Ford Taurus

End of the Road: Ford Taurus

June 27, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

More than 2 million examples of the first-generation Ford Taurus were built.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan, once one of the most popular models in the blue oval’s arsenal. Changing consumer tastes and Ford’s reluctance to invest in an all-new model took its toll on sales. On March 1, 2019, the last Taurus rolled off of a Chicago assembly line.

Ford claims more than 8 million sales of the Taurus, spanning 34 years of near-continuous build. The very first model debuted at an auto show in 1985 and went into production later that year. Initially, the Taurus was a midsize sedan and wagon. Later, the wagon was dropped and the Taurus name was applied to a full-size sedan. That sedan competed against the likes of the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. Soon, only the Avalon will soldier on as Chevrolet also exits the segment.

Here are the highlights of Ford’s Taurus:

1. Out with the old. Ford needed a competitive midsize model and set out to build a new vehicle from scratch. The previous LTD was a warmed over Ford Fairmont, one of many models sharing a common Fox-body platform. Indeed, the Fox architecture supported a variety of models, including the Lincoln Continental and the Ford Mustang.

2. In with the new: sedan, wagon, and SHO. Up until the time of the Taurus’ debut, Ford relied on a succession of rear-wheel-drive models to power its cars. That had Ford trailing its domestic competition, which offered front-wheel-drive models for the taking. FWD was deemed superior from a roominess standpoint as it allowed manufacturers to build smaller vehicles with larger interiors. The Taurus went up against such models as the Chevrolet Celebrity and the Dodge 600. Initially, Ford introduced the Taurus in sedan and wagon configurations, then followed with a SHO (special high output) performance version beginning in 1989. The Taurus’ twin was the Mercury Sable; a larger Lincoln Continental shared a modified version of the platform.

The style of this third-generation Taurus was widely panned.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

3. Success, at last. Ford recorded a modest 200,000 units sold in the Taurus’ first year, but 2 million models over the first generation’s six-model-year run. Sales continued to climb after that, reaching 410,000 units in 1992. That year also saw the second-generation model’s release, which immediately made the Taurus the best-selling car in America. Ford would hold onto the title throughout this model’s second-generation run and with the third-generation model when it rolled out in 1996. However, beginning in 1997, the Toyota Camry wrested sales leadership from Ford, keeping the “best-selling car” title most years since.

4. The ever-popular 3.0L V6. Upon its debut, the Ford Taurus offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V6. The base engine was weak, producing just 90 horsepower to the 140 horsepower offered by the V6. The base engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 works with a four-speed automatic. The four-cylinder disappeared in early 1991. Beginning in 1988, a 3.8-liter V6 rolled out, matching the horsepower of the standard V6, but with improved torque. The SHO model had its own 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine makes 220 horsepower.

5. On to the bubble. The Taurus’ sales held strong when the third-generation model rolled out, thanks in large part to rental and fleet sales, which kept this sedan a best-seller. However, customers could not look past the rounded exterior of the new model, with sales soon falling accordingly. Still, the Taurus name had much value and fleet demand remained strong. The fourth-generation model rectified the design issues of the previous model, continuing with sedan and wagon body styles. However, the SHO was gone and the wagon would follow by the end of 2004.

6. Good-bye, Taurus. Hello, Five Hundred and Fusion. After returning to peak sales in 2000 (382,035 units sold), Taurus sales fell steadily in successive years, dropping permanently below 200,000 units in 2005. By then, Ford planned to stop making the Taurus, replacing it with the midsize Fusion, which itself rolled out in 2006. Still, Ford kept the Taurus around for two more years, selling it to fleets only for its last year. But Ford CEO Alan Mulcahy wasn’t about to let a well-known name go away. The Ford Five Hundred, produced from 2005 to 2007, and targeted to eventually replace the Ford Crown Victoria, would be renamed the Ford Taurus, beginning in 2008. Thus, although not always available to consumers, Ford managed to keep the Taurus name alive, by shifting model names and eventually making the Taurus its flagship model. Once the Crown Victoria disappeared in 2011, the Taurus became Ford’s leading model.

Ford produced a wagon variant of the Taurus through 2004.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

7. Bigly and a pursuit option. The fifth-generation Taurus covered just two years or five (2005 to 2009) when the Five Hundred is included. The sixth-generation Taurus represents a clean-sheet redesign, with a family of V6 engines motivating this sedan. All models feature standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. Initially, the engine choices included naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of a 3.5-liter V6. Beginning in 2013, a Police Interceptor Sedan based on the Taurus rolled out, offering the Taurus’s two engine choices plus a 3.7-liter V6.

8. End of the line. The proverbial “writing on the wall” for the Taurus soon became apparent as each model year passed. The Taurus remained virtually unchanged, while crossover models and trucks received updates or all-new versions. In 2018, Ford said it was exiting the car business in North America, with plans to keep the Mustang, but nothing else. The Taurus stayed in production long enough to produce tens of thousands of police vehicles, although the utility pursuit models were the biggest sellers.

So Long, Farewell

Eight million copies sold ensures the Taurus name will not be easily forgotten. In the grand scheme of things, the Taurus wasn’t an outstanding model, although its SHO variants enhanced its appeal. At some point, we’ll see the Taurus showcased at classic car events, with fans waxing nostalgic for a model popularized in the idyllic days of their youth.

