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The Ford Fusion has been a huge hit, the No. 1-selling domestic car in 2009 thanks to distinctive features, smart technology and exceptional quality and satisfaction ratings. And, since Fusion offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model that’s America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, a Sport version and a selection of gas-powered engines paired wîth six-speed transmissions – there’s no reason for midsize sedan shoppers to look anywhere else. Fresh off its record-breaking 2010 run, Fusion enters the 2011 model year wîth even more safety, technology and convenience offerings, including MyKey, available rain-sensing wipers and HD Radio. Integrated blind-spot mirrors have been added to cars without the optional Blind Spot

Information System (BLIS®), and the award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and infotainment system can now be integrated wîth the available touch-screen voice-activated navigation system. New equipment groups include an available Luxury Package wîth either a Ginger or Charcoal Black interior environment. Both envelop the driver in premium leather trim wîth contrast stitching, unique dash and center stack finishes, machined aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills. An available Comfort Package adds driver and passenger heated seats, ambient lighting, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control and heated mirrors wîth puddle lamps.

Price: $19,695 – 28,505.
Invoice: $18,455 – 26,185.

Design

Fusion’s exterior design gives the car a sporty, upscale appearance along wîth aerodynamics that help reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy. The car’s front end sports a powerfully domed hood and aggressive grille, while underbody treatments further boost Fusion’s fuel economy. Overall, Fusion is designed to appeal to customers eager for a fun-to-drive midsize sedan. With all models, the interior design team created a contemporary, technical look wîth metallic finishes on the instrument panel that carry through on the center console, doors and §teering wheel. The instrument panel is finished wîth a soft upper and lower skin, and instrument panel displays and switches glow wîth a contemporary ice blue lighting.

A leather-wrapped §teering wheel, shifter, and wrapped and padded armrests increase Fusion’s sportiness and comfort at all key driver touchpoints. The seats offer ample side support along wîth contrast stitching and leather inserts on select models. The gauge cluster has been designed wîth daytime backlighting, a black lens, and 3D elements to create a high-tech jewel-like appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers are greeted by a ‘welcome’ sequence that makes the Fusion seem as if it’s coming to life. Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and chimes come on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cup holders.

Powertrain

The Fusion 2.5-liter I-4 engine offers an EPA-estimated 34 mpg highway wîth 175 horsepower and 172 ft.-lb. of torque. Also available is the proven Duratec® 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 240 horsepower and 222 ft.-lb. of torque, along wîth flex-fuel capability. Úsing E85 ethanol, the 3.0-liter V-6 can produce up to 250 horsepower. For maximum performance, the Fusion Sport features a 3.5-liter V-6 that has 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque delivered wîth regular unleaded fuel.

The 2011 Fusion features an all six-speed transmission lineup, including an available six-speed manual or automatic transmission backing the I-4 engine. New this year, I-4 automatic models are available wîth SelectShift manual gear control via a gear selector up/down button. Front-wheel drive and on-demand all-wheel drive are available on Fusion models wîth a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and wîth the Fusion Sport 3.5-liter engine. Both V-6 engines come standard wîth SelectShift for individual gear control. The versatility in the powertrain systems creates a wide range of options designed to fit every need.

Suspension and Dynamics

The 2011 Fusion is equipped wîth Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), improving the driving dynamics while delivering fuel savings since the §teering system is operated by the electrical system rather than the engine. Additionally, EPAS provides customers wîth precise §teering feel and minimal low-speed effort that makes parking a cinch.

Fusion’s front anti-roll bar and rear suspension link geometry help ensure confident §teering, handling and ride. The suspension elements have been tuned to take full advantage of EPAS. Complementing Fusion’s §teering, handling and brake feel, wind noise and road noise control help make the cockpit a relaxing, pleasant environment in which to spend time. An acoustic windshield, thick front door glass, inner and outer dash absorbers, revised sealing baffles and interior headliner absorption materials each aid overall sound level and quality.

