It's late June so the whole state of Texas is baking near the century mark during the day. When I notice big cumulus clouds at the I-20/I-10 interchange, I figure our Gold Leaf 2010 Ford Taurus and I will be driving through a thunderstorm before I get to El Paso for the night.
I'm not disappointed. Those clouds quickly go all cumulonimbus. The storm is brief, but I'm struck by how quickly flash-flooding sets in. But here the P255/45R19 100V Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires on our Taurus Limited prove their worth. Nope, this is not a sporty car, but considering how much water is on the road (and that the windshield wipers can barely keep up with the torrential rain), the tires don't slip much. No hydroplaning. No hasty countersteering.
This is exactly what I'd expect from a safe, conservative, front-wheel-drive, full-size sedan and the 2010 Ford Taurus delivers.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 1,639 miles
compliance says:
03:59 PM, 06/24/09
Great photos!
eclogite says:
04:39 PM, 06/24/09
Near the century mark? Near?! Puh-lease. In Austin, my backyard has seen over 100 every day for well over a week now. Ah...Summer in Texas....not the most pleasant time of year.
estreka says:
05:58 PM, 06/24/09
Heh, I used to mow lawns in that Texas heat. And east Texas humidity to boot!
trentor says:
06:11 PM, 06/24/09
^ I'm sure he's right by saying near the century mark...by about 11am.
dino6 says:
06:29 PM, 06/24/09
Just wondering, for anyone who has driven both the Taurus and the Flex - what is the rationale for buying a Taurus instead of a Flex? It seems that the Flex handles and rides as well as the Taurus, no surprise coming from the same platform. The Flex is much more spacious and practical, with similar fuel economy. And this time the wagon (Flex) looks 10 times cooler and more desirable than the sedan (Taurus). So why would anyone get a Taurus instead of a Flex for a family vehicle?
altimadude00 says:
07:24 PM, 06/24/09
Um...because some people want a car rather than a wagon/SUV thingy.
bc1960 says:
08:07 PM, 06/24/09
People are at different stages in life and might want different types of vehicles. Mr. and Mrs. Retired Middle Class might not want to arrive at church in the same vehicle as their children and grandchildren, but still have room to go on a golfing weekend with their bridge partners.
billt9 says:
08:18 PM, 06/24/09
Ya cuz a Taurus looks hotter and it's more luxurious.
Like a Avalon to a Highlander.
Or a Maxima to a Murano.
Or a ...Honda doesn't make a flagship sedan... nevermind.
tryan says:
03:29 AM, 06/25/09
Erin - The first in the series of three photos is one excellent shot...is that the start of a 'ternader' in the background? =)
eclogite says:
05:53 AM, 06/25/09
estreka, I don't envy you that job at all. Urgh...
1487 says:
06:09 AM, 06/25/09
dino:
The Taurus is thousands cheaper than the flex and more efficient.
fuhteng says:
07:33 AM, 06/25/09
I think the taillights don't match up properly on each side of the trunk. Is it just me?
compliance says:
09:23 AM, 06/25/09
fuhteng - Good catch. It looks like the trunk is open! I'm assuming it isn't though. That looks bad.
carfreak8394 says:
02:37 PM, 06/25/09
I have a question for you, Erin. Is a back-up camera only available on the Taurus if the navigation system is ordered up, or is it optional/apart of another package like on the Fusion?
eriches says:
05:43 PM, 06/25/09
@carfreak8394: I figured a camera was included with the navigation system, but looking through the pricing material, it appears a camera won't be offered a launch. Strange. I'll have to investigate.
@fuhteng, compliance: Trunk isn't open. I'll check the gap tolerances and see if I see what you see. --ER
eriches says:
04:00 PM, 06/26/09
@fuhteng, compliance: The taillights match up fine on our test car, so it's likely that the camera is distorting things a bit. A lot of my shots were taken in harsh light. The gap at the bottom of the trunk lid is not small, but here again, I think the shadows make it appear larger than it is.