The final generation Taurus was the largest one of all, taking over the
full-size slot eventually abandoned by the Crown Victoria.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

Did you know? — Production of the Ford Taurus may have ended at the Chicago Assembly Plant, but a new model exists. Designed explicitly for the Chinese market, this large sedan is available in four trims and comes with a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine. Ford builds the new Taurus in China, along with many other models.

See Also — The History of the Hyundai Tiburon

5 Cars From the 1990s We’d Soon Rather Forget

November 1, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

The 1990s brought numerous transitions to the auto industry. Carburetors gave way to fuel injectors, airbags became standard equipment, and three Japanese luxury brands began to make inroads into the American marketplace.

It was also a decade when manufacturers tested the waters with new or updated models, including five that are not only forgettable, but appear to have been beaten with an ugly stick.

“1998 Daewoo Nubira X Series” by TuRbO_J is licensed under CC BY 2.0

1. Daewoo Nubira

Remember Daewoo? Chances are you do not. The Korean automaker was a bit player in the US market, selling cars with not so memorable names as Lanos, Leganza and Nubira. Not one was even close to being a household name.

The Daewoo Nubira is forgettable for many reasons including its bland styling, the weird grille, cheap interior plastics, and its propensity to squeak and rattle. The Nubira showed up in late 1990s and disappeared a few years later. The company also went bankrupt, was taken over by GM, and is now known officially as GM Korea.

See Also — 5 Forgettable Cars From the 1980s

2. Daihatsu Charade

You would have thought that someone in Japan would have looked up the word charade in an English dictionary before marketing this vehicle abroad. Merriam-Webster describes charade as, “something that is done in order to pretend something is true when it is not really true.” At least the model name warned buyers to stay clear of this car, who understood that it did not offer the same quality levels found in other Japanese makes, namely Toyota, Nissan, and Honda.

The Daihatsu Charade was a basic economy car that was powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. A 1.4-liter four-cylinder was also available. Critics noted that the car was roomy and well-equipped, but its engine was noisy and the suspension was sloppy. The Charade was sold for five model years, with 1992 the last one as the company pulled out of the US market. In 1999 Toyota gained its now controlling interest in this small automaker.

Suzuki Vitara X-90, photo by Rudolf Stricker

3. Suzuki X-90

Three is a charm for small Japanese automakers that tend to compete for a while before fading into oblivion. Only Isuzu does not have a model that made this list, but it, too, has quit selling its cars in the United States. Suzuki’s own exit took place in 2012, an automaker that saw its demise hastened when it began to sell Daewoo products as rebadged Suzukis in the 2000s. But it was back in the 1990s when Suzuki made the unfortunate mistake of selling a shortened and two-door version of its Sidekick SUV, naming it the Suzuki X-90.

Perhaps it was the space-age name that inspired Suzuki designers to make the X-90. It was a two-door coupe-like SUV, thus its odd layout was not well received by American consumers. Squeaks, rattles, and average fit and finish were some of the problems with this model. Its peppy 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and removable glass T-Top roof were among its pluses. Low sales had Suzuki pulling this model from the market after just two years.

1991 Chrysler Imperial — “91 Chrysler Imperial” by Greg Gjerdingen is licensed under CC BY 2.0

See Also — 5 Forgettable Cars From the 1970s

4. Chrysler Imperial

From 1990 to 1993, the Imperial was the flagship of the Chrysler brand. This sedan, however, was a far cry from the models Chrysler sold in its early days when Imperial was a separate brand with its vehicles rivaling Lincoln and Cadillac.

By 1990, Chrysler had maximized its K-car platform to produce a number of vehicles including the Plymouth Reliant, the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Dodge 600. That didn’t stop Chrysler from producing yet another model, the Chrysler Imperial, for premium car buyer consumption. Its bland looks, outdated platform, and cheap interior helped make this model truly forgettable.

1996 Ford Taurus — 1996-1997 Ford Taurus photographed in Wheaton, Maryland, USA.

5. Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus was introduced in 1986 and quickly became America’s best-selling car. In 1992 it received a minor facelift and four years later a completely redesigned Taurus rolled out. Its shape was based on an oval, a look that failed to resonate with critics.

The 1996 to 1999 Ford Taurus had several upscale features including available alloy wheels and a chrome exhaust tip. When the 1996 Taurus made its debut, model sales were already on the decline. Ford kept the floor from falling out from underneath by selling more than half of all its production to fleet buyers. The Taurus name survived the calamity of the 1990s before getting a much-needed refresh in 2000.

Forgetting the Design Duds

Car manufacturers take styling risks that sometimes pay off. The Mazda RX-7, Dodge Viper, and Honda NSX were masterpieces of that decade, memorable models that help us forget the design duds.

See Also — 8 of the Worst Car Names of All Time

Blue Light Special: Ford F-150 Police Responder

August 2, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Popular Ford F-150 pickup truck spawns a pursuit variant.

The Ford Motor Company has added yet another vehicle to its police pursuit vehicle arsenal. The 2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder joins existing sedan, hybrid sedan, and utility vehicle models to give law enforcement a new tool for their consideration. The latest model is capable of speeds of up to 100 mph. Moreover and importantly, it is also wholly suited for off road use, enabling personnel to conduct chases across the toughest terrain.

