2011 Ford Taurus in Chadron, NE - $8,500

With an aggressively taut exterior design and an equally compelling interior arrangement the Ford Taurus sedan features upscale design, impeccable driving dynamics and class-leading technologies. Available in SE, SEL and Limited trim levels, updates and enhancements for 2016 include: SYNC® 3 – Ford’s latest in-car connectivity technology; three new exterior colors - Shadow Black, Blue Jeans and Guard; standard rearview camera for SE; reverse sensing system and intelligent access with push button start for SEL; and standard power-adjustable pedals with memory feature for Limited. A power moonroof is also an available option for the Limited.

Standard power for the front-drive Taurus is generated by Ford’s proven Duratec 3.5L V-6 prime mover bolted to the 6F50 six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The advanced 2.0L EcoBoost turbo-charged four-cylinder engine is an available option. The EcoBoost prime mover is joined to a 6F35 six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also available.

To match its athletic looks, the Taurus features sporty driving dynamics. Chassis and suspension components are tuned to deliver on the sporty and aggressive design with optimized roll stiffness for cornering control, responsive steering with sharp turn-in and precision accuracy. This chassis tuning of the MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension reflects Ford Global DNA, defined by responsive steering and handling, while maintaining a comfortable ride quality.

The Taurus sedan also features a SR1 suspension configuration. Named for its “one-to-one” rear shock absorber ratio, it provides a superior balance between cornering and handling while providing a stable baseline for fine tuning. SR1 enables the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels – and reduces vehicle weight, saving fuel.

Inside the cabin, a forward-leaning center stack – home to the climate controls, audio components and available navigation screen – flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console. The smart design allows for the interior to be formed with unbroken lines to impart seamless quality and craftsmanship.

The door panels employ an innovative urethane tooling process providing unique texture and identity to surfaces, with visible stitching and a hand crafted appeal. This same process allows for door panel two-toning, enabling model series differentiation.
The new Taurus’ precision craftsmanship is reflected in the quality of materials used in the interior as well as the exterior panel margins, which are comparable to costly German luxury sedans.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 112.0; overall length: 202.9; width: 76.2; height: 60.7
All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 3.5L V6 – 288 hp at 6,500 rpm and 254 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 2.0L EcoBoost turbo-charged four-cylinder – 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 270 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed SelectShift automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 3.5L V6 - 18 city/27 hwy. (FWD); 17 city/24 hwy. (AWD); 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder – 20 city/29 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 20.1 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, curve control, torque vectoring control, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, rollover protection sensors, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, My Key system, rearview camera, SecuriLock theft deterrent system, traction control, and Advance Trac electronic stability control system. SEL adds perimeter alarm system and reverse sensing system. Limited adds SYNC communications system, and universal garage door opener.
Optional safety features include: Intelligent Access with push button start, power adjustable pedals, automatic high beam/rain sensing windshield wipers, BLIS blind spot information system with Cross Traffic Alert, lane-keeping system, active park assist, navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and PowerCode remote engine start.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Ford Taurus starts at $27,110 for SE, $29,540 for SEL and $34, 460 for Limited. Destination charges add $895.