3rd Place: Ford Taurus

Overview:

The Taurus gets almost everything right. It's almost ridiculously roomy but not ponderous to drive, it's one of only two sedans to get the top score in every NHTSA and IIHS crash test (the other being the $40,000 Volvo S80), it's smooth and comfortable, and it's both reasonably powerful and reasonably fuel efficient for a V6 family sedan. But for all its goodness, it doesn't have the feeling of luxury that makes a good pricey family sedan great, or a great one exceptional. Whether it's from a few interior pieces that were too hard and junky, or the road noise that makes its way into the cabin over coarse pavement, or even the overwhelming practicality of the whole thing, something makes it feel less upscale than the best premium family sedan should. But it's hardly low-rent, and it gets so much right that you should definitely give it a much longer look than most family sedan buyers have.

Driving the Taurus:

The Taurus has a comfortable ride that is softer than in many competitors, allowing it to absorb bumps better. The ride is still well controlled, cruising on the highway without the float that has traditionally accompanied large softly-tuned sedans. Though the Taurus is too big to be truly nimble, it handles well and has responsive steering with decent feedback. Unlike some cars, it doesn't disguise its size, but rather feels like a capably handling large car. The Taurus is generally very quiet, but road noise is excessive on some pavement. The Taurus's 3.5-liter engine -- upgraded for 2008 from a weaker and noisier 3.0-liter -- will not make the car win any races, but makes more more effortless acceleration in routine conditions, such as highway passing. Gas mileage is good as well.

Inside the Taurus:

The Taurus's high, firm front seats are very comfortable, but could be wider and offer a bit more foot space. The rear seat is easily the largest in the group, and is high and well-shaped. It could be a bit softer, however. The interior was upgraded for 2008, but it still doesn't feel as luxurious as some others in this group. The gauges are now smaller and overstyled at the expense of clarity, and some instruments are too low. Drivers sit comfortably, with power-adjustable pedals making up for the lack of a telescoping steering column. Visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to a high seating position, large windows, and slim roof pillars. Huge footwells, wide-opening doors, and high seats make entry/exit very easy. The trunk is the largest of any current sedan, and is very well-shaped.

Taurus pricing:

The Taurus is very well-equipped at $25,534, with such extra features as power-adjustable pedals, Ford's SYNC system, a keypad entry system, a fold-flat passenger seat, and a reverse-sensing system.

Conclusion:

The Taurus is as good as it gets for a mainstream family sedan. But the comfortable and quiet ride aren't enough to make it feel as luxurious as some of the others here. If it's premium enough for you though, it's a great choice.

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