 km city (24 mpg), 7.0L/100 km highway (40 mpg). AWD 12.7L/100 km city (22 mpg), 8.3L/100 km highway (34 mpg).

PRICE: SEL $30,899, Limited $39,199, as tested $45,129

WEBSITE: www.ford.ca

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