2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder

2018 Ford F-150 Police Interceptor Ford claims that its special F-150 is the first pursuit-rated pickup truck; this one derived from the F-150 FX4 off-road model. Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo (EcoBoost) V6 engine making 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, the police truck comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

This SuperCrew (crew cab) truck sits on a 145-inch wheelbase based on a high-strength steel frame and features Ford’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Besides being the most powerful pursuit vehicle available, the F-150 Police Responder also claims the largest passenger volume, payload and towing capacity of any pursuit-rated police vehicle. Further, the truck has best-in-class front and rear shoulder and hip room, as well as rear legroom.

“Ford’s 2018 F-150 Police Responder is the perfect all-terrain law enforcement vehicle,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford’s police brand marketing manager. “Aside from its industry-first on-road pursuit capability, this purpose-built pickup can comfortably seat five, while providing capability in off-road patrol situations for officers in rural environments patrolled by sheriff’s departments, border patrol operations and the Department of Natural Resources.”

2018 Ford F-150 Police Interceptor

Performance Enhancements for Law Enforcement

Pursuit vehicles are always equipped with law-enforcement-specific equipment and the F-150 Police Responder does not disappoint. For starters, a number of performance enhancements, such as a police-calibrated braking system with upgraded calipers and pad friction material, come standard. Also, each model has a modified front stabilizer bar for improved braking and handling, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels set within all-terrain tires.

2018 Ford F-150 Police Interceptor The interior is upfit-ready and comes with a column shifter with center-seat delete, heavy-duty cloth front seats (with light bolstering and anti-stab plates), vinyl rear seats, and heavy-duty vinyl flooring — the better for washing out perp vomit, mud, blood, excrement, and other bodily discharges.

The truck comes equipped with a high-output 240-amp alternator for supporting on-board electrical devices, as well as a police-calibrated speedometer, and engine hour and engine idle hour meters. All models have underbody skid plates to protect the truck from curbs and rough terrain. Each truck also has a standard class IV hitch, what supplies the F-150 Police Responder with a best-in-class towing capability of 7,000 pounds.

Besides the three other police responder models, Ford offers a Special Service F-150 and Expedition, a Special Service Police Sedan and even a Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle.

2018 Ford F-150 Police Interceptor

Looking Ahead

Ford’s pursuit vehicle fold now numbers four, but the status of its Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan is in question. Through August, Ford sold just 4,824 copies (down 12.8 percent) to 19,856 Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility models (up 2.6 percent). Sales of the hybrid sedan have yet to start.

With the P.I. Utility model possessing a 4-to-1 demand edge, production of the P.I. Sedan might cease. Further, the Taurus itself is now its ninth year with no plans announced for its replacement. An all-new model has arrived in China, but it isn’t likely here. Besides, that model shares its platform with the newly released Continental.

Auto Trends expects the Taurus to have about one year of life left before it is finally canceled. That leaves three other Ford pursuit vehicle models for law enforcement come 2019. That said, if strong demand for the F-150 Police Responder follows, then additional models based on the upcoming Ranger (midsize pickup truck) and Bronco (SUV) might prove tenable for Ford.

2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder

2018 Ford F-150 Police Interceptor

See Also — Are Cars Doomed? Not So Fast!

Photos copyright the Ford Motor Company.

Are Cars Doomed? Not So Fast!

July 28, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Consumer sentiment for high-profile vehicles continues.

2015 Hyundai Azera — This large Hyundai Azera sedan won’t see the 2018 model year.

A quick scan of the automotive landscape, especially in the United States, reveals that consumers are snapping up SUVs and pickup trucks to the detriment of coupes, sedans, and wagons. Some brands, such as Buick, are selling as many as three SUVs to one car, underscoring the wholesale shift away from traditional transportation choices.

Some analysts see a permanent shift away from cars to high-profile vehicles and are essentially calling the segment dead. Indeed, just this past week we’ve heard rumors that GM may cancel two large sedans — the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS, with even a few smaller models such as the Chevrolet Sonic possibly on the chopping block. Also, it is unlikely we’ll see a new Ford Taurus and similar rumors that next-generation Fiesta won’t arrive stateside continues. Further, Fiat Chrysler has already canceled the midsize Chrysler 200 and compact Dodge Dart sedans, while Hyundai has similar plans for the large Azera sedan.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali — Small pickup trucks such as this
GMC Canyon are fueling demand.

Are cars doomed? Or are we seeing a temporary shift that may someday swing back or at least strike a balance between cars and utility vehicles/trucks? Here’s how I see things shaping up over the next several years:

1. Several car models will go away. It seems likely most of the previously mentioned models will, indeed, go away. Some have questioned the Taurus’ demise, given that it is used by police departments across the country. On closer inspection, other Ford models such as the Explorer are in greater demand, taking sales from the Taurus. Moreover, this past April, Ford announced it was bringing the Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan to the market, based on the Fusion Hybrid. It’ll be used mostly in urban settings, but it should fill the void once Taurus production ends.

2. A shrinking pie, with fewer players. Not every automaker is abandoning shrinking segments, at least not yet. The large sedan segment has seen the most significant pullback of any, with sales falling by more than one half over the past five years. Toyota is planning to bring the next generation of its large Avalon to the market next year, even as Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Ford abandon the market. This makes sense because the 2019 Avalon is based on the same platform underpinning the Toyota Camry and also shares its wheelbase with the Lexus ES Series. Avalon sales may be falling, but Toyota is poised to fill the void left with its own model. Livery owners everywhere rejoice!

