Re-designed Taurus unexpectedly popular in California

[syr74]

Taurus has a lot of faults IMO, and I have mentioned them several times, but the highs are easy to spot IMO.

In terms of fit, finish, materials usage, ergonomics, and style the interior is genuinely phenomenal, so phenomenal in fact that Ford has something of the Audi vs VW conundrum on their hands where the Taurus interior really doesn't give anything up to the MKS.

The car looks good in pictures, and great in person. The car has a real presence on the road and looks...imposing. When viewed in person the SHO looks like a car built for speed IMO, something pictures don't really show, and the car is understated in the same manner German sedans used to be. Surprisingly the wife hates it.

The SHO powertrain is dynamite, drive one and you'll see what I mean. Yeah, a G8 GXP will outrun it but the SHO is just so fluid, and smooth, and fast that you really don't care. Torque is everywhere, literally, and when you hit the gas the car says 'thank you sir may I have another' Awesome powertrain.

Rides like a Lexus, seriously. Very nice ride quality and great NVH.

I really thought the shortcomings would kill this car right out of the gate. It is pricey in higher trim levels, it is very heavy and while it rides and handles well enough it feels like a very heavy car (actually I suppose some owners might like this) and interior space is only so so.

That said if you can live with the room it is a really good car, but it could still use some work.

[Vinsetta]

POSTED: 2:14 P.M. OCT. 6, 2009 | UPDATED: 4:40 P.M. TODAY

Redesigned Taurus unexpectedly popular in California

BY BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Two months after launching the redesigned Ford Taurus sedan, Ford Motor Co. is dealing with an unexpected surprise: It underestimated demand in California.

California is the nation’s No. 1 car market, largely because it’s the nation’s largest state by population, with more than 36 million residents. But historically, Californians have not preferred brands from Detroit.

Link: http://www.freep.com/article/2009100...-in-California

[Taglane]

How? I was in L.A Last month (9 hour drive from where we started) and only saw one Taurus.. At the dealership. I scan the roads for cars... Maybe I need to look harder. lol :?:

-Taurus is a nice car. It stands out.

[Millefune]

Those footwells are claustrophobic.

[AirCleaner]

I knew this vehicle was going to be a hit. The exterior design is good, the interior exceptional. I wish GM could produce this kind of product.

[1G6]

Really, really sharp car.

[sigma]

Wow. Shocker. Introduce a class leading car and it sells wherever you market it. Is someone at GM listening, or are they just going to continue to blame some non-existent Detroit hatred in California instead of their own lackluster products for miserable sales results.

California is the most competitive auto market in the country and probably the world. You have to bring your A-Game if you are going to make it there. Until 2008, GM's A-Game wouldn't even get field time on last year's Lions team. You know, the team that went 0-16...

[Quixote88]

Originally Posted by AirCleaner

I knew this vehicle was going to be a hit. The exterior design is good, the interior exceptional. I wish GM could produce this kind of product.

They do, it's called "LaCrosse."

No Ecoboost, but everything else is just as nice as, and in my opinion, better than the Taurus. But they're both exceptional offerings from Detroit, and you couldn't go wrong either way.

[Kennyboy]

Proof positive when you build a world-class competitive product, that competes with the best from Europe and Japan, you can succed. Now, GM needs to up the annity a bit and build a world class car that can compete with the Taurus.

[Neanderthal]

Good for Ford!

Whatever the reasons, this is excellent news.

[zete]

I truly wonder if, after the entire crisis with Detroit, if Americans are more willing to take a look. And perhaps there is a deep seated desire to buy domestic within the US that's finally coming to the fore.

It doesn't hurt that the Taurus is so much better than the last iteration. It's a well put together package.

[Taglane]

Originally Posted by AirCleaner

I knew this vehicle was going to be a hit. The exterior design is good, the interior exceptional. I wish GM could produce this kind of product.

Look at any recent GM product. The Exterior is stylish (sans the Terrain, though almost tolerable.) and the interiors are amazing, no denying that.

[tbirderic]

This is great news. It's satifsying to see an American product succeeding in a very demanding and trend setting market.

Originally Posted by Dr. Show-Me

Ford and GM have a unique opportunity to regain lost buyers who are willing to look at American cars again. When an S Class sells for 80 large or more, likewise the 7 Series, an American car that costs far less and objectively does 95% of the expensive imports, there should be a lot of potential buyers. If they look and test drive, they may buy as well.

No offense Dr., but I doubt customers looking to plunk down 80g on a new car are concerned about cost. However, if the Taurus succeeds in drawing interest from competitors cars in its price range; I'm thinking Maxima, Avalon, 300, than it's doing a good job.

Originally Posted by sigma

Wow. Shocker. Introduce a class leading car and it sells wherever you market it. Is someone at GM listening, or are they just going to continue to blame some non-existent Detroit hatred in California instead of their own lackluster products for miserable sales results.

California is the most competitive auto market in the country and probably the world. You have to bring your A-Game if you are going to make it there. Until 2008, GM's A-Game wouldn't even get field time on last year's Lions team. You know, the team that went 0-16...

Exactly. The new Taurus may not be to everyone's liking, but it is a fine effort.

[igotzzoom]

I think style is what's selling people on it. Other than some new cabin tech, and the SHO model, mechanically, it's not all that much different than last year's model, but looks COMPLETELY different.

I looked at the sticker on a loaded G37 sedan, and it came out to about $42k. A loaded SHO is about $45. But that doesn't seem to be hurting sales much.

[fastball]

The new Taurus is sharp looking, fantastic fit and finish, and it has tons of technology, features, and all the right bells and whistles to make it appealing to the most snooty techno-geeks. Add the Ecoboost Turbo V6 and all wheel drive to the mix, and the SHO is a car that is a great car that sells itself. I have always said a great car will sell itself reguardless of price.