Cars.com's Joe Bruzek takes a look at the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.
Transcript
<v Announcer>Cars.com auto reviews. Hi, this is Joe Bruzek from cars.com. We're here with the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. Now the SHO makes its return this year.
Super high output is what it stands for and it's Ford's high performance version of the Taurus. Just like the previous generation chose, the outside is pretty subtle compared to the standard Taurus. There's really not a whole lot of flashy ad-ons. They had this lip spoiler, chrome dual exhaust. And there's really not a whole lot of show badges either on the car. There's one on the rear deck lid, and there's one on the inside. There's also these 19 inch wheels that are standard 20 inch optional. And also a new grill. The highlight of the show is absolutely the three point five liter EcoBoost V six that with 365 horsepower, it uses twin turbo chargers and direct injection to really liven up the experience. Now what turbochargers and direct injection give you in this setup is a very quick throttle response and power all over the RPM range. The Taurus is a heavy car, and unfortunately it still handles like one at 4,300 pounds. The all wheel drive system doesn't quite get around the corners as well as something like the Acura TL, super handling all-wheel drive system. There's still a lot of understeer and it feels like there's a lot of weight up front. Compared to the competition at its price range, there's some better performers out there. Trunk space on the Taurus is massive. It's class-leading at 20 cubic feet and it was able to swallow three golf bags with no problem at all. And there's room for maybe another three or four golf bags. My main gripe with the show isn't with the show package, but rather the Taurus itself and especially the leg room upfront. Now to be comfortable, I have to put the seat back a good distance and that takes up rear passenger room. My knees are touching back here and there's not a whole lot of room for my feet either. Now, if you're trying to decide between the regular Taurus and the Taurus SHO, you'll be glad to hear that gas mileage is the same between all wheel drive models. Freight at 1725 mile per gallon, city highway. Now, while the gas mileage is an advantage between this, you still can't get a manual transmission and there are better performers out there. If you really want a sports car light drive in a sedan, this one doesn't really have a whole package. And at 38,000 you can get the complete package elsewhere. <v Announcer>For more car related news, go to cars.com or our blog Kickingtires.net.
