2010 Ford Taurus SHO
The SHO’s Back On The Road
After a layoff of some 10 years, the Taurus SHO has returned to the Ford lineup. The SHO, which stands for Super High Output, is the performance model in the Taurus line. It’s a sport sedan geared for those who enjoy spirited driving, but also need a full-size car for family duty.
The heart of the SHO is its Ecoboost engine. It’s a 3.5-liter V-6, with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. It pumps out 365 horsepower, yet delivers between 17 and 25 mpg. (Other Taurus models use a normally aspirated 3.5 V-6 that generates 263 hp and get 18-28 mpg.) The Ecoboost is smooth operator that delivers gobs of power and a subdued exhaust note.
Ford teams its powerful V-6 with a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Using shifters at you fingertips enhances the feeling of control, and adds to the fun quotient of the SHO. Completing the drive train is a Haldex all-wheel drive system that distributes power to the front and rear axles as needed. Although the SHO weighs 4400 lbs., it can accelerate to 60 in little over five seconds.
Ford equips the SHO with a sport suspension, with unique shock absorbers, firmer springs and larger anti-roll bars. The SHO, like other Taurus models, also features a new electric steering system. Out on the back roads, the SHO displays sure-footed grip when pressed into a corner, but I was disappointed with the steering, which didn’t convey much feel of the road. Furthermore, the SHO can’t disguise its size and weight—it’s not particularly agile. Overall, I’d say that the handling is competent, but not sporty.
The SHO is available with optional 20-inch wheels and tires, and my test car had them. These split-spoke aluminum wheels are gorgeous, and the tires provide more grip, but they also contribute to a very firm ride. Although I liked their look, I would stick with the standard 19-inch setup for a little more comfort.
Last Year’s Taurus didn’t sell very well. People thought it looked too bland. You can’t say that about the 2010 model. This car looks formidable. An aggressive nose with a domed hood, along with a high waistline gives the Taurus plenty of road presence. The SHO model enhances the overall effect with larger wheels, a rear-deck spoiler and a two-tone grille.
The interior of the Taurus features a twin-cockpit design with a dash that slopes down toward the front passengers. The center control panel is mounted on a nearly 45-degree angle, so the radio, climate controls and optional navigation system are easy to see and access. Optional Multi-contour front seats offer excellent support, and will give you a massage to relieve backside pressure on long drives. If you happen to be someone who rides in the back, you’ll have plenty of room, and rest on seats that can be heated. As for storage capacity, the trunk is humongous at over 20-cu.-ft.
Ford offers a variety of high-tech options on the SHO. Buyers can order adaptive cruise control that maintains a set interval with the car in front of you. There is also MyKey, which should appeal to parents of teen drivers. It enables them to limit the top speed and audio volume of their car. However, my favorite is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert. BLIS informs you with lights on your outside mirrors when cars approach your blind spot. Cross-Traffic Alert sounds a warning when a car or pedestrian is about to cross your path when you’re backing up. It’s great in parking lots.
Taurus pricing begins at a reasonable $25,995 for the base SE model, but the charge for the top-of-the-line SHO might give some buyers pause. It starts at $37,995. My heavily optioned test car hand a bottom line of $44,275.
Snapshot Review:
Powerful and Fuel-Efficient Engine
Not So Sporty Handling
High-Tech Safety Features
Roomy Cabin
