Re-designed Taurus unexpectedly popular in California

[ARCANGEL]

Originally Posted by yyz_ltz

It looks like an import. It could easily have Toyota or Nissan badging and people wouldn't think twice. That being said, people seem to like it. We need to get the new Impala out quicker than 2013, it's not just substandard styling and features that lose market share, it's sitting back and doing nothing and allowing a car to get a firm hold in a segment.

where does it look like an import?? Its very american in stling!

[PAULSTS1]

FORD utilized a time-honored way of Marketing; starting at the top then scaling downward (trickle-down)! First, it introduced the MKS, while some refuse to evaluate it as a credible product, I, as a luxury buyer, critic, automotive enthusiast, and wannabe auto journalist--applaud it. Furthermore, sales verify that Lincoln (FORD) is connecting with that target luxury client.

Some may have not reached the stage where a luxury car is a decision. Perhaps a sport sedan Audi A6, or BMW 3 Series but the Loan Officer at the Bank is raising a eyebrow at a debt-ratio, so next shopping something with the bells and whistles but at a more popular price, might be the order of the day. Therefore after the mental adjustment and with all the media attention to new FORD products: Mustang, Fusion, Escape, wandering into a showroom—customers become acquainted with the new Taurus, and the sales are made (Nirvana).

It is the old saying “Meet the need and the people will come.”

[schmallz]

Originally Posted by wescoent

I wonder why. What about this new Taurus is so appealing to import-owners?

The kinetic styling that was brought over from europe. No more of this "red white and bold" nonsense.

It's only competition is the Impala, Avalon and Charger. Now you can see why its selling well.

[schmallz]

Originally Posted by ARCANGEL

where does it look like an import?? Its very american in stling!

Its is European Ford (Kinetic)

Not North American Ford (Red white and Bold)

[schmallz]

Originally Posted by Quixote88

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.

The Ford is much bigger.

And you don't have to buy a 4-banger if you need one thats on the cheaper side.

[Elvisuperman]

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 did...it was called the "Pontiac G8" and it was a better car.

They do...it's called the "Buick LaCrosse" and it is a better car.

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...

What does that mean??? How is GM not producing class leading cars???

Their (GM's) entire product line can't be changed overnight, however, what they have released and begun producing lately is just as competitive if not better than anything FORD is putting out...including the 2010 Taurus.

As for blaming some non-existant Detroit hatred in California... FORD was just as guilty of playing that game. I think both companies have put those excuses to bed now...maybe you should too.

Originally Posted by 6.1 HemiFAN

Give us Californians a well built, stylish and competitive vehicle and we will buy it - we don't care nor are we swayed by where it's built.

Then why do you buy so many Toyota's??? There is nothing stylish about them.


Last, so what if real sales seem to be beating what demand they expected. Maybe FORD only expected to sell 10 but instead sold 11...yay, look how great FORD is now.

[ksr]

Originally Posted by schmallz

Its is European Ford (Kinetic)

Not North American Ford (Red white and Bold)

I don't see that at all. I think it screams "American" styling. It's brash and bold, but also tasteful.

The previous Taurus looked like an Asian-wannabe. And the one before that, the "oval-kill" one, well, who knows what they were thinking.

[emh]

I'm in Northern CA and yet to see one on the road. But I'm not surprised they are selling well.

Originally Posted by wescoent

I wonder why. What about this new Taurus is so appealing to import-owners?

It's what the "import-owner" crowd expects in a car -- simple as that. Sleek yet understated design. Appealing interior that's not overwhelming. Lots of options to please anyone, and a few class-exclusive features to show off to freinds (after all, what good is a new car if your neighbor's 3-year old Honda has all the same features!)

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by emh

I'm in Northern CA and yet to see one on the road. But I'm not surprised they are selling well.

I've actually seen more than a handful non-rental Tauruses in the City. It did surprise me.
HOwever, I still don't see them with the "Marina Crowd."

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by Elvisuperman

They did...it was called the "Pontiac G8" and it was a better car.

They do...it's called the "Buick LaCrosse" and it is a better car.

Oh really? How about that laser guided cruise on the G8, and the perfect score in all crash tests, and the blind spot information system, and the quality wood trim on the dashboard, and the rearview camera, the class leading quiet cabin, the heated and cooled seats, proximity key, the pushbutton start, AWD, and the power adjustable pedals and voice control for radio and navigation. All that really was something, right?

Oh wait, the G8 didn't have any of those things!

The LaCrosse has most of them, but it gets worse gas mileage, the 3.0 liter V6 is slower without better fuel economy, and subjectively it looks good but not as good.

The G8 was equivalent to a Dodge Charger with a little more class and sport added in, but no added luxury. The Taurus (and the new LaCrosse) are less sporty than the G8 but far more luxurious and classy.

The LaCrosse is a good competitor to the Taurus, almost even in terms of features, quietness, and space. The LaCrosse has more leg room but less width in the back seat and a very noticeably smaller trunk. I'd say that in the balance, the Taurus wins, but it's open to debate. But I don't think anyone can, with good conscience, flat out call the LaCrosse the better car.

[emh]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

I've actually seen more than a handful non-rental Tauruses in the City. It did surprise me.
HOwever, I still don't see them with the "Marina Crowd."

Not to hijack the thread, but are you back from your European vacation or leaving soon?

[ARCANGEL]

Originally Posted by schmallz

Its is European Ford (Kinetic)

Not North American Ford (Red white and Bold)

Even though it's based on kinetic European design it's in an American design translation. So basically it comes from that design language but has American flair

[CACressida]

Wow, now you guys are knocking thew new Taurus? What does GM have to offer to even be half as good as the new Taurus? Don't say a Cobalt XFE lmao. The new Taurus is an incredible modern vehicle to come from an American car makers manufacturing line. Its prestige stance and outstanding interior make it a far more superior vehicle in its class. A brilliant car.

[Extreme4x4]

Originally Posted by Michael_S

Oh really? How about that laser guided cruise on the G8, and the perfect score in all crash tests, and the blind spot information system, and the quality wood trim on the dashboard, and the rearview camera, the class leading quiet cabin, the heated and cooled seats, proximity key, the pushbutton start, AWD, and the power adjustable pedals and voice control for radio and navigation. All that really was something, right?

Oh wait, the G8 didn't have any of those things!

The LaCrosse has most of them, but it gets worse gas mileage, the 3.0 liter V6 is slower without better fuel economy, and subjectively it looks good but not as good.

The G8 was equivalent to a Dodge Charger with a little more class and sport added in, but no added luxury. The Taurus (and the new LaCrosse) are less sporty than the G8 but far more luxurious and classy.

The LaCrosse is a good competitor to the Taurus, almost even in terms of features, quietness, and space. The LaCrosse has more leg room but less width in the back seat and a very noticeably smaller trunk. I'd say that in the balance, the Taurus wins, but it's open to debate. But I don't think anyone can, with good conscience, flat out call the LaCrosse the better car.

Maybe it is just me, but I find it humorous that some have to move up to a Buick, to find competition for a "lowly" Ford.

So now I guess Buick competes with Cadillac, Lexus, and Ford??

[ARCANGEL]

Originally Posted by CACressida

Wow, now you guys are knocking thew new Taurus? What does GM have to offer to even be half as good as the new Taurus? Don't say a Cobalt XFE lmao. The new Taurus is an incredible modern vehicle to come from an American car makers manufacturing line. Its prestige stance and outstanding interior make it a far more superior vehicle in its class. A brilliant car.

Whoa man the majority of us like the new Taurus and alot of the new fords only some fan boys hate it with prejudice