Ford used the Chicago Auto Show to announce the return of two nameplates that were supposedly killed. (Taurus and Sable) The newly revised Five-Hundred, Montego and Freestyle have had their names swapped out at the last minute.
Apparently Ford's marketing dept felt that the old names resonated better with their target audience. Umm....yes we all know what a Taurus is, but do we want one? When I think of Taurus I think of a car that was a hit in the 80s and early 90s, but then became a ugly rental car as of late. Will this help pull Ford out of the red? I don't think so. The new Malibu, Camry and 2008 Accord will kill these cars.
What's new: 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, 6-speed transmission, new headlights and grill, revised tail lights and a NEW (old) NAME!
Comments (6)
The Sable and Taurus will I believe redeem themselves for the 2008 model year like they originally did 22 yrs ago in fall 1985 when they were first born the same year/month I also was! what a coincidence by the way!, and well anyways it's bound to happen all over again for these cars! I've owned 3 taurus's 1 a green 93 when I was 16, the other a beautiful silver 97 i got from my Dad for highschool graduation and now a 04 sable that's also silver- I bought from my Dad as well- and gotta say I love all these cars not only for their modern shape but also for the power/ performance you get! theres absolutely "No Way!" that cars such as Ugly stripped down, box-shaped, undependable! Chevrolets, Dodges, Pontiacs, Buicks or Hondas could max up to these cars not happenin'! I think I speak for all who are "Big Fans" of these vehicles and will remain loyal to the Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln Proud American brands!
- Matt, Cleveland OH
Posted by Matt | July 25, 2007 4:59 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 04:59
The Sable and Taurus will I believe redeem themselves for the 2008 model year like they originally did 22 yrs ago in fall 1985 when they were first born the same year/month I also was! what a coincidence by the way!, and well anyways it's bound to happen all over again for these cars! I've owned 3 taurus's 1 a green 93 when I was 16, the other a beautiful silver 97 i got from my Dad for highschool graduation and now a 04 sable that's also silver- I bought from my Dad as well- and gotta say I love all these cars not only for their modern shape but also for the power/ performance you get! theres absolutely "No Way!" that cars such as Ugly stripped down, box-shaped, undependable! Chevrolets, Dodges, Pontiacs, Buicks or Hondas could max up to these cars not happenin'! Not to foget my Uncle has a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, hates it! cause it is unreliable for 1 thing, is getting rid of it soon and is seriously planning on going with the Ford Fusion a cousin car to the Taurus /Sable. I think I also speak for all those who are "Big Fans" of these vehicles and will remain loyal to the Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln Proud American brands!
- Matt, Cleveland OH
Posted by Matt | July 25, 2007 5:02 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 05:02
This article is incorrect. Obviously the author doesn't know much about the new Taurus.
The new Taurus isn't competing in the mid-size segment. The Fusion (which is developing a good reputation albeit slowly) is competing in that segment again the Accord, Camry and Altima.
The new Taurus is essentially a Ford Five Hundred with a face-life, name-change and new drive-train. Effectively the new Taurus will be comparable in size to a Crown Vic but will be more fuel-efficient, reliable and comfortable.
As for the Ford having issues competing with the Chevy Malibu, the Fusion blows it out of the water. The fusion is without a doubt the best domestic in the mid-size segment and will probably remain so even with the introduction of the new Malibu.
Back to the new Taurus, it will be interesting to see this car go up against other full-sized sedans. Its probably the biggest threat to the Toyota Avalon though since the Impala is more sporty than refined and elegant.
Overall I think Ford has something very good here that will make older folks rethink Ford when buying a full-size sedan.
P.S. Matt, Ford has nothing on Honda.
Posted by A.J. Subram | August 9, 2007 2:25 PM
Posted on August 9, 2007 14:25
The Fusion may beat out the current Malibu, but wait until next year. The Fusion will have a run for it's money and life. I agree with the author. Ford's current designs look like cars of the 80's and 90's. Ford had better get with the program. Mercury's look better than Ford's right now. That is sad. Lincoln is finally coming back. I just bought a 2007 MKZ.
Posted by Tony | August 10, 2007 10:38 PM
Posted on August 10, 2007 22:38
I'm sorry to say, I am not at all impressed with the choices we have for sedans in the States. There are only a few late coming sedans I'll spend my money on and that's not set in stone because of the "over conservative" appearance and appeal. The Mercury Milan has possibly the best all around balanced look compared to the Fuzion and it's out of place tail lamp accessories. Clear, visible rally sport tail light covers don't really go with anything else on the car.
As for the Sable or Taurus, the look is by far the squarest I've seen yet. Most the mid and full sized cars lack any character what so ever. Features don't make the car alone which is what I wished Ford and GM would learn once and for all.
If Ford really wants to impress the car market, they will need to do much more like bringing the Mondeo look to the states. We only really need one conservative model from each maker at the most. Prices will also hurt the age old sales.
Posted by Eric | August 17, 2007 7:19 PM
Posted on August 17, 2007 19:19
I have a 2008 Taurus...I LOVE IT!!! i am so glad i got it. I had a 07 camry and broke down 3 times. The taurus is the best. Also the safest car in america. I love the taurus i Recommend it to everyone it is the best car i have ever had. I also have a 2000 taurus and i have not had one trouble with it.
Posted by Steven | January 1, 2008 4:57 PM
Posted on January 1, 2008 16:57