- sedan 245,790
- 2,900 high price
- Raytown, MO
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- autoshopper.com
2002 ford taurus review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Soccer mom with sex appeal. introductiontaurus is the popular mid-size sedan without the boredom factor. It's a bowl of chocolate-chip mint in a sea of plain vanilla. While most sedans in its class seem designed to blend into the scenery, the taurus stands out like a wildebeest in plaid pajamas. not only does the taurus look like it came from the future, it drives like it came over from europe, and with something double its really quite reasonable price tag. Two engines are available, and both deliver a vigorous response. Taurus rides smoothly enough for family duty, but with crisp and sporty handling that would satisfy an aspiring formula 1 driver. not only that, but the cabin is functional and attractive, with controls that are straightforward and easy to use. The materials, switchgear and interior textures have a high-quality look and feel. lineupin fact, the only serious downside of the taurus is its dauntingly confusing model lineup. Already one of the most complicated we have ever seen, it has been subtly reshuffled for 2002. lx 18,750) is the least changed of the trim levels. Ses deluxe 21,675) adds bucket seats, console, floor-mounted gear selector, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear spoiler. It also comes with 'aero' bumpers and the more powerful engine, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, power adjustable pedals, heater mirrors, a perimeter anti-theft system, machined aluminum road wheels, and both cassette and cd capability. In general, however, taurus wagons are slightly better equipped than their sedan counterparts. Of cargo; or with six passengers aboard, there's still 38. 8 cu. Behind them. as mentioned, two engines power the taurus. Lower-level models use a 3. 0-liter ohv 12-valve v6 ford calls the vulcan (presumably after the god of iron working, not earth's staunchest interplanetary ally). The vulcan produces 155 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque. Although not particularly quick from a standstill, once rolling it delivers more than adequate performance, along with a nicely rorty exhaust note. the more sophisticated duratec v6 displaces the same 3. 0 liters, but has dual overhead cams working 24 valves. This higher-revving power plant produces 200 horsepower and 200 pounds-feet of torque. The grille is broad, aggressive, and unmistakably ford-oval, grinning between the large cat's-eye headlamps. Taurus' flanks undulate handsomely with crisp character lines, and its rear end bears a resemblance to the sexy stern of the jaguar s-type. interiorseating arrangements have been revised for 2002. Lx and se sedans, previously five-seaters, now nominally seat six, thanks to a seating console between their separate front seats. This is the same arrangement used on last year's ses, and that model keeps it for 2002. Leather bucket seats are a no-charge option in every taurus sedan except the lx. all wagons have the seating console, but sel deluxe versions also offer leather buckets as a no-cost option. primary controls and instrumentation are admirably simple, straightforward and easy to use. Ford's well-publicized adjustable pedals (standard on sel, and a $120 option on most other tauri) make a comfortable driving position possible for even very short-legged drivers. The small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel (ses deluxe on up) has a pleasingly thick grip. Buttons for the cruise control are mounted on the steering wheel and are easy to operate. The highly legible white-on-black gauges include an analog speedometer and tachometer. A single stalk on the left of the steering column operates the washer and wipers and the bright/dim control for the headlights. The power-window automatic-down circuit operates on the driver's-side window only, and there is no automatic-up. On the dashboard just below the tachometer is an on/off switch for the optional traction control, useful when driving with chains and/or in snow. on the other hand, the central console containing audio and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hvac) controls is an intimidating sea of similar-looking push-buttons and toggle switches. While elsewhere the taurus is ergonomically first-rate, operating the controls on this panel requires careful reading of the various closely spaced labels. Among the audio controls, only the volume is a rotary knob. It would be more convenient if the station-tuner were a twist-knob as well. the removable six-cd changer/cassette is cleverly concealed in the center console at the driver's right elbow. With only one touch of the button, it opened automatically. But to close it requires holding the button down, perhaps for safety considerations. The cushions and seatbacks are more firm than soft, but firm is usually best on long drives. the roomy rear compartment seats three, although the seat forms two semi-buckets and has a pull-down central armrest containing two cupholders. An hvac duct at the rear of the center console provides climate control for rear passengers. Dual baby-seat anchors are provided on each side of the rear seat. In the se wagon and ses and sel sedans, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down, providing an enormous pass-through luggage capability for skis and other long items. The trunk is of generous size and contains the taurus' mini-spare tire. driving impressionthe 2002 ford taurus is a genuinely satisfying car to drive. Its duratec v6 is as responsive as a finger snap, delivering crisp acceleration from low revs straight through to the glass-smooth full-throttle shift point. This engine not only provides good thrust, it makes an understated but nicely throaty declaration that it means business. Its shifts are positive, authoritative, and at the same time, almost impossible to feel. Its all-independent suspension provides a smooth, impact-free ride. Unusual in a family sedan, taurus uses gas-pressurized shock absorbers, so that when it is pushed in the corners, it remains stable, nimble and ready for more. Cornered hard, its body roll is moderate, and the nicely tuned variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering delivers a steady stream of road information. Climate Control✔ Bucket Seats✔ Power Windows✔ Tachometer✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Changer✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Player✔ Aluminum Wheels
2,900 Raytown, MORaytown, MO at autoshopper.com