Driving Enthusiasts

Though the 2011 Ford Fusion caters to buyers seeking a fun-to-drive midsize car, Ford also wanted to offer something for serious driving enthusiasts. With its even sportier look, larger, more powerful engine, aggressive 18-inch wheels and upgraded suspension tuning, the new 2011 Ford Fusion Sport is a dynamic addition to the lineup. The 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission wîth SelectShift. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available. The sport-tuned air intake system provides an assertive growl that complements the driving experience.

For 2011, Ford Fusion Sport also features a unique lower grille for a functional look, large beveled bright-tip dual exhausts, side rocker moldings, a decklid spoiler and unique Sport badging. Eighteen-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard. The interior reflects the car’s enthusiast nature as well. Fusion Sport includes a Charcoal Black interior wîth a high-tech soft-touch dark gray finish available. Sport Blue or Sport Red interior accents are also available, depending on exterior color selected, which carries over to the seat inserts and contrast stitching.

Hybrid Model

The popular Fusion Hybrid uses a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver an optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The propulsion system transitions between gas and electric power efficiently and seamlessly. Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is more than 700 miles. Ford also offers drivers a way to be connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to SmartGauge™ wîth EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach owners to optimize performance of their hybrid.

SmartGauge wîth EcoGuide features two high-resolution, full-color LCD screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles per gallon. EcoGuide uses a multilayered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the Hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower. Technical enthusiasts love the detailed gauges that will help them learn to become more efficient in their driving. Everyday drivers love the system’s efficiency leaves, a feature that ‘grows’ leaves and vines on-screen to reward customers for efficient driving.

The all-new Explorer will deliver today’s SÚV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of,’ said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. ‘We’re proud to introduce the new Explorer to customers and fans around the world today and pleased to begin a whole new era that blends strong SÚV fuel economy and performance. The all-new Explorer launches today to its Facebook friends in a unique social media initiative, followed by reveal events throughout the Ú.S. and Canada.

Price: $28,195 – 39,195.
Invoice: $26,735 – 36,460.

Fuel economy and Performance

The new Explorer simply does everything well,’ said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. ‘It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It’s the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability – and three rows of seating – wîth amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families wîth a sense of adventure. The 2011 Explorer wîth V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SÚV fuel efficiency. When equipped wîth the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland said the team targeted two key objectives when developing the 2011 Ford Explorer. It had to look modern and contemporary – inside and out – yet be instantly recognizable as an Explorer,’ said Holland. ‘Next, the new Explorer needed to deliver the fuel economy today’s customers want, combined wîth the performance, capability and empowerment they expect from an SÚV. Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency wîth each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer wîth significantly improved fuel economy:

•Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
•Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
•Six-speed automatic transmissions
•Electric power-assisted §teering (EPAS) to significantly reduce parasitic power loss
•Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
•Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
•Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
•Slippery aerodynamics wîth harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler
Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus previous models.

Explorer’s available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SÚV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer’s standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive wîth a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model. Explorer’s variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy benefit wîth less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.

Each Explorer engine is paired wîth a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising. Explorer V6 models are available wîth an intelligent 4WD system that adds terrain management. Situation-selectable, this powertrain advancement takes the guesswork out of 4WD range choice. A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the proper setting among snow, sand, mud and normal modes. This system also includes a hill descent mode. Simpler and more convenient for SÚV veterans, the system will be a confidence-builder for drivers new to the §egmènt.

Craftsmanship and Quietness

In addition to its clean, modern design inside and out, Explorer aims to please SÚV shoppers wîth a thoughtful, flexible interior package that abounds wîth clever storage capacity. The new SÚV features more head and shoulder room, three rows of flexible seating, and room for everything families want to take along on their adventures. The Explorer design – inside and out – is executed wîth world-class craftsmanship. Tight margin gaps are just one indication of the immense attention to detail applied to craftsmanship across the spectrum, from design to engineering to manufacturing.

