Ford: Taurus News
02-12-2009, 07:31 PM
#321
Burning Brakes
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Completely agree.The car isn't doing anything for me. Granted it is a huge leap forward for Ford in both their design and quality, but that's just for a ford, which IMO, isn't saying much. I'm getting the impression that ford wants this car to be a sports sedan but from the big four spoke wheel to the the huge shift lever and flat interior panels and not to mention the "plump" exterior styling, I'm just not buying it.
With that said, I'd take a TL with SH-AWD, and a 6sp manual with this ecoboost engine. If Ford did one thing right, it would be the powertrain in this car.
02-12-2009, 07:31 PM
#322
Chloe @ 17mo
At 38K for a AWD sporty sedan, it's a pretty good deal. But then I've never been comfortable sitting inside big American sedans such as this. Though I'll have to test drive it to be sure.
02-12-2009, 09:08 PM
#323
Senior Moderator
In red dress...
02-12-2009, 09:20 PM
#324
Fahrvergnügen'd
$38k is a lot for a car like that, no matter how good it is.
I just don't trust Ford not to fleet the shit out of the car and tank resale.
While I might keep a car 5 years I don't want to HAVE to keep it that long because it depreciates so badly.
I just don't trust Ford not to fleet the shit out of the car and tank resale.
While I might keep a car 5 years I don't want to HAVE to keep it that long because it depreciates so badly.
02-12-2009, 10:29 PM
#326
how handsome I am
I would love to see if there's anything they can shoehorn into the lineup based off of this, but smaller and with a peppy engine and a 6 spd
(ala honda accord v6 to honda civ. si...) That interior is pretty sex minus the shift t-bar and the steering wheel... would it kill them to develop a sexy steering wheel?
(ala honda accord v6 to honda civ. si...) That interior is pretty sex minus the shift t-bar and the steering wheel... would it kill them to develop a sexy steering wheel?
02-13-2009, 06:07 AM
#327
Holy shit, they need a manual transmission option in this car pronto.... that coupled with AWD could make this a legit sports sedan, barring Ford doesn't make it weigh almost as much as a tank. The MKS and MKZ are pigs for their size.
That silver SHO is hot, the lip spoiler makes the rear look a lot better. I like the interior and really like that fatty steering wheel.... but a Sony audio system?
That silver SHO is hot, the lip spoiler makes the rear look a lot better. I like the interior and really like that fatty steering wheel.... but a Sony audio system?
over a TL. :wink:
.
02-14-2009, 09:00 AM
#333
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The car is nice from the front, alright in profile and terrible from the rear. I think it would be best to buy a car like this used, as the depreciation on a $38k Ford will be severe. I'm also a little concerned about buying a car from manufacturer that may not exist in two years, unless the Federal coffers are opened.
02-14-2009, 10:47 AM
#334
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
sorry to interrupt but no thanks
02-14-2009, 11:39 AM
#335
Three Wheelin'
Why? Because fleet sales don't provide profit (obviously or Ford/GM/Chrysler wouldn't be in this mess) and in fact, they hurt the product by adding a "rental" stigma (see Chevy Impala and Pontiac G6). The one product that has been immune to the rental stigma is the Ford Mustang - Ford whores the 'ol Stang to rental fleets, yet it's still a strong seller with the general public...probably because it's such a strong brand in itself.
So bottom-line, you probably won't see this new Taurus on many rental lots
02-14-2009, 12:43 PM
#337
Race Director
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The interior is absolutely stunning (expect for the wheel). The exterior I still think is pretty good looking and I am sure in time it will grow. If any of the big 3 survive its going to be Ford.
02-15-2009, 12:15 AM
#339
AZ Community Team
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Had a last gen Taurus (around 2001 or 2002, I guess). Yes it was kind of plain and the heating/radio controls looked a little chaotic, but that car was fucking rock.
Solid in every way. Easily one of the best long haul highway cars I've had.
I would not mind getting another if the new model is nearly as good.
Solid in every way. Easily one of the best long haul highway cars I've had.
I would not mind getting another if the new model is nearly as good.
02-15-2009, 04:13 AM
#340
Drifting
I like the new pics, my pet pieves are the 747 throttle like shifter and the chrome bar on the trunk. It kind looks like an E-class, especially in the side pic of the white sho on the previous page.
