Specification
Modification Information
2012 Ford Taurus
The
2012 Ford Taurus ranks 2 out of 7 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based
on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Taurus, and
our analysis of reliability and safety data. Among
the many reasons why critics love the 2012 Ford Taurus are its good
performance, stylish design and excellent cabin electronics.
The
Ford Taurus gave the class of affordable large cars a much-needed shot of
adrenaline when it was introduced in 2010. Along with recently updated rivals
such as the Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300, the Taurus continues to stand out
for its comfortable and spacious cabin, excellent interior tech, balanced ride
and low base price: just a few of the reasons why we named it the 2011 Best
Affordable Large Car for Families.
For2012, the Taurus continues to earn the respect of auto critics. “Ford's Taurus
has a lot going for it,” writes Consumer Guide. “This large sedan is smooth,
quiet, refined, and is surprisingly engaging to drive.” Additionally, a number
of standout optional features build on the Taurus’ base trim. These include
available all-wheel drive and Ford’s widely-praised Sync infotainment system. While
the Taurus also wins praise for its sharp styling and easy-to-drive nature, its
low base price can be deceiving. If you start jumping up trim levels or adding
options, the 2012 Ford Taurus can get pricey.
2012 Ford Taurus Body
Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The
2012 Ford Taurus is a full-size five-passenger sedan offered in SE, SEL,
Limited and SHO trim levels.
Standard
equipment on the entry-level SE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic
headlights, integrated blind spot mirrors, keyless entry with an exterior
access keypad, cruise control, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat
(manual recline), a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, trip computer, a
tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with CD
player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sync voice-activated electronics
interface with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity is optional.
The
SEL adds 18-inch wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated
mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery, a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror,
a compass, an outside temperature display and satellite radio. Options on the
SEL include 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, leather
upholstery (packaged with heated front seats and a six-way power passenger
seat), ambient interior lighting and Sync.
All
the above items are standard on the Taurus Limited, along with perforated
leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats with power lumbar and driver
seat memory functions, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and a seven-speaker
upgraded stereo with a six-CD player.
The
Taurus SHO adds a more powerful V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, different
steering, xenon headlights, an auto-dimming driver side mirror, a rear spoiler,
special styling flourishes inside and out, keyless entry/ignition (optional on
SEL and Limited) and unique leather upholstery with faux-suede inserts. The
optional SHO Performance package adds performance brake pads, recalibrated
steering, a different final-drive ratio, stability control defeat, summer tires
and 20-inch wheels. Those wheels are also a stand-alone option.
Options
on all but the base SE include a sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, a 12-speaker
Sony premium audio system, and "multicontour" front seats with active
bolsters and massage. Options on the Limited and SHO include a blind-spot
warning system, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers (packaged
together), heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear
window shade, adaptive cruise control, and a navigation system with a
touchscreen interface, voice controls, Sirius Travel Link service (real-time
traffic, weather and other information), a single-CD player, DVD audio and
digital music storage.
2012 Ford Taurus Safety
Taurus
continues to build on a legacy of safety, as the 2011 model earned the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick rating. The stiff Taurus
structure contains a significant portion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength
steels, including boron.
Taurus
features the Trinity front-crash architecture, named for the three elements
that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from vehicle
occupants. These components consist of an ultra-high-strength boron front beam
to absorb initial impact force, boron “shotgun rails” that transfer impact
forces in a diagonal path to the roof panel, and a decoupling engine cradle
within the front subframe to help prevent the powertrain from interfering with
the cabin.
Taurus
also features Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) Architecture, a
hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames to
help provide additional strength on the vehicle sides. A rigid roof
crossmember, side-impact door beams and boron B-pillar reinforcement also
contribute to side-impact protection.
2012 Ford Taurus Engine
The
2012 Taurus is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249
pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive
are standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option on SEL and
Limited models. In Edmunds performance testing, a front-drive Taurus went from
zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds -- a tad slow for the class. Fuel economy with
front-wheel drive is an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg
combined. All-wheel drive drops those numbers to 17/25/20.
The
Taurus SHO gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (dubbed "EcoBoost")
that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with shift
paddles is standard, as is all-wheel drive. In Edmunds performance testing, the
Taurus SHO went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds. Despite this
engine's impressive performance, EPA fuel economy estimates are the same as the
regular all-wheel-drive Taurus.source:edmunds.com