The Chicago facility where Explorer will be produced raised the bar on initial quality measures wîth the recent Taurus launch, which is good news for customers. Crafting a high-quality vehicle is like preparing a gourmet meal,’ said Peter Bejin, craftsmanship supervisor. ‘You start wîth high-quality ingredients, execute your recipe wîth flawless preparation and finally, present it wîth flair and panache.

Quietness – another profound advancement in the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer – also will signal quality to customers. The team enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control for the all-new Explorer using an advanced technology called NoiseVision. A ball wîth hundreds of tiny cameras and microphones, NoiseVision allows engineers to pinpoint and address potential noise issues earlier in the development process. Explorer is expected to be superior to in-§egmènt competitors and rival premium SÚVs in quietness and NVH control.

Safety

The all-new Explorer targets top safety ratings wîth a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety innovation – the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts. Rear seat passengers – often children or mature passengers – can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries.

Ford’s unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.From the boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer’s rigid body structure is designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash, these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a safety cage of strength.

For 2011, the Ford Expedition gains a new entry-level XL model and loses the long-running Eddie Bauer edition. The available rear-seat video system gets dual headrest-mounted screens, and models equipped with the hands-free Sync system get a complimentary three-year subscription to the new Traffic, Directions and Information service.

Price: $35,595 – 51,695.
Invoice: $33,395 – 48,045.

Introduction

The one-two punch of soaring gas prices and social stigma has convinced an awful lot of folks who jumped on the SUV bandwagon during the past decade that they don’t really need to be driving a big honkin’ truck after all. But for the holdouts or those people who truly need lots of towing and hauling capacity, there’s the 2011 Ford Expedition. Actually there are two versions of Ford’s flagship sport-utility vehicle: the regular Expedition and the long-wheelbase Expedition EL. Both come with the big V8 engine, hefty towing capacity and supersized eight-passenger interior that buyers expect in a full-size SUV. The biggest difference between the two is the EL version’s significantly larger cargo hold.

Among its more civilized strengths, the Expedition counts supple ride quality, relatively confident handling and comfortable seating in all three rows. The ride and handling are no doubt largely attributable to the independent rear suspension — a rarity in the large-SUV segment. Also notable is how easy it is to stow and raise the third-row seats. In competitors like the Chevy Tahoe, this operation is downright back-breaking. Of course, there are some downsides, the most significant of which is the modestly powered V8. The Toyota Sequoia, in comparison, can pack considerably more punch, while the Chevrolet Tahoe boasts a more comfortable ride. Even so, the 2011 Ford Expedition is a well-rounded vehicle with enough good qualities that it deserves consideration from buyers who really do need the capability that only a full-size SUV can deliver.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The 2011 Ford Expedition is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that’s offered in four trim levels: base XL, midrange XLT, upscale Limited and top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. Buyers can also opt for the extended-wheelbase Expedition EL, which adds 15 inches of overall length.

The new entry-level XL model comes standard with seating for five (or eight in the third-row-equipped EL), 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the EL), automatic headlights, foglights, a roof rack, running boards, air-conditioning (with rear controls), cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, full power accessories and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and rear audio controls. Upgrading to the XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a third-row seat to regular-wheelbase versions, plus a reverse-sensing system, power-adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, the voice-operated Sync system and an upgraded stereo with satellite radio and steering-wheel-mounted controls.

The Limited trim level goes a few steps further with 20-inch polished alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, a power liftgate, a back-up camera (with its display built into the rearview mirror), rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic temperature control, perforated leather seats (heated and ventilated up front, heated in the second row), a wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power-folding third-row seat, a 110-volt household style power outlet and a standard heavy-duty towing package. Finally, there’s the King Ranch edition, which is similar to the Limited, but sports special two-tone paint, 20-inch painted alloy wheels, upgraded “Chaparral” leather upholstery and wood trim.

