- sedan 227,220
- 1,210 below average
- 1,150 great
- Houston, TX
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- autoshopper.com
- 1,210 below average sedan 227,220 gasoline white automatic
2001 ford taurus review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. All this practicality, and excitement, too. introductionwhile not as overtly outre as the previous generation, the current taurus remains a styling leader, sleek, fresh and contemporary, confidently leading the way to ford's future. but like every previous taurus, this one grabs attention with its styling and then keeps it with its engaging combination of everyday practicality and enthusiast flair. Both of its powertrains deliver vigorous response. Its handling, while suitably smooth and comfortable, delivers a sporting crispness that will satisfy even the aspiring formula 1 driver in the family. the cabin is functional and attractive, with controls that are straightforward and easy to use. Next up is ses 20,050), with abs, six-way power seats, cd player, and 'aerodynamic' bumpers, among other luxuries. at the top of the line is the $21,535 sel, also with 'aero' bumpers as well as a more powerful engine, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, heater mirrors, a perimeter anti-theft system, leather wrapped steering wheel, machined aluminum road wheels, and both cassette and cd capability. a single wagon variant is offered. With its 60/40 split rear seats folded down, this roomy wagon has space for a maximum of 81. 3 cu. Of cargo; or with six passengers aboard, there's still 38. 8 cu. The se wagon lists for $20,190. Adding option groups 96w 300) and 85a 1,040) upgrades the wagon to the equivalent of an ses sedan. two engines power the taurus. Standard in all but the sel is a 3. 0-liter ohv 12-valve v6 ford calls the vulcan, presumably after the god of ironworking, not earth's staunchest interplanetary allies. It produces 155 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque. Although not particularly quick from a standstill, once rolling it delivers more than adequate performance, along with a nicely rorty exhaust note. standard in the sel is a more sophisticated 3. 0-liter dohc 24-valve v6 ford calls duratec. Se wagon, ses, and sel are all nominal six-seaters, equipped with a 'seating console' between their front buckets, and a column-mounted gear lever. The grille is broad, aggressive, and unmistakably ford-oval, grinning between the large, cat's-eye headlights. Taurus's flanks have handsomely modeled character lines, and the rear bears a resemblance to the sexy stern of the jaguar s-type. interiorprimary controls and instrumentation are admirably simple, straightforward and easy to use. Ford's well-publicized adjustable pedals 120) make a comfortable driving position possible for even very short-legged drivers. The small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel has a pleasingly thick grip. Buttons for the cruise control are mounted on the steering wheel and are easy to operate. The highly legible gauges, which include an analog speedometer and tachometer, are white-on-black. A single stalk on the left of the steering column operates the washer and wipers and the bright/dim control for the headlights. The power-window automatic-down circuit operates on the driver's-side window only, and there is no automatic-up. On the dashboard just below the tachometer is an on/off switch for the optional traction control, useful when driving with chains and/or in snow. on the other hand, the central console containing audio and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hvac) controls is an intimidating sea of similar-looking push-buttons and toggle switches. While elsewhere the taurus is ergonomically first-rate, operating the controls on this panel requires very careful reading of the various closely spaced buttons. Among the audio controls, only the volume control is a rotary knob--it would be more convenient if the station-tuner were a twist-knob as well. the removable six-cd changer/cassette is cleverly concealed in the center console at the driver's right elbow. Opening the panel required only one touch of the button, whereupon it opened automatically. The cushions and seatbacks are more firm than cushy, but firm is usually best on long drives. Each of the lighted vanity mirrors in the two front visors features a rheostat for regulating their brightness, a novel touch. the roomy rear compartment seats three, although the seat forms two semi-buckets and has a pull-down central armrest containing two cupholders. An hvac duct at the rear of the center console provides climate control for rear passengers. Dual baby-seat anchors are provided on each side of the rear seat. In the ses and sel, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down, providing an enormous pass-through luggage capability for skis and other long items. The trunk is of generous size and contains the taurus' mini-spare tire. driving impressionwhile the 2001 taurus is rich with interesting features, no list of hardware can sum up this car's greatest strength--its behavior on the road. Its duratec v6 is as responsive as a finger snap, delivering crisp acceleration from low revs straight through to the glass-smooth full-throttle shift point. This engine not only provides good thrust, it makes an understated but nicely throaty declaration that it means business. Its shifts are positive, authoritative, and at the same time, almost impossible to feel. Its all-independent suspension provides a smooth, impact-free ride. Unusual in a family sedan, however, taurus uses gas-pressurized shock absorbers, so that when it is pushed in the corners, it proves stable, nimble and ready for more. Cornered hard, its body roll is moderate, and the nicely tuned variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering delivers a steady stream of road information. Braking performance was much smoother than that of the dodge intrepid. with its excellent chassis and duratec power, taurus comes very close to being a very good sports sedan for the price of a family mid-size. summaryvastly improved last year, the ford taurus remains more than just competent: it is a genuinely exciting family sedan.
1,150 Houston, TXHouston, TX at autoshopper.com