Ford Fiesta ST — Rumors of the Ford Fiesta’s demise may be exaggerated.

3. Shrinking, but not dying. Not all car segments are going away. One reason large sedan sales are falling is because midsize sedans are taking up the slack. Today’s midsize models are nearly as large as the big sedans sold 15 years ago. They’re also better made, well equipped, and affordable. Doubtlessly, the D-segment pie will continue to shrink, but there is an opportunity for those who are patient. Indeed, both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are all new for 2018, while a refreshed Hyundai Sonata rolls out. Sales of such remaining models as the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Kia Optima remain strong. It is doubtful the Subaru Legacy will go away, although models such as the Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat may not receive an update anytime soon.

2016 Honda HR-V — Small SUVs such as this Honda HR-V
are siphoning sales from cars.

4. Gas prices are a driving factor. Low fuel prices have people running away from fuel-efficient models. That said, today’s utility vehicles are more efficient than ever. Still, if gas prices begin to rise, consumers may suddenly shift demand to vehicles currently in low demand. No utility vehicle delivers anywhere near the 40 mpg of a Ford Fiesta or even a Toyota Camry. Prius sales may be down, but when gas prices top $4 per gallon in some places, demand could suddenly rise. Fuel demand worldwide has eased over the past few years, but war or some sort of environmental calamity (e.g. earthquake, oil spill, meteor impact) could quickly shift demand. Those automakers with the right mix of models in place will be the winners here.

5. Consumer tastes change and without reason. Who can figure out the mind of the consumer? Focus groups, surveys, and polls may capture consumer sentiment at the moment, but they aren’t always accurate and can never gauge whims. Cars carry a certain mystique SUVs cannot match and remain the favorite of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Not so with SUVs.

2015 Chrysler 300 — The fate of such models as this Chrysler 300 is unknown.

Tapping the Market

Cars are not doomed, but some models are on life support. Certainly, SUVs are more profitable, so manufacturers go where the money easily flows. Manufacturers who hedge their bets are able to quickly pivot, especially when consumer sentiment changes — sometimes on a whim.

Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class & Toyota Avalon Pace Large Car Crash Safety Testing

July 7, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

The IIHS tests six large sedans. Three earn the institute’s highest safety grade.

2017 Lincoln Continental — Lincoln’s flagship Continental achieved the IIHS’ highest
safety rating in its first year back on the market.

The larger the vehicle the safer it is, right? Certainly, mass plays a significant role in making vehicles safer, an inescapable truth that safety cages, side-impact airbags, and rollover mitigation cannot overcome alone. Your safety, however, is also in your hands with defensive and distraction-free driving among the important factors for reducing crashes in the first place.

Six large sedans were recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an organization funded by insurance companies and related associations. Like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the IIHS routinely tests new vehicles for crashworthiness. However, IIHS testing is much more expansive, as it includes categories such as head restraints and headlight efficacy.

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

Three sedans notched the institute’s Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor. The Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Toyota Avalon finished on top. The Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala, and Ford Taurus missed the mark as each received only “acceptable” scores in small overlap front tests.

The IIHS assigns grades of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor in five crashworthiness categories: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The same grading exists in the crash avoidance & mitigation category covering front crash prevention and headlights, each with optional equipment. A grade is also assigned to child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use.

“This group of large cars includes some with stellar ratings, but our small overlap front test remains a hurdle for some vehicles,” says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer.

The Toyota Avalon joins two other large sedans in garnering a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The IIHS noted that the Lincoln Continental outfitted with an optional front crash prevention system earns a superior rating. Specifically, the 2017 Continental avoided a collision on IIHS’ test track in Virginia when traveling at speeds of 12 mph and 25 mph. The institute noted that the Continental’s forward collision warning system meets the NHTSA’s criteria.

The Continental also achieved top ratings for its optional LED projector headlights, available on the Reserve grade. The institute measures headlamp effectiveness on both straightaways and curves. On the other hand, Continentals outfitted with the standard high-intensity discharge (HID) lights earned a poor rating.

Like the Continental, the 2017 E-Class is all new. This model offers a standard front crash prevention system and an optional one — both achieved top grades in IIHS testing. Toyota’s Avalon rounded out the trio of top-performing models, achieving the award following modifications to its headlights in cars built after March 2017.

The Next Three: Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala & Ford Taurus

Finishing behind the trio of top safety recipient winners were the Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala, and the Ford Taurus.

Like the Avalon, the Tesla Model S underwent mid-model year safety upgrades, in this case to the driver’s safety belt. Unfortunately, the change wasn’t sufficient as the test dummy’s torso moved too far forward as before, allowing the dummy’s head to strike the steering wheel.

The Chevrolet Impala performed well in crash testing, but all available headlight options earned a poor rating. The Impala scored high with its front crash prevention system, however. As for the Taurus, this model also rated poor for its available headlights. Although the forward collision warning system meets the NHTSA’s criteria, it lacks automatic braking.