Many of the niceties found on upper trim levels can also be had as options on the less expensive models. Other major add-ons, depending on trim level, include 20-inch alloy wheels, a load-leveling rear air suspension, a manually folding third-row seat for the regular-wheelbase XL (which increases seating capacity to eight), second-row captain’s chairs (which reduce the maximum passenger count to seven), a sunroof and a new rear-seat video entertainment system that features two headrest-mounted screens. A touchscreen navigation system, available on all but the XL trim level, includes the Sirius Travel Link service, which provides information on traffic, weather, sports, movie listings and local fuel prices.

Interior Design and Special Features

A large part of the 2011 Ford Expedition’s appeal has to do with its passenger cabin, which can be fitted with a variety of seating options to comfortably accommodate five, seven or eight passengers. The standard second-row bench seat features reclining seatbacks and is split 40/20/40, which allows the center portion to slide forward to put young children within easy reach. Second-row bucket seats are an option on all but the entry-level XL models. Also notable is the third-row seat, which can be folded down by a simple release mechanism or by pressing the power-folding button that’s standard on upper trim levels. By contrast, you must physically remove the Tahoe’s heavy third row.

Both Expedition body styles offer generous cargo room behind that third row, including an ample 18.6 cubic feet in regular-wheelbase models and a whopping 42.6 cubic feet in the EL version. Drop both the second- and third-row seats down and you have a cargo hold that’s downright cavernous, with 108 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the standard model and just over 130 cubic feet in the extended-wheelbase EL. The Expedition’s interior design is generally attractive, though some people might find the dash’s array of buttons confusing. Some low-quality interior materials also disappoint, particularly when you’ve paid the extra money for a premium trim level like the top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. Of all the Expedition’s available bells and whistles, the voice-operated Sync system — which, among other services, allows you to control your cell phone and MP3 player without removing your hands from the steering wheel — is a standout.

Powertrains and Performance

All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A standard six-speed automatic transmission channels power to the rear wheels by default, but buyers can opt for a four-wheel-drive layout with a dual-range transfer case for optimal low-speed off-roading. The last Expedition we tested (it produced 10 hp less than the current model) accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, a below-average time for this segment. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds.

Fuel economy is about average for a full-size SUV, with the EPA estimating 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg in combined driving for a 2WD Expedition. EPA estimates for 4WD versions drop to 12/17/14 mpg.

Driving Impressions

There’s no denying that the 2011 Ford Expedition — all 17-plus feet and more than 5,500 pounds of it — is one heck of a big truck. Oddly enough, though, it doesn’t really feel like it from behind the steering wheel. Much of the credit goes to the fully independent rear suspension, which is a rarity in a full-size SUV. The ride quality is good overall, though some competitors feel a bit smoother on the highway. Relatively precise and responsive steering also makes the Expedition more nimble than you’d expect.

The 5.4-liter V8 under the hood is sufficient for everyday driving, but performance suffers when you’ve packed up the Expedition with full load of passengers and cargo and/or towing a trailer. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and produces quick shifts, but it has some trouble finding the right gear in certain situations.

Safety

The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a rollover-sensing stability control system, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Ford’s programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify speed limits and stereo volumes for their teenage drivers, is also standard. All models are also equipped with Trailer Sway Control, which uses the existing stability control sensors to detect trailer sway, then applies precise braking and throttle adjustments to assist in bringing both the vehicle and the trailer under control. In government crash testing, the Ford Expedition received a five-star rating (the best possible) for frontal and side-impact protection for driver and passengers.

The 2009 Ford Taurus X receives only minor changes. Taurus X is essentially a wagon version of the Ford Taurus sedan. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available in SEL, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trims. The sole powertrain teams a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 2000 lb.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system and DVD entertainment are optional. Also available is Ford’s Sync, a voice-activated interface for cell phones and digital music players. Eddie Bauer editions have standard 18-inch wheels.

Seating for six is standard with 2nd-row buckets. A 2nd-row bench seat is a no-cost option and brings total passenger capacity to seven. The 2nd-row bucket seats can flip and fold with one touch. Newly available is Ford’s SOS Post-Crash Alert system, which flashes the turn signal lamps and honks the horn to alert first responders to the vehicle’s location.

