Ford Taurus Overview

The Taurus is a full-size sedan high on interior technology, trunk space and polish. Offered in the SE, SEL, Limited and SHO trim levels, the spacious 5-passenger sedan starts at $25,555. All models save for the SHO are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 263 hp and 249 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front or all-wheel drive (the SE is front-drive only). The imposing SHO gets standard all-wheel drive and a paddle-shifted 6-speed automatic, plus Ford's much-acclaimed 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 which also sees duty in the F-150, making 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Available options on higher trim levels include ambient lighting, leather seating, a navigation system, 18 or 20-inch wheels and Ford's SYNC system, which now features a 3-year subscription to Ford's Traffic, Directions and Information service for 2011. Fuel economy comes in at 18 city/28 highway mpg with front-wheel drive or 17 city/24 highway mpg with AWD. The EcoBoost SHO gets identical fuel economy compared with the standard 3.5-liter AWD model.