I personally think that discontinuing the Taurus was a mistake, because of the following reasons.
the Taurus is the perfect size, it has pleanty of room, yet it is a joy to drive and it is very easy on the driver. I remember that I learned to drive in my mom's Taurus.
Last time I checked, that Five Hundred and Fusion just topped the 100,000 unit mark each on their debut year. And as far as I know, 200,000+ 2006 Taurus' were sold the same year.
I know that the Five Hundred and Fusion have big shoes to fill, as the Taurus changed the american auto industry, and I know that the Taurus won awards and praise its debut year, while the Five Hundred/Fusion's trophy case seems bare.
I have thoroughly checked the Five Hundred and Fusion out, and while I do like the features and options, and valut of the cars, I would still take my Sable over both of them.