2015 Dodge Charger — Not all large sedans were tested, including this Dodge Charger.

Your Next Car

Auto Trends recommends car shoppers take safety ratings into consideration when shopping for a vehicle. Indeed, when evaluating any model, we rely on both IIHS and NHTSA scoring to round out our personal findings.

Of the six models tested by the IIHS, just three have passed through the Auto Trends press fleet rotation: the Lincoln Continental, Toyota Avalon, and the Chevrolet Impala.

7 Models Deserving a Mercy Killing

September 4, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

The auto industry is filled to the rafters with models and in the US alone, there are nearly 300 of them, including various permutations of the same — standard and extended wheelbase, for example.

Some models such as the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Silverado, and the Mazda 3 are golden to the manufacturer, and are so ingrained within the brand that without them each company would be in a far different place.

But there are others that wouldn’t be missed, including a few that look as if they have been beaten with an ugly stick. Yet still others may have been the right model for perhaps a season, but the market has since changed and a mercy killing is in order. Our list of seven mercy killing worthy models begins with the worst first.

1. Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi i-MiEV (copyright Wikipedia.org)

What can you say about his homely electric vehicle that hasn’t been said before? Besides having an incomprehensible model name that fortunately has been shortened simply to “i,” this electrified Mitsubishi i-MiEV hatchback has never been a gamer.

You can blame the vastly supported and more technologically advanced Nissan Leaf for making this model largely irrelevant. But that would overlook a simple point: the “i” is ugly, is loaded with cheap plastic parts, and has a short 62-mile electric-only range.

Its low $22,995 starting price and available $7,500 federal tax credit is its only appeal. And selling no more than two dozen models per month doesn’t imbue confidence in a brand that appears ready to exit the US market. In this case, maybe Mitsubishi needs a push.

2. Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass (copyright Wikipedia.org)

The Jeep Compass along with the Patriot have forever changed this quintessential American off-road brand, but not in a good way. Similar models based on the same platform that once underpinned the retired (and boring) Dodge Caliber, the Compass is the tamer looking of the two. It also looks like a toy Jeep and it certainly doesn’t behave much better.

Both models do the Jeep brand much injustice as they have the exterior visage that suggests something far more sophisticated, but aren’t able to deliver a true off-road experience. But that’s what you get when you settle for something that isn’t as rugged as the Wrangler or as refined as the Grand Cherokee. A new model to replace both is in the works and when it appears the Compass and the Patriot will mercifully cease to exist.

3. Lexus CT 200h

Attacking anything Lexus is a risky proposition as Toyota’s luxury brand routinely leads all customer satisfaction surveys. Diehard luxury enthusiasts often criticize the marque as not having the pedigree of a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz, but that hasn’t stopped shoppers from buying a Lexus. The thinking with some is, “your definition of luxury may be different than mine.” Meanwhile, Toyota is laughing all the way to the bank.

Unlike its German competitors, Lexus does not augment its fleet with fuel-saving, performance-oriented diesel models. Instead, Lexus relies on a Toyota staple — hybrids — to fill out its generous product line. It is a strategy that works most of the time, although the forgettable and very much Toyota Corolla-like HS 250h Hybrid was mercifully killed after just three years.

Lexus CT 200h

Another model that should go on the chopping block is the Lexus CT 200h. It has a Lexus face (and whether you like the spindle grille look or not is a matter for a separate conversation) plastered to a hatchback body. On closer inspection, it doesn’t take much to imagine a Corolla hatchback.

As with any Lexus, high-end materials and a high-quality build are this small hybrid’s strong suits. That advertisers say that it “eats asphalt” is terribly misleading. It simply does not. Giving this model the HS 250h treatment would go far in lifting the brand. Or now that Toyota has finally found turbo nirvana, outfitting it with a proper powertrain just might work.

4. Lincoln MKT

Lincoln MKT (copyright Wikipedia.org)

The Lincoln MKT is an example of a product that does everything to detract from a brand. Then again, others may contend that the MKT accurately portrays what Lincoln is all about — humdrum, if not ugly models that offer only a pretense of all things luxury.

Where should we start? This wagon-like crossover utility vehicle is dominated by an oversized, double-wing grille. It looks like it wants to bite. Its profile is all wagon, but the rising beltline at its rear quarter points to a jumbled mess. The wraparound rear lighting assembly only adds to the busyness, leaving people speechless or crying out in agony.

Falling sales of the MKT and for the similar, but downmarket Ford Flex may signal this model’s demise. Its available turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 may give the MKT a lot of punch, but that sole redeeming feature cannot mask a truly hideous design.

5. Dodge Grand Caravan

Dodge Grand Caravan

Minivans are now maxi-vans as they have grown in proportion through the years. The segment also peaked more than a decade ago with most families now choosing SUVs, especially crossover utility vehicles. The Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are considered the best of the lot with models from Chrysler, Kia, Dodge and Nissan somewhere further down the purchase consideration list.

The current Dodge Grand Caravan and the similar Chrysler Town & Country have been around since 2008. Both advance a boxy persona and are about as drab of a pair of minivans you can find anywhere. The current generation Town & Country has come to an end as a new model will begin production next Feb. 29 in Canada. Unfortunately, the Dodge Grand Caravan will continue “as is” through the 2017 model year before it rides off into the sunset. In our opinion, its end cannot come soon enough.

6. Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat (copyright Wikipedia.org)

Volkswagen may be the largest car manufacturer in the world, having wrested control of that honor from Toyota this year. The German automaker knows how to build cars, but the one thing they haven’t solved is the finicky and persnickety US consumer market.

Take the Volkswagen Passat….please! What could have and should have been a standout model is anything but that. Sure, it meets many of the basic requirements for the segment and adds in a diesel option where its competitors fear to tread. But its style is just not exemplary enough to interest consumers. Yes, the Passat is more like the Camry and the Honda Accord, but Volkswagen doesn’t have the stellar reputation of either manufacturer. Volkswagen needs to talk with its upscale sister, Audi, to understand the US market. It also needs to rework the Passat so that it is less passive and more aggressive in its countenance.

7. Hyundai Azera*

Hyundai Azera

The Hyundai Azera gets mentioned here, but with an asterisk by its name. That’s because there is nothing inherently wrong with this model, rather it is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Hyundai updated the Azera in 2012, following a very successful update of the midsize Sonata, and the release of two larger and more luxurious Genesis and Equus models. But it is the two models immediately below and above the Azera that are sucking the life out of this large sedan, competitor to the Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and the Nissan Maxima. Indeed, the Azera has only one more cubic feet of cabin space than the Sonata, yet costs thousands of dollars more. Further, the top end of the Azera segment meets the lower end of the Genesis sedan. These two factors likely account for the reason why sales are only about one-third the 20,000 units Hyundai thought this model could sell. In this case it would be better to kill the Azera and to concentrate on the product line winners here.

Let the Mercy Killings Begin!

Chances are the manufacturers will be slow to kill off the worst of the lot or modify the same. However, consumers not only voice their opinions, but they vote with their wallets. And that’s why all seven models featured here are selling far below the numbers that each respective manufacturer thought possible.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine unless specified otherwise.

On the Way: 2016 Ford Taurus

March 20, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

Lighter full-size sedan expected in summer 2015.

2013 Ford Taurus SHO. — The next generation Taurus will look nothing
like the current model.

Large sedans may no longer carry the status they once did, but to automakers they represent both premium and profitable models, serving retail and fleet customers alike. The Ford Taurus is one such vehicle, a model name rescued by CEO Alan Mulally soon after he took the helm in 2006. What was originally a midsize vehicle has morphed into a full-size model, replacing the aged Crown Victoria as Ford’s flagship sedan.

2016 Ford Taurus

Ford plans to keep making the Taurus and is now readying a new model in time for the 30th-anniversary edition. On Tuesday, Edmunds.com reported that an all-new Taurus is due out in the third quarter of 2015, citing an unnamed Ford source who shared some tidbits about the upcoming model.

The next-generation Ford Taurus will come in lighter than the current edition, losing the Volvo-based platform it has used for the past 10 years. The new model will be derived from the same one underpinning the Ford Fusion midsize sedan, stretched and widened to accommodate the Taurus. That move will allow Ford to share many components and hold down costs, a strategy that other automakers currently employ.

Indeed, the Chevrolet Malibu (midsize) and Chevrolet Impala (large) are derived from the same platform as are the Toyota Camry (midsize) and Toyota Avalon (large) sedans. Expect Ford to make good use of light weighting, perhaps employing an aluminum body just as they plan to do with the 2015 Ford F-150 when it is released later this year.

Engine Possibilities

The new Ford Taurus will offer standard front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive optional. Its engine line up may change with Auto Trends forecasting that the now optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will become the standard engine.

Though the displacement is small, the four-cylinder engine currently produces 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and has an output of 270 foot-pounds of torque in the 2014 Ford Taurus. And that is in the base model weighing in at 3,964 pounds. Lighten the load and you’ll get a faster sedan and improved fuel economy. That should also allow Ford to offer the four banger will all-wheel drive, something it doesn’t provide with the current edition except with the V-6.

The 2014 Taurus base engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 making 288 horsepower. An EcoBoost version (with twin turbochargers and direct injection) is sold with the Taurus SHO, making 365 horsepower. Me thinks that the Taurus SHO may retain the larger engine while the all-new 2.7-liter V-6 slated for the Ford F-150 could become the optional engine for the standard Taurus. The larger EcoBoost would also be used in the Police Interceptor sedan, which is based on the Taurus.

Transmission Direction

The transmission choices may be a bit more difficult to pin down, but a base Taurus could be paired with a six-speed automatic as currently used. Ford is also putting the finishing touches on a nine-speed automatic, what would be used elsewhere.

That transmission if optionally paired with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine should help the Taurus achieve at least 35 mpg on the highway (up from 32 mpg), tops in its segment.

With start/stop technology, light weighting and various aerodynamic adjustments such as automatically closing shutters, 25 mpg in town would be within reach. It wasn’t too long ago that compact sedans produced similar numbers.

Looking a bit further out, the Taurus might also offer a hybrid system, providing yet another way for Ford to meet ever-increasing federal fuel economy mandates.

Rising Ford Taurus Sales

Sales of the Ford Taurus increased by 4.5 percent in 2013, with 69,063 units sold. Add in sales for the Police Interceptor sedan and nearly 80,000 units rolled out of the factory door, up by more than 50 percent over 2009 reports Reuters.

