If you like tech toys and a quiet ride, the Taurus Limited may just be the ticket for you.
The knock on the sedan has been that the interior, while luxurious, is too confining for the driver and front-seat passenger given the Taurus’ large-sedan status.
One of Ford’s more recognizable sedan nameplates returned in 2010 and has undergone a mid-generation facelift for 2013. The Taurus shares Ford’s D3 platform with the Lincoln MKS, so there are as many similarities as differences with the luxury nameplate as there are differences.
The tested Taurus Limited was striking from the outset, arriving on a cloudy day that at first disguised the brilliant “Kodiak Brown” paintjob that first appeared black under the clouds but then sparkled a rich brown in the sunlight. I never thought I would be so excited about brown.
The Limited model is a step below the performance-minded SHO version, but came with a ton of options around the 3.5-liter V6 flex-fuel engine. It also came with all-wheel-drive. There are also SE and SEL levels that start in the $27,000 range with base turbo-charged 4-cylinder engines.
If you like tech toys and a quiet ride, the Taurus Limited may just be the ticket for you. There is no shortage of gadgetry, but a notable shortage of road noise inside the cabin, particularly at highway speeds.
The knock on the sedan has been that the interior, while luxurious, is too confining for the driver and front-seat passenger given the Taurus’ large-sedan status. Despite being a big guy, I had no problem with the front-seat confines – probably because I enjoy a cockpit feel when behind the wheel.
And behind the wheel, that feel was powerful (288 horsepower), if not particularly nimble. Variable valve timing has helped fuel efficiency to the tune of 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the V6.
The buyer should know that the Taurus drives like the large sedan that it is – a legitimate cruiser but hardly a bull in a china shop.
TAURUS PLUSSES
Smooth ride
Highway fuel economy
High tech toys, including navigation system and backup camera
Abundant trunk space
TAURUS MINUSES
Annoying blind spots
Drives “big”
Gets pricey quickly with options
THE COMPETITION
Chevy Impala, Hyundai Azera, Chrysler 300
2013 Ford Taurus Limited
Base Price: $34,850
Options: Cruise/crash-warning system $1,195; voice-activated navigation $795; Equipment group (sound system upgrade, telescopic steering, heated seats, parking assist, etc.) $3,500.
Total price (with options/fees): $41,135
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway