Review
The Ford Taurus and its slightly upscale cousin, the Mercury Sable, were known as the Five Hundred and Montego when they were launched, but they haven’t been much more successful since they were renamed and refreshed for the 2008 model year. That’s a pity, because they’re very capable full-size sedans that were let down at launch by a weak 203-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Now equipped with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic and a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, the Taurus and the Sable are competitive players in their class.
They are available in front- and all-wheel-drive forms. The Taurus is offered in three trim levels—SE, SEL, and Limited, the latter two of which are available with all-wheel drive. Sables come in base and Premier guise, both available with four driven wheels.
The Taurus will be replaced late in the spring of 2009 by an aggressively styled update using the same basic underpinnings. The Sable, however, will be discontinued, with no replacement announced.
Verdict
The Taurus and the Sable aren’t going to make an enthusiastic driver giddy with excitement, but they are smooth-riding and refined transport for four adults. At 202 inches overall, they’re as long as many large SUVs, and they have huge 21-cubic-foot trunks. The 263-hp engine gives decent motivation, and the six-speed automatic is terrific. We think the Sable exists only to satisfy the Mercury dealer body, because a fully loaded Taurus Limited is plenty luxurious. If you’re in the market for a Toyota Avalon, you should give the Taurus a look, because it trails the Toyota only in powertrain refinement, and both models are on our Editors Choice list in the large sedan category. Gas mileage is reasonable for such a big car. The front-drive Taurus gets 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
Click here for our full review of the Ford Taurus.
What’s New for 2009
Ford has introduced a price-leading SE model to the Taurus lineup. The Taurus and the Sable receive standard stability control, along with a post-crash alert system that unlocks the vehicle doors and activates the horn and emergency flashers in the event of an accident.
Highlights and Recommendations
The base SE Taurus starts under 26 grand and is a pretty good deal, with 17-inch alloy wheels, an audio input jack, a six-way power driver’s seat, standard stability control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and power windows and mirrors. Optional items include remote start and Sirius satellite radio. The SEL costs another $1000 or so and adds automatic headlamps, folding heated power exterior mirrors, a six-CD audio system, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Options for the SEL include heated leather seats, a power sunroof, adjustable pedals, and Ford’s Sync voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment system. The upscale Limited starts at $31,000 and adds leather seating, Sync, an eight-speaker stereo, memory settings for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and adjustable pedals. A navigation system is available on Limited models for a steep two grand. All-wheel drive will also add about $2000 to the price of the SEL or Limited.
The Sable’s two trim levels, base and Premier, are essentially the same as the Taurus SEL and Limited, respectively. Base Sables start at about 26 grand, with Premier models going for a little over $30,000—all-wheel drive again adds about a $2000 premium. Sable options are similar to those of the Taurus, but packaged in a different way. The Sable has an Interior Convenience package for about $800 that adds dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Leather seats, Sync, and remote start are optional as on the Taurus. On the Premier, Sync is included, the optional power pedals include memory, and 18-inch wheels are also available.
Depending on which options you seek, the Taurus or the Sable might offer a better value. Sable production will end in April, which might limit the selection on dealer lots but could also present good deals for those willing to compromise. All-wheel drive is an obvious choice for buyers in the Snowbelt, although the front-drive models will hold their own in anything but the heaviest powder. Adjustable pedals may be necessary for some, as the tilt-only steering wheel can make it difficult to find a comfortable seating position.
Safety
As well as being a five-star crash performer in government testing, the Taurus and the Sable have a full array of safety features, with front, front-side, and curtain airbags, as well as standard stability control and anti-lock brakes.