Photo courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

Other News — Recalls: GM Sets the Narrative

The Five Top Selling Large Sedans of 2013

January 7, 2014 by admin 4 Comments

You need to go back at least three decades to find large sedans among the top selling models in the US auto industry. By the 1980s, midsize sedans along with minivans became the family vehicles of choice, models that were smaller, lighter, efficient and more affordable than the flagship sedans of that era.

Large Sedan Leaders

The market has changed significantly since then with most large sedans no longer contributing as many sales as they did in the past. Although the number of large sedans sold has shrunk considerably through the decades, new models from different manufacturers have helped to breathe fresh life into the segment including the following five that were top sellers for 2013.

Chevrolet Impala large sedan.

The all-new Chevrolet Impala.

1. Chevrolet Impala. Sales for the large Impala fell by 7.4 percent for the year on sales of 156,797 units delivered. Those numbers hardly tell the story, however, of a new sedan that Chevrolet brought to the market as a 2014 model last spring. Sales fell largely due to GM insisting on changing the Impalas customer makeup, concentrating on retail sales over its previous fleet emphasis earlier. Both the new and the previous generation sedan are being produced with the latter (Impala Limited available exclusively to retail customers. GM did not offer a breakdown in sales numbers, however.

2. Dodge Charger. Of the top sellers, both the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300 are the only rear-wheel drive models. Both models also offer all-wheel drive as does the Ford Taurus. Charger sales jumped by 19 percent in 2013 on 98,336 units sold. Unlike Ford, Dodge does not offer a breakdown for the number of sedans that are sold as police interceptors or for other fleet use. Thus, its hold on the No. 2 position may be due in large part to non-retail sales.

Toyota Avalon Large Sedan.

Sharply improved looks helped propel Toyota Avalon sales in 2013.

3. Toyota Avalon. Upon its debut in the mid-1990s, the Avalon wrested sales from traditional full-size sedan buyers, especially Buick owners. Still, the sedan was never a big seller largely due to its dull exterior and uninspiring drive. For 2013, Toyota remedied the Avalons deficiencies to produce a truly Lexus-like five passenger sedan for its eponymous brand. For 2013, Toyota Avalon sales rose by 140 percent, finishing with 70,990 units sold.

4. Ford Taurus.* Ford produced more large sedans than Toyota last year, but it separates its Taurus and Police Interceptor Sedans into two vehicle lines. The vehicles are the same; the purposes are different. For the Taurus, Ford sold 69,063 units, up 4.5 percent over 2012. For the police sedan, Ford sold 10,897 vehicles, up 31.1 percent for the year. In total, Ford moved 79,960 large sedans. Move Ford up to the No. 3 position and place an asterisk (*) behind it if you wish.

Chrysler 300 Large Sedan.

The luxurious interior of the Chrysler 300 sedan.

5. Chrysler 300. The Chrysler Group had a banner year, but the three-model Chrysler brand continues to find the going tough, finishing down 2 percent for the year. That loss can be attributed largely to its 300 sedan, the premium twin to the Dodge Charger. For 2012, Chrysler 300 sales came in at 57,724 units or down 18 percent. Chrysler may be losing some sales to the luxury brands as consumers look elsewhere to satisfy their buying needs.

Other Large Models

Car shoppers have several other models to choose from when considering large sedans. Hyundai produces both the Genesis and Azera, while GM also fields the Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS. The Nissan Maxima was a previous top five seller, finishing with 53,896 units sold in 2013, down 9.2 percent for the year. You can also find large sedans from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Jaguar, vehicles that typically are tallied under the luxury banner.

Tested: Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility

March 21, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

A day of test driving in Queens, NY.

The next time you’re pulled over for reckless driving, make sure
that you tell the officer you admire his new ride.

Last week, Auto Trends reported that Ford’s two new police pursuit vehicles were ready for duty. These vehicles — the Police Interceptor sedan and Police Interceptor utility — are based on the full-size Taurus sedan and the Explorer crossover SUV respectively. However, unlike its previous police pursuit offering, the Crown Victoria, both vehicles have been specially designed with law enforcement personnel in mind. Indeed, what we have here are a pair of vehicles outfitted strictly for those who have been called to “protect and serve,” two very capable models that cannot be purchased by the general public and are now showing up in police fleets across the United States and Canada.

Following our earlier article about Ford’s Crown Victoria replacements, Ford put out the invitation to drive its new cruisers. Yours truly made a one-day trip to New York at Ford’s expense, to test drive each of the new vehicles as well as the Crown Vic in the parking lot in front of Citi Field, the new home of the New York Mets. Three sections of this lot were transformed into a track course with cones and other markers strategically placed. After putting each of these vehicles through the paces I can confirm to you that the Crown Victoria replacements can handle pursuit duty and do so by offering more power, a safer and improved cabin environment within a modern design.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

My whirlwind trip started at 7:15 a.m. when I left for the airport. Exactly 12 hours later I crossed my home’s threshold, enduring extensive travel delays up and back as LaGuardia was socked in by fog and Raleigh was surrounded by thunderstorms. Our plane endured a one-hour tarmac delay before being cleared for take off. I arrived in New York more than two hours late, but was promptly picked up by a moonlighting member of New York’s bravest, a six-year veteran of the city’s fire department. On the second-floor of CitiField in a conference room, Ford officials were in the middle of a meeting with about two dozen media types from Fox News, AAA New York, Road and Track magazine and other outlets including Alex Kalogiannis of AutoKinesis. Ford engineers were on hand to answer questions before we were taken outside for our first meet up with the two Police Interceptors.

