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Where do you see things that say the Taurus is the one to avoid? I'd say that the OLD Taurus (stopped production with the 2006 model) was one to definitely avoid and isn't in any rental fleets any longer: Poor handling, uncomfortable seats, VERY basic, no updates in years, etc. The newer one (from 2008 on, what was the Ford Five Hundred from 2005-2007) isn't that bad. It's roomy, the seats are comfortable and it isn't too bad to drive. However, I'd take the Fusion anyday over the Taurus if you like something a bit zippy. I don't see many Tauruses on lots lately, though, so you might not even have it as a choice.