The Ford Taurus has endured a sort of love-hate relationship at Ford. While some will point out to it’s once record sales numbers and household recognition, others will sharply point out that it was the Taurus that made Ford think it was OK to sell boring, soul-less cars.

Either way there is no denying that “Taurus” is a household name here in the U.S, and that naming the last one the Ford Five-Hundred was a amazingly bad idea. Ford needs to rely on its heritage in order to keep its image as a premier American auto manufacture.

The newest Taurus is step, no make that a leap, in the right direction for Ford. Incorporating the design cues that made for a best seller in Europe into the new Taurus was a brilliant move on the company’s part. Just one look at the new Taurus and you can immediately tell things have gotten way better, partly because the new Taurus has a look that conveys subtle sophistication. The restrained athletic design language is perfectly suited to a well built modern American car. The new Taurus is a good looking car, plain and simple.

Besides the looks though, the new Taurus is finally a car that is enjoyable to drive. No longer just designed as an appliance, the Taurus is now a car that people will actually want to drive. The archaic Duratec V6 has finally been put to pasture and power now comes courtesy of the company’s new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at a healthy 263hp. A six-speed auto replaces the old 4-speed to deliver the kind of efficiency that is expected, or rather demanded, from a modern day consumer.

No word yet on pricing or availability. Still, one can expect the new Taurus to be priced competitively. The car should roll out of the factory and be on the roads by spring, early summer-time the latest. Hopefully, with the new Taurus, Ford can make a return to form and reclaim its place as the premier American automaker. All the ingredients are already in place.

Source:  Inside Line

Photos: Ford Motor Company