Police Pursuit Market

Up to 55,000 vehicles sold annually
Recent demand has dropped to 35,000 vehicles
Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge Ram compete
Chevrolet offers Impala, Caprice sedans & Tahoe utility
Dodge offers Charger sedan, Ram truck, Durango utility
In 2011, Crown Vic accounted for 70% of the market
Ford now has a V-6 only fleet
Ford offers all-wheel-drive standard
Fastest sedan belongs to Ford
Fastest utility belongs to Dodge
Ram 1500 is lone police-rated pickup truck

That meeting offered several highlights about these vehicles that fleet buyers will want to know. Firstly, both models share a common platform, enabling tires to be transferred from one vehicle to the other with ease. The advantage here is clear — departments can order both vehicles and will find that maintenance is virtually the same. Ford expects that demand will be about 60 percent for the sedan and 40 percent for the utility, but is prepared to serve a 50-50 split as its early orders are trending.

Secondly, all-wheel-drive is standard. Although front-wheel-drive is available, Ford expects very few orders for these models. And for good reason too — vehicle control is superior with the Police Interceptors, a fact that quickly became evident on the track. Some departments may still want front-wheel-drive, but I must tell you that after driving the all-wheel-drive models, they’ll definitely want to reconsider.

So Long, Body-on-Frame

Ford’s police pursuit vehicles are a clean departure from the Crown Victoria. Whereas the Crown Vic was rear-wheel-drive, V-8 powered and featured a body on frame design, the new vehicles are all-wheel drive, powered by a family of V-6 engines paired with six-speed police-duty automatic transmissions and featuring a unibody design. When Ford set out to build its next-generation cruisers, its police advisory board was looking for a vehicle closer in specification to the Crown Victoria. However, Ford thought that interest in a new breed of vehicles would change that mindset, and offered up several mules of the new cruiser for testing. Those test models won the heart of its police advisory board leading to the production of the new models.

All three tracks at Citi Field were clearly outlined with cones and other markers, enabling drivers to tackle each one with confidence. An initial ride and drive with an instructor was followed by two loops by each media driver, with the Crown Victoria tested first followed by the Police Interceptor utility. An initial hard acceleration was followed by a series of twists and turns, with several places to brake or ease up on the accelerator. The differences between old and new quickly became apparent as the police-tuned suspension minimized body roll, stability control helped to keep the interceptors planted and the police-spec brakes brought these cruisers to a sure stop. The Crown Vic performed well, but was outclassed by the utility and even more so by the sedan.

The second track was a repeat of the first, with the new sedan going head to head with the old sedan. The Crown Vic fishtailed slightly as we navigated the sharpest turns, the Police Interceptor stayed centered as the engine intervened to cut power. The most significant differences, however, were seen on the third track, a slalom, as the Crown Victoria labored to handle that course while the Police Interceptor sedan sailed right through it. Indeed, with the Crown Victoria, I nailed one cone with the left rear wheel, while the replacement sedan stayed on course.

Take Aways

Body dimensions and styles aside, there are several important points about each new police pursuit vehicle that law enforcement departments will recognize. Get behind the wheel of either new cruiser and the seats offer improved support with better bolstering, 6-way power adjusting and lumbar support. The Crown Vic’s seats are okay, but would likely wear on any police officer who must sit behind the wheel for a full shift. Utility belt cutouts with the new seats help too.

Other notables include adjustable pedals, a quick shifting transmission shifter, a simplified door panel, Ford Sync and a host of safety features including blind spot warning. Departments can also choose up to 17 colors, upgrade the interior and select any number of special packages. Choose the utility and Ford places a permanent divider behind the rear seat to create a secured and larger storage area. Special safety lighting is embedded with the headlamps, along the vehicles sides and in the rear. The utility model features red and blue lights on the inside of the liftgate for when the vehicle has been stopped and that door has been opened in place.

Clearly, the current crop of models on the market offer an improved selection for police departments everywhere. Carbon Motors may have a market-ready model available in two or three years, but the competition from the Big Three will be a fierce one with Ford proving that it intends to defend its presence by offering two police pursuit models that beat its previous industry leader.

Ford Taurus

Here are the highlights of Ford’s Taurus:

So Long, Farewell

1. Daewoo Nubira

2. Daihatsu Charade

3. Suzuki X-90

4. Chrysler Imperial

5. Ford Taurus

Forgetting the Design Duds

2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder

Performance Enhancements for Law Enforcement

Looking Ahead

Tapping the Market

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

The Next Three: Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala & Ford Taurus

Your Next Car

1. Mitsubishi i-MiEV

2. Jeep Compass

3. Lexus CT 200h

4. Lincoln MKT

5. Dodge Grand Caravan

6. Volkswagen Passat

7. Hyundai Azera*

Let the Mercy Killings Begin!

2016 Ford Taurus

Engine Possibilities

Transmission Direction

Rising Ford Taurus Sales

Large Sedan Leaders

Other Large Models

Related Reading

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Police Pursuit Market

So Long, Body-on-Frame

Take Aways

Further Reading