Lifestyle and Leisure
The car's the star: Test Drive
Karl Garcia, 33, was born in the Philippines and emigrated to the US in 1989. He currently resides in Northern Virginia, and loves cars!
This is good news for Emigrate readers planning to move to America as Karl has provided us our first US test drive – the 2008-09 vFord Taurus
Ever since I was young I've loved cars, as most boys do. My dream was to own a Lamborghini Countach because it had such a radical but beautiful styling, though I'm currently afflicted by the Porsche bug.
First, let me make a couple of disclaimers. Out of the 20-plus cars and trucks I've owned, only one was American and most were sports cars. So it would only seem natural that I look into this test drive of the latest generation of Ford Taurus in the same way Simon Cowell would if asked to judge a dancing competition. He can certainly do it, but he'd be out of his comfort zone.
The Ford Taurus was first introduced in 1986, but had been discontinued in 2004 after losing ground to Japanese sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. In 2008, Ford re-introduced the Taurus in place of its failed replacement, the Ford 500. This car is bigger and well optioned, though the 2009 model is largely unchanged from the 2008 relaunch.
One of the first things I noticed was how large the vehicle was. The salesman reiterated that it was indeed their full-sized sedan. Parked beside the Ford Fusion, it confirmed its considerable dimensions.
I drove the SEL model, a front-wheel drive version that was middle of the line in terms of features. Despite weighing well under 4,000 pounds, it felt as heavy as a Mercedes Benz S-class. It wasn't because the engine was labouring to move the heft – the power felt enough – it was just as a driver you were aware of its size and weight on every turn and manoeuvre.
The Taurus is definitely a full-sized sedan and reminded you of it. It accelerated briskly, evident by the 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds statistic. The brakes also inspired confidence for city commuting, but I doubt it would take any honours in a 100-0mph braking test.
To my surprise, this Ford was full of features you would expect in a much more expensive car. With the global economy and state of the American car manufacturers, the discounts are steep. The model I looked at could be had for about $20,796, down from $25,320. Alternatively, if you opt for the Limited model, and a price hike of about $3,000, you will get All-Wheel Drive, electric sunroof, manual rear-window sunshade and voice-activated navigation system.
Exterior
It's a big car and looked the part. As far as styling, it did not look old but it did not look young and hip enough for it to be on anyone under 40's short list.
Interior
The fit and finish of the dash is much improved from the faux-luxury attempts of the past. It is probably a few hundred bucks short of materials to pass for the interior of an entry level Benz or Audi. However the space inside was expansive and could definitely hold five basketball player sized adults in complete comfort.
Practicality
If you have the American average of 2.5 kids, this certainly fits the bill as a family vehicle. The claimed 17-18mpg in the city, and 24-28 on the highway made it acceptable in this eco-friendly day and age. I wouldn't hesitate in driving this sedan on long trips.
Ratings
Exterior (appearance/design): 8
Interior (appearance/design): 9
Practicality (as a family vehicle): 9
Engine/gear-box performance: 7
Ride: 7
Fuel economy: 8
Other features: 10 (Microsoft Sync, voice-activated interface to a mobile phone or digital music player, Bluetooth, Touchpad Keyless Entry, Satellite Radio, USB and auxiliary audio input, Rear Backup Sensors)
Value for money: 8 (before incentives), 10 (after incentives)
Final Judgement
So as they say on American Idol, is it through to Hollywood? Why, I say 'yes'. Would I buy it? If I was looking at a full-sized sedan, probably. Overall I'd give it an 8.5 out of 10. I can't even think of one competitor at this price point for full-sized sedan with all the features. Maybe the Toyota Avalon, minus $8,000.
This Ford opened my eyes to the brand so far that I'd be willing to test drive the Ford Fusion (all new for this year and was unavailable at the time of writing at the local dealership). It offers a Hybrid that is touted as a game changer with the domestic versus foreign sedan rivalry.
Vital statistics
Engine: 263 hp 3.5 L Duratek 35 V6
Transmission: six-speed automatic capable of withstanding the additional torque of the Duratec 35
MSRP: approximately $25,000-$32,000
Drive: FWD or AWD
Body Type: 5-pass, 4-door sedan
Engine: 3.5l DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine producing 263hp, 245 lb/ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Curb weight: 3750-3950 lb (mfr claim)
Wheelbase: 112.9 inches
Length x width x height: 201.8 x 74.5 x 61.5 inches
0-60 mph: 7.6 sec (mfr claim)
EPA city/hwy fuel econonomy: 17-18 MPG city, 24-28 highway
For more information:
F Motor Sports
Karl Jay
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