Ford Taurus reviews

2000 Ford Taurus Interior Features

Climbing behind the wheel, the new Taurus's interior, controls and instrumentation are admirably simple, straightforward and easy to use. The Taurus's well-publicized adjustable pedals make possible a comfortable driving position for even very short-legged drivers. The small-diameter leather-wrapped steering wheel has a pleasingly thick grip. Buttons for manipulating the cruise control are mounted on the steering wheel and are easy to operate. The highly legible dashboard gauges, which include an analog speedometer and tachometer, are white-on-black. A single stalk on the left of the steering column operates the washer and wipers and the bright/dim control for the headlights. The power window automatic-down circuit operates the driver's-side window only, and there is no automatic-up. On the dashboard just below the tachometer is an on/off switch for the SE's traction control, useful when driving with chains and/or in snow.

The central console containing audio and (HVAC) heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls is an intimidating sea of similar-looking push-buttons and toggle switches. While elsewhere the Taurus is ergonomically first rate, operating the controls on this panel requires very careful reading of the various closely spaced buttons. Among the audio controls, only the volume control is a radial knob--it would be more convenient to have the station-tuner a radial knob as well. In our SE Comfort Sedan, the audio included a CD capability. The removable six-CD changer cassette was cleverly concealed in the center console at the driver's right elbow. This is far more convenient than the remote 12-CD changers commonly hidden in the trunk of other cars. Excellent.

The center console is furnished with twin foldaway cupholders, though the swing arm meant to hold your cup in place was not as firm as it might've been. Overhead, our SE had a tilt/slide sunroof, with a difference. Opening the sunroof required only one touch of the button, whereupon it opened automatically. Very bright idea. Closing the optional moonroof required holding the button down.

The five-seat layout of our test car was excellent, with the front seats providing very good lateral support for a family sedan--without being overly limiting laterally for the Big Guy driver. The cushions and seatbacks are not cushy, but firm seats are usually best on long drives. Each of the SE Comfort's lighted vanity mirrors in the two front visors features a rheostat for regulating their brightness, a novel touch.

The roomy rear three-place seating includes two semi-buckets and a pull-down central armrest containing two cupholders. An HVAC duct at the rear of the center console provides climate control for rear passengers. Dual baby-seat anchors are provided on each side of the rear seat. In the SE SVG and SE Comfort, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down, providing an enormous pass-through luggage capability for skis and other long items. Again, excellent. The trunk is of generous size and contains the Taurus' mini-spare tire.