Year & Two Months with 2010 Taurus SHO (Long)

[2004BlackBird]

Since taking delivery of our 2010 SHO on 3/1/10, it has proved to be a blast to drive. Despite having owned many excellent,dependable Ford vehicles over the years, we must say that driving this one is the best combination of fun, power and comfort. Yes, there is a bit of "bad" with the good though. We thought that we would share our observations with fellow Ford fans. Here they are, in no particular order. Car now has almost 14000 miles on it.

 

This car was special ordered in late December, 2009. It was ordered as a replacement for my wife's dependable 2002 Crown Vic; still bullet proof and new looking at 120,000 miles. (Amsoil and Zaino user) Wife had driven 6 Panthers in a row since the mid 80's: 4 Crown Vics, 1 Town Car and 1 Grand Marquis. (See, there were indeed people that purchaseds these cars new!) All had proved to be solid, dependable and inexpensive to maintain & own. Tires, batteries, brake pad & shocks were pretty much it. The out going Crown Vic had three repairs. Two $50 sensors and a rear window actuator, the actuator repaired under warranty. Despite the deals on left over GMs & TCs, we decided to spec out & order the Taurus SHO. Wife wanted the nav, Sync & satellite radio availability. Yes, is "wife's car" as my vehicles are a 2004 'Bird and a 2000 Excursion. Both are wonderful vehicles in their own way but not nearly as much fun to drive as the SHO.

 

Candy Red SHO was ordered "X-plan" (Ford stock holder) with almost all the available bells and whistles. Back up camera, upgraded stereo, 20" wheels to get the Michelins, rear blind, heated/cooled seats, navigation system, hole-in-the roof, auto lights & wipers, BLIS sensors, etc. Did not order the performance package but now wish we had as we could have used the upgraded brakes in the package.

 

Likes: Car is extremely eye catching in Candy Red, we still get positive comments wherever we take it. Many say things such as "can't believe Ford makes such a good looking car, etc." Power is unbelievable for a 4400 lb. vehicle. Sync voice commands, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Sirius travel link, nav package are excellent, rear shade is great here in Florida, trunk is larger than expected but somehow not as usable as CVs was. Power is smooth, quiet. This car is a solid, competent, stealth rocket for sure. It equals the acceleration of son-in-laws Bullit Mustang, without all the noise and drama. A nice touch that our name appeared on the window sticker. Also wonderful that all those gadgets work so well. Car is very comfortable on long trips, seat adjustment is almost infinite. Leg room is better than CV. 26/27 mpg is quite easily achieved on the interstate at 75 mph. On a 3000 mile trip to Pennsylvania last August the overall average was 22.8. This included many miles though the VA/WVA mountains and many times exceeded the 75 mph where mileage seems best. Use of Amsoil synthetic helps some here too.

 

Dislikes: Blind spot in rear is pretty significant. BLIS and rear camera should be standard on all Taurus models. Console takes up a lot of room in the front; this noticeable for all first time passengers who think the car appears "big"on the outside, "small"on the inside. Brakes could be bigger/better for a car with this much heft & power.

 

Observations: Car is nearly invisable in white or silver. Might be better for insurance purposes as Candy Red is eye catching, particularly for law enforcemen types. Just sayin'. Car cruises naturally, effortlessly at 80 - 85, smooth & quiet. Seems like 55 - 60. From experience, some constabulary just are not sympathetic. Also, seems to attract "boy racers" like crazy. Those who are partial to Acura's just can't seem to resist a chance to (try) to blow by a lowly Ford. At first it was amusing but it does become somewhat boring after awhile. They do seem disappointed to learn that the SHO more than holds its own with them quite well. Car could be 500 lbs. lighter but would only recommend that if retained its feel of being solid, quiet.

 

Warranty/Repair problems: One cracked plug. Car missed only occassionally, put code reader on it and said "misfire cylinder #4". Dealer of course had to confirm it with his code reader. Only issue is had to leave car overnight until they could locate a replacement plug. They had none in stock and no other 3.5 EB in stock at the time.

 

This is a tasteful, solid, competent vehicle with wonderful power. The gadgets are great, handling is superior and gas milage is pretty darn good for the power. There is no torque steer with the AWD. We really, really :D like our stealth rocket.

Edited May 3, 2011 by 2004BlackBird

[Moosetang]

Great long-term review. Thanks for posting.