Topic: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO; Day 1

[Shnak]

So, what is a competitive, full size, AWD, 365hp sedan?

Using the 365hp number as a positive is flawed IMO. It only needs a big & powerful engine because the thing weighs like 5,000 pounds. Sure... it has a big impressive hp number, but I'd bet many cars with less than 300hp would outdo this behemoth in many tests.

[Erik]

4368, to be exact, from what I can see.

Which puts it right in the same weight ballpark as a similar sized Audi A8L, or the BMW 7 series X Drive. Or the Chrysler 300 AWD, for that matter.


And there is a smaller engined one available for a LOT less, if that is what you prefer.

[Spec5]

I don't think you can compare this to anything you can get from Dodge/Chrysler. Their quality and reliability is nowhere near what the new Fords are. That being said 50k is a lot for any car. I think the quality of this car is great and like someone said its vault like in its ride. Whats an M35x go for these days?!

I used to have a SHO as well and while I only had it for a few months (extremely long story) it was an awesome car. Weak tranny's for sure but then what do you expect when they use the tranny out of the Tempo/Topaz and then strap on an extra 100hp to it and the only mod they made was to put a second diff pin through it.

I love the car, I think its all growed up but for 50k I think they'll find very few buyers. So many people out there are badge snobs yet fail to realize that this thing is probalby just as fast, luxurious and quiet AND more rare. Even up here I don't give a 5 series or Lexus GS or Infinity M a second look. But I can tell you exactly where I saw the 3 new SHOs that I've seen up here. It'll be way more unique to be sure.

[Roy]

Just because it has a Ford badge on the front it seems too pricey.  

That's it in a nutshell.  People weren't willing to shell out for a VW Phaeton and people may not want to shell out this much for a Ford, although the markets between the 2 are different.  Still, if you are buying a new SEDAN in this price bracket, Ford and Chevy typically aren't players - their 'fancier' brothers at Lincoln and Caddy are the luxury competitors.

I wonder if Ford is fishing a little here to see how their name plate can hold in the entry-luxury market - or they are targeting an older market with more disposable income (read less expenses like paid mortgage and/or kids are gone) that are more loyal with Ford? (wait - aren't these the same customers you seen in the Lincoln commercials/brochures?)  I guess Chrysler and Buick flagship sedans are 'competitive' in price and share a similar market...

Like the Phaeton I admire the SHO for the vehicle that it is - the price is a not-even-step-into-the-showroom thing for me though.

[TopGun]

80% of the Taurii I've seen/noticed have been SHOs.

[Ontariodriver]

Ummm 50 Grand for A Taurus or a Bimmer........Ummm what a choice. 

[Feds]

Ummm 50 Grand for A Taurus or a Bimmer........Ummm what a choice. 

One has I-Drive, one doesn't.  Easy answer.

[TopGun]

Ummm 50 Grand for A Taurus or a Bimmer........Ummm what a choice. 

Using that same argument, why would anyone buy the 535Xi for $69,000 when they could have the 335Xi for $52,000?

[Spec5]

Ummm 50 Grand for A Taurus or a Bimmer........Ummm what a choice. 

Using that same argument, why would anyone buy the 535Xi for $69,000 when they could have the 335Xi for $52,000?

Because 5 is a higher number than 3... duuuhhhh!

[bigjohn1]

WOW, TOO PRICEY FOR A FORD!  
sorry but for the same amount of money you can get more from other better car makers ie bmw, mercedes, lexus etc

[Erik]

WOW, TOO PRICEY FOR A FORD!  
sorry but for the same amount of money you can get more from other better car makers ie bmw, mercedes, lexus etc

more what?

[bill1]

Yeah certainly the weight of this car is going to hinder its performance, but it also offers a lot of value for the money.  The resale value on that Taurus you guys are bashing is the leader in its segment according to Kelley Blue Book.  

