Everyone reading my blog is familiar with the problems of the auto industry, specifically the American manufacturers. Ford is the only American company not going to the government well for a hand out! Mainly due to the foresight of Alan Mullaly, CEO of Ford, who arranged for lines of credit in 2007 when the capital markets were much better. In addition, Ford quality has improved substantially where they are on a par with the Japanese manufacturers. Back in 1986 Ford set Ford's sales charts on fire with the new Taurus with a spacey stylish design. I was not a fan of the car in that I thought the styling was unusual and not to my preference. The drive was OK but unexceptional. Over the years the Taurus was downgraded to a rental car status.
Ford purchased Volvo in 1998 and one of the benefits was the Ford 500 which came out in 2005. The Ford 500 was underpowered and connected to a CVT transmission and did not sell well. The Ford 500 was based on the Volvo S80 platform and is one of the safest cars on the road. In 2008, the name was changed to the Ford Taurus and upgraded the powertrains.
I drove a rental 2008 Ford Taurus last summer when I was in New York city. My associate commented that he thought this was the one of the best American cars. It drove smoothly, handled well for a sedan and braked well!
The 2010 Ford Taurus is prime example of the quality car that American manufacturers are capable of producing. It has the 3.5-liter V-6 which makes 264 hp, which is connected to a six-speed automatic.. The Limited model comes with a different six-speed transmission along with paddle shifters.
They are resurrecting the SHO (Super High Output) model which is shown below. The SHO will have a twin-turbo, high output, twin-turbocharged 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 with an estimated 350 hp. That is a lot of power for a sedan!
Pricing for the Taurus SE starts at $25,170 USD plus options, while the SHO starts at $$37,170.
Hello Peter,
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you talk about all different price point in the cars. We get to learn more about all of them. Well done Ford Company. That is how it should have been done with all of them, but they didn't. It is good that they had someone thinking ahead. Hope they keep up the good work. Thank you for the good post Peter. It is good that they are doing so well (Ford that is.)
Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Dan & Deanna,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ford, they are increasing their market share and bringing some good products online! Ford should overtake GM as the largest U.S. auto manufacturer this year.
The Taurus is a nice large sedan...I enjoyed the way it drove. It is a great safe everyday driver!
Thank you for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete .. Ford certainly seem to have been the most sensible of the three big American car players ..
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteYes they are the best of the American companies! This recession will change all the companies in the world....the American companies needed it the most!
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete
ReplyDeleteWhen Craig and I was met, he was driving a Taurus. They have come a long way. It looks and sounds like it would do well in the market.
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Aciton
Hi Giovanna,
ReplyDeleteThe new Taurus is the best four door sedan that Ford has ever manufactured! They did not get it right out the gate with the Ford 500 but subsequent improvements have made the Tauras a good car.
It is not as ground breaking as the first Taurus! Unfortunately, not many people know about it!
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
It is rare for me to find something on the cyberspace that’s as entertaining and fascinating as what you’ve got here. Your page is lovely, your graphics are outstanding, and what’s more, you use source that are relevant to what you are talking about. You are certainly one in a million, well done!
ReplyDeleteChrysler Sale