Since resale value was brought up. Being more realistic about my cash flow...here's a new statement. In 10-20yrs from now I'd probably buy the SHO over the TL, however all the SHO's could very well be in junk yards by than and I'll be driving a 09' TL, with ripped leather, 200k mi that I bought for $3k, after selling my current CL for about $3k. Oh how I love Hondas/Acuras, their resale value is like that of 4x4 trucks, it could be rusted out, have no seats but if the 4wd works you hit bank, same with a Honda(except the 4x4 part.)
my taurus is worth $1k with 60k mi. and my CL has 85k mi and is worth $5+
Since resale value was brought up. Being more realistic about my cash flow...here's a new statement. In 10-20yrs from now I'd probably buy the SHO over the TL, however all the SHO's could very well be in junk yards by than and I'll be driving a 09' TL, with ripped leather, 200k mi that I bought for $3k, after selling my current CL for about $3k. Oh how I love Hondas/Acuras, their resale value is like that of 4x4 trucks, it could be rusted out, have no seats but if the 4wd works you hit bank, same with a Honda(except the 4x4 part.)
my taurus is worth $1k with 60k mi. and my CL has 85k mi and is worth $5+
02-15-2009, 09:52 AM
#341
That was uncalled for...
I like the new pics, my pet pieves are the 747 throttle like shifter and the chrome bar on the trunk. It kind looks like an E-class, especially in the side pic of the white sho on the previous page.
Since resale value was brought up. Being more realistic about my cash flow...here's a new statement. In 10-20yrs from now I'd probably buy the SHO over the TL, however all the SHO's could very well be in junk yards by than and I'll be driving a 09' TL, with ripped leather, 200k mi that I bought for $3k, after selling my current CL for about $3k. Oh how I love Hondas/Acuras, their resale value is like that of 4x4 trucks, it could be rusted out, have no seats but if the 4wd works you hit bank, same with a Honda(except the 4x4 part.)
my taurus is worth $1k with 60k mi. and my CL has 85k mi and is worth $5+
Since resale value was brought up. Being more realistic about my cash flow...here's a new statement. In 10-20yrs from now I'd probably buy the SHO over the TL, however all the SHO's could very well be in junk yards by than and I'll be driving a 09' TL, with ripped leather, 200k mi that I bought for $3k, after selling my current CL for about $3k. Oh how I love Hondas/Acuras, their resale value is like that of 4x4 trucks, it could be rusted out, have no seats but if the 4wd works you hit bank, same with a Honda(except the 4x4 part.)
my taurus is worth $1k with 60k mi. and my CL has 85k mi and is worth $5+
07-03-2009, 10:52 PM
#342
Burning Brakes
I saw a black 2010 SHO yesterday. Didn't think they were due till August, but it could have been a Ford employee vehicle. I liked it from the the early pics but the car looks great in person. I just built one online. $41560.00. Ouch.
It's a beautiful car nonetheless.
It's a beautiful car nonetheless.
07-06-2009, 10:33 AM
#345
Senior Moderator
$41k for a Taurus with no navi.....and people are complaining about a $38k loaded V6 TSX. Granted, it doesn't have the power of the SHO, but still. Definitely overpriced and I still think it's butt ugly (exterior). HP isn't everything to all people.
07-06-2009, 02:29 PM
#346
Suzuka Master
Direct competitor to my GXP!
07-06-2009, 02:33 PM
#347
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Comparison test between the SHO and G37:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*
The result isn't very surprising.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*
The result isn't very surprising.
07-06-2009, 03:05 PM
#349
Senior Moderator
From the article above:
Um, ok.....put down the crack pipe!! $46k for a Ford?!?! 
Something's Missing
Then we drove the two cars.
We quickly determined the appropriately equipped SHO for this test would've been the one with the $995 Performance package. Though there were test mules lurking in Detroit, Ford unfortunately wasn't able to make this car available to us yet. Then again, the package would've pumped up the as-tested price of this SHO to $46,470.
So what's missing? It includes more aggressive gearing (to improve acceleration); quicker steering (to improve transitional responses); upgraded brake pads (to improve feel and fade resistance); summer tires (to improve grip, reduce stopping distances and increase heat capacity); and the ability to shut off the conservatively tuned stability control system (to enable us to test the limits of the car, not those set by an engineer and a corporate lawyer).
It would've been nice had Ford included all these performance features on its "premium performance sedan," especially one headed for a track test.
