Ford’s 2012 Taurus is beautiful, sporty and luxurious

If Lexus sold a loaded luxury sedan for $28,000 and labeled it a Ford Taurus, would you buy it? I would. Now, imagine that Ford is selling a Lexus badged as a Taurus and, well, that’s what you’ve got in the 2012 Taurus. 

And yes, I would seriously consider buying one.

Ford’s Taurus has lived a rollercoaster life. In 2006 Blue Oval executives declared the old best seller dead. Then, in 2010 Ford released a brand-new Taurus that has proven to be an incredible vehicle in build, quality, reliability, performance and value.

For 2012, the new Taurus is even better. It drives and looks far better than any of its predecessors. If I had one critique of the Taurus—as an auto critic—it would be that this car deserves a better name than Taurus. While that might be bad news for Ford, it’s great news for auto buyers. Taurus buyers are essentially getting a Lincoln MKS (which starts around $40,000), for just over half-price. 

The Taurus’ base price of $25,500 lands below entry-level luxury competitors like Nissan’s Maxima, Toyota’s Avalon and Buick’s Lacrosse. But the 2012 Taurus, nicely equipped for $29,000, can easily compete in that entry-luxury level.

The Ford excels—like its Lincoln sibling—in providing adult comfort for long cruising, without compromising performance. Here the Taurus stands out from the pack. Inside the Taurus, a simple but stylish dash and chrome shifter hearken back to Ford and Lincoln’s luxury history. The combined navigation and entertainment system is easy to operate. Simply enter the address of your next location, and the route guidance will lead you there with the skill of veteran cab driver. 

Drivers and passengers with iPods will be happy to know the same entertainment system has an auxiliary input, so you can listen to your own iPod music library while you float around town, towed by one of two optional engines. 

The base Taurus engine is a 263-horsepower V-6 that’s quite comparable to the V-6 power found in the nicer imports. Those hungry for more muscle can get the optional 365-horspower Ecoboost V-6, which delivers V-8 power (and then some) and V-6 gas mileage.

The Taurus’s trunk easily holds the luggage of five adults, and the back seat comfortably accommodates three six-footers. Yet this roomy sedan doesn’t drive like a boat—or like any soft-blooded American cruiser. The Ecoboost V-6 can rocket the Taurus to 60mph in just over five seconds. The Taurus provides tight steering and braking without sacrificing cushy luxury. Behind the wheel, the sport-comfort blend transmits masterfully. The steering is responsive and safe, but the Taurus glides like a town car over cobblestone roads.

Whether you’re looking for Motown muscle or for value in a comfortable and stylish cruiser, the Ford Taurus is worth your examination. Finally, a Detroit sedan that competes with imports and looks like a million bucks while doing so.