Test Drive: Ford Taurus

UNDATED -- Ford unveils new "Taurus." Tom Voelk reports.

The new Taurus is a big deal.  Yes, it's an important car for Ford, but i'm talking size.  On average, it's a foot longer than cars like Camry and Malibu.  This is the classic large sedan that Americans love.

Taurus has seen it all.  In the early to mid-90s it was the best selling car in America.  After that, Ford concentrated on trucks and SUVs neglecting Taurus into extinction.

Then, Alan Mulally took over as President and CEO.

"Feel the handling and high quality as you ride in the new Taurus," he says.

He resurrected the name then ordered engineers to quickly come up with a new design.  Like Honda's Accord, it's now a full-sized car weighing in at 2 tons.

In everyday driving, Taurus has an excellent ride quality.  Quiet and comfortable, it's composed in the corners.

Push it hard and the stability electronics kick in, but hey, this big boy isn't supposed to be a sport sedan.

Motivation comes from a 263 horse V6.  A big meaty lever operates a smooth six speed automatic.  Choose your gears manually if you'd like.

V6 Accords will win the drag race, but stout front wheel drive Taurus runs to 60 miles an hour in a respectable 7 and a half seconds.

It's a top shelf highway cruiser.  EPA rates Taurus at 18 city, 28 highway, competitive in class.

Those up front get surrounded by an upscale sweeping instrument panel.  Leather seats are road trip comfortable, not much side support in hard cornering.  Ford's Sync system connects phones and electronics.  There's even a handy place to store them.  Controls are simple and intuitive.

Back seat has plenty of space.  Three adults will be perfectly comfortable there."

There's no shortage of foot and leg room.  Same with storage spots.  Often missing, there's a center headrest here.

Gripes?  There's a lot of soft touch material.

The bark is clearly from plastic trees.  The stylish greenhouse cuts into visibility a bit.  I recommend the optional parking assist.

Taurus has always had a big cargo hold.  The outgoing model was best in class.

With a huge space and compact hinges the new model keeps the crown.  That's a whopping ten packs.  The average sedan holds six.  Who needs a station wagon when you have this room and versatility.?

Starting at 28,000, this SEL model with a few options goes for around 32,000.  Not cheap.  Ford's thinking big, pushing Taurus up-market.  It's a modern take on the classic american sedan.

Tom says the front wheel drive Taurus is available with all-wheel drive for around $2,000.  Taurus is available now.