Then we drove the two cars.
We quickly determined the appropriately equipped SHO for this test would've been the one with the $995 Performance package. Though there were test mules lurking in Detroit, Ford unfortunately wasn't able to make this car available to us yet. Then again, the package would've pumped up the as-tested price of this SHO to $46,470.
So what's missing? It includes more aggressive gearing (to improve acceleration); quicker steering (to improve transitional responses); upgraded brake pads (to improve feel and fade resistance); summer tires (to improve grip, reduce stopping distances and increase heat capacity); and the ability to shut off the conservatively tuned stability control system (to enable us to test the limits of the car, not those set by an engineer and a corporate lawyer).
It would've been nice had Ford included all these performance features on its "premium performance sedan," especially one headed for a track test.
07-06-2009, 03:12 PM
#350
That figure is a little off, because you can't add the Performance Package if you have Navi and some of the other comforts. Nonetheless, my previous statement still stands.
Why would the Performance Package not be standard on a performance car? Nothing about this car makes sense.
07-06-2009, 04:50 PM
#351
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That figure is a little off, because you can't add the Performance Package if you have Navi and some of the other comforts. Nonetheless, my previous statement still stands.
Why would the Performance Package not be standard on a performance car? Nothing about this car makes sense.
Why would the Performance Package not be standard on a performance car? Nothing about this car makes sense.
07-08-2009, 12:02 PM
#353
Burning Brakes
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IMO, SHO = performance = performance package should be standard
07-08-2009, 03:15 PM
#356
Burning Brakes
If I was buying one I'd definitely spring for the performance package. When I got my GTI I got the 18's and summer tires although it sucked driving it in the winter. I agree Ford should have spec'd a performance package equipped SHO if they knew it's was being tested against another car.
08-05-2009, 09:53 AM
#358
Safety Car
Ad Campaign
Taurus Ads to Take on Luxury Cars
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Dearborn -- Ford Motor Co. will launch a marketing campaign next week that not only pits its new Taurus against the competition, but against the competition's luxury brands.Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
The online ads place the Taurus, which starts at less than $26,000, against offerings from the likes of Lexus, Infiniti and Acura that cost well over $60,000. They are part of a broader marketing push aimed at changing the way consumers think about Ford's flagship sedan, which will soon hit dealer showrooms.
"It is very expensive to build a new brand," said Mike Crowley, Ford marketing manager. "With a 'wow' product and the right communications messages, we can distance ourselves from the images that Taurus represents today."
The original Taurus rocked the automotive world when it debuted in 1986, but the car was ultimately relegated to rental car fleets. Ford pulled the plug in 2006, but revived the name for its new sedan.
While print and TV spots highlight the Taurus' reviews and technology, the online ads pit it against cars costing nearly three times more.
In one spot, the Taurus and the $67,000 Infiniti M45X have their radar systems challenged by an obstacle course and a pair of aggressive drivers.
It is designed to show the Taurus' blind-spot detection system, which the Infiniti doesn't have.
"We're flattered that Ford would pick us," said Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore. "But features don't tell the whole story. The M45X is a world-class luxury sedan. Our entry-level Infiniti G beat the Taurus in a head-to-head test by Edmunds.com."
In another spot, a Taurus and a $69,000 Lexus LS trail behind a gravel truck spilling its load to test each car's paint quality.
"Only one aspect of the car is being featured and we're not sure what the basis of any claims would be," said Deborah Senior, Lexus corporate marketing manager. "The LS and the Taurus tend to appeal to different audiences so it will be interesting to see how the message resonates with consumers."
Ford said the ads are not designed to win customers from the foreign luxury brands.
"Our goal is not to position this car as a luxury product," said Matt Vandyke, U.S. marketing communications director for Ford. "We have very different customers.... They're not looking for a badge. But they are people who absolutely want advanced technology."
Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP said Ford's approach is smart and necessary. "None of the cars in its segment have these features," he said. "And when people think of your car as more upscale than it is, it's only going to help you when they see the price."
But Hall said Ford's ads do not address the difference between the old and new models.
"The Taurus is still perceived as a mid-sized car, and the target buyer for this vehicle is not looking for a mid-sized car," he said. "They're talking about the technology -- which is great -- but you've got to communicate with those buyers."
08-05-2009, 11:01 AM
#360
99 TL, 06 E350