If nothing else I think it's a statement car as to what kind of build quality and features Ford can produce in future vehicles.  Imagine the build quality of that Taurus on the re-designed Fusion/Mondeo when its due for a makeover?  

[Jaeger]

.  The resale value on that Taurus you guys are bashing is the leader in its segment according to Kelley Blue Book.  

Really?  How can a vehicle just introduced already be a resale leader?  Are people dumping them that fast?

Somehow I think Lexus and Infiniti will do a smidge better than this Ford at resale.  At least there is a track record for those.

Conversely, a used SHO might be a great buy used in a couple years.  It'll still be big and fat, but it will also be fast and cheap.

Jaeger

[johngenx]

While it looks to be a pretty interesting car, I think the SHO is out of line with Ford's current strategy.  If you're going to go head to head with a gaggle of Lexi, BMWs, and so on, you need to kick some serious ass.  The blue oval may sit on the GT and other hot cars, but against a 335xi, this car is not on the radar.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

The SHO makes up 20% of US sales of the Taurus, IIRC that's about double the expected take rate. 54% of SHO sales are conquest sales too compared to 44% for the regular Taurus. I can't see where the price is really hindering sales in the US at least.

If you want a small sporty car for $50k the Europeans and Asian makes have a number of alternatives. If you want a full sized car that can play, this is one of very few alternatives. As much as I like the Charger R/T and 300C, they aren't nearly as sophisticated as the Taurus or MKS.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

According to the NADA report, the top-10 depreciating three-year old vehicle models in calendar year 2007 were:

Make                   Model          Annual Depreciation
Jaguar                   XJ8                   25%
Mercedes-Benz       CL-Class             22%
Kia                       Rio                     22%
Audi                      A8                     21%
Lexus                    LS                     21%
Suzuki                   Verona               21%
Volvo                    C70                    20%
Hyundai                 Accent               20%
Audi                      A4                     20%
Audi                      A6                     20%

NADA

The Detroit Three have the "bad depreciation" reputation, but they didn't make the top ten according to the dealers.

[rrocket]

According to the NADA report, the top-10 depreciating three-year old vehicle models in calendar year 2007 were:

Make                   Model          Annual Depreciation
Jaguar                   XJ8                   25%
Mercedes-Benz       CL-Class             22%
Kia                       Rio                     22%
Audi                      A8                     21%
Lexus                    LS                     21%
Suzuki                   Verona               21%
Volvo                    C70                    20%
Hyundai                 Accent               20%
Audi                      A4                     20%
Audi                      A6                     20%

Wow.  A nearly 3 year old report.  Lots of good that does us!  By the way, were there many SHOs sold in 2007?   

[Sir Osis of Liver]

According to the NADA report, the top-10 depreciating three-year old vehicle models in calendar year 2007 were:

Make                   Model          Annual Depreciation
Jaguar                   XJ8                   25%
Mercedes-Benz       CL-Class             22%
Kia                       Rio                     22%
Audi                      A8                     21%
Lexus                    LS                     21%
Suzuki                   Verona               21%
Volvo                    C70                    20%
Hyundai                 Accent               20%
Audi                      A4                     20%
Audi                      A6                     20%

Wow.  A nearly 3 year old report.  Lots of good that does us!  By the way, were there many SHOs sold in 2007?   

 

[Marauderman]

I like the SHO and would most likely purchase one.  Except for the fact in Canada only one choice is available and that is loaded.  I don't want the moonroof as it takes away from much needed headroom so my head brushes the headliner.  I don't want the heated/cooled seats either.  Why won't Ford allow us to choose our options like our American cousins can on their SHO?
For those that are trashing it, take one out for a spin so I won't just call ya's ignorant.

[ArticSteve]

The Taurus is a big improvement from the previous offering although I think the name is wrong.  Taurus in the beginning was a "value" priced, mid sized, affordable to the masses, sedan.  About the same size as the current Fusion.  Now it's a big vehicle.  Should be called the Galaxie.

Be interesting to see how this new model works out.