Even though the 2010 Taurus is in showrooms, I figured I would create this report since the old generation model will likely be gracing the fleet for at least a few more months (or longer i.e. the old-generation Malibus at DCA).

Overview

The model I drove was a black on black Limited AWD with about 15,000 km on the clock. It was equipped with leather seats, power adjustable pedals, power sunroof, working Sirius radio and Ford's Sync system.

Performance

All models in this generation are equipped with a 3.5 litre V6 producing 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. I never drove the Ford Five Hundred, but I did drive the Ford Freestyle which had the same powertrain. The new 6F transmission is a major improvement over the CVT version in my opinion. Power delivery is smooth and fairly snappy, though it seems like it takes a bit to get rolling until you get it up to around 25 MPH. On the open road, passing can take a moment or two as the transmission doesn't seem to know what gear it wants at all times. It feels like it could use better shift programming or even a kickdown mode like some European cars have. On the highway the car had exceptional road manners at around 70-75 MPH, and road noise was kept to a minimum. As it was raining heavily during my trip down I-5, I appreciated how sure-footed the car felt on a very slick highway. While I didn't need to use them (thankfully), the Taurus is equipped with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

Fuel Economy

The AWD Taurus is rated 17 city/24 highway. I tried to get a city test but I averaged 15 MPG. However, it was very stop + go plus it was on a rather hilly road, so I'm sure it could do better. On the highway, I averaged 24 MPG on the nose while cruising at 75 MPH.

Entertainment

I was surprised to find the Sirius still working even though the car had around 15k on it. When I wasn't listening to Sirius, I employed the Sync system by voice to find songs on my iPhone. One thing I've noticed is that the USB doesn't work when Bluetooth is turned on. I think the iPhone has the ability to stream songs by Bluetooth, however it means you then have to control the songs on the phone itself. I prefer to use the voice controls, but that means you have to turn Bluetooth off. So it seems like you have to choose between tunes or phone. Not sure if it's an issue on the phone side or the car side, but I am currently investigating a solution. Beyond that issue, I found the Taurus had an amazing sound system with surprising levels of bass response for a large car. It was fun to rattle the windows with N.W.A. and notice how NOBODY suspects the Taurus...

Comfort

The driver's position is very comfortable, and the power adjustable pedals meant I could further fine-tune my seating position. The Ford Five Hundred was one of the first Ford cars to feature "Command" seating, and this is continued with the Taurus. It means you sit a little higher than regular cars and get a clearer view of the road. I didn't get a chance to sit in the back seat, but it looked roomy even after allowing enough room for me to fit in. The trunk is where this car really shines. It has 21 cubic feet of space, which is the same as the Ford Crown Vic and Lincoln Town Car.

Convenience
I was so happy to find a button that changes the temperature display on the climate control from Fahrenheit to Celsius. I've never been able to find it on some Ford models. However, what I couldn't find were the controls for the odometer display. Ford seems to put them in a different place and in a different style on every model, rather than following a uniform standard (like, for instance, how every Toyota has the same cruise control switch on the steering wheel). In this car, it's located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel near the column. At first glance, the three buttons are almost completely obscured by the Sync buttons. Finally, I was surprised to find no volume control or track buttons on the steering wheel like other Ford models have. It's not a huge deal to adjust those using the radio itself, but once again I'm all for uniformity.

Summary

In short, here is my impression of the 2009 Taurus:

Pros

• Lots of power from the 3.5L V6
• Great AWD traction in wet weather and standard ESC
• Excellent highway MPG
• The most trunk space you'll find in a National sedan
• Awesome sound system

Cons

• Transmission tends to "hunt" when downshifting
• Hard to find odometer display controls
• No volume or track adjustment on steering wheel

Only a few shortcomings in what was otherwise a great road car for a quick cross-border shopping trip. They've come a long way since the oval Taurus of the early 2000s, and I can't wait to try out a 2010 model soon. I'd have no problem selecting a 2009 Taurus off the aisle again.