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect van is making its North American debut. Based on a design sold in several worldwide markets, Transit Connect can seat 2, 4, or 5 passengers. It has minivan-like sliding rear-side doors and two rear “barn doors” similar to a commercial van. Transit Connect is front-wheel drive and comes in XL and XLT trim levels.

The sole powertrain teams a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags. Some of the commercial-friendly features on the Transit Connect include an in-dash computer with Internet access and available printer, a tool-inventory system, and a vehicle-tracking device for fleet users.

The Ford Transit Connect will certainly stand alone. It has the face of a Ford sedan with Fusion-like headlights, but behind that the large windshield rises to meet a high roof that extends over the cargo area. Sliding doors on each side can be all steel or fitted with glass panels, the rear doors open to 270 degrees, and the overall footprint is similar to that of a small car. The interior of the models on display at the Chicago Auto Show were rather drab (perfect for a business van), with hard yet seemingly durable plastics and basic manually-adjusted bucket seats.

The 2011 Ford Taurus is largely unchanged following its model-year 2010 freshening. This large sedan comes in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, all with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered on the SEL and Limited. All are powered by a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance Taurus SHO has Ford’s “EcoBoost” turbocharged 365-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and AWD.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Blind-spot alert is also offered, along with Ford’s Cross Traffic Alert, which is designed to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. SOS Post-Crash Alert unlocks the doors, sounds the horn and activates the emergency flashers in the event of an air bag deployment. Among the available features are leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear-obstacle detection, a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and Ford’s Sync voice-activated control interface.

A rearview camera is newly standard on the Limited. MyKey allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. A capless fuel filler is standard and keyless access/engine start are available. SHO models have specific steering, suspension tuning, and brakes. A SHO-exclusive Performance Package includes uprated brakes and 20-inch summer-only tires.

The 2010 Ford Taurus X is a crossover SUV with three rows of seating. There are three trim levels: SEL, Eddie Bauer and Limited. The default seating capacity is six, with second-row captain’s chairs and a two-person split-folding third-row bench, but an optional second-row split bench seat increases capacity to seven on any trim.

The SEL comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver seat, an in-dash CD changer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, full power accessories, cruise control and a trip computer.

More impressive are the Taurus X’s perfect five-star scores in all front- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Taurus X also received the top rating of “Good” in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

Opting for the Freestyle Eddie Bauer earns you 18-inch wheels, two-tone leather upholstery in the first and second rows (vinyl for the third), wood grain interior trim, the Sync MP3 player and cell phone integration system, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic climate control. Power adjustments for both front seats (with memory for the driver), power-adjustable pedals, a two-tier center console and a six-CD changer with MP3 compatibility also come with the Eddie Bauer. Finally, the Freestyle Limited adds front-seat heaters, a second-row center console (on six-passenger models), a premium Audiophile stereo, reverse park assist and a cargo net.

The 2010 Ford Taurus X is equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. It also features the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, which honks the horn and turns the flashers on in the event of airbag deployment.

More impressive are the Taurus X’s perfect five-star scores in all front- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Taurus X also received the top rating of “Good” in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

The 2010 Ford Taurus X is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 making 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A conventional six-speed automatic routes this power to the front wheels, with AWD optional. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model, while the AWD version comes in at 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

The Taurus X’s cabin is enjoyable and spacious, especially for first- and second-row passengers. Adults in the third row will still enjoy adequate head- and legroom, a rarity in non-minivans. The Taurus X’s low step-in height and optional button-activated flip-and-fold second-row seats make the third-row easy to access.

The Limited’s leather upholstery looks and feels good to the touch. A deep 16-cubic-foot cargo well behind the third row provides ample carrying capacity, even with all seats upright. For more room, the second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor, expanding capacity to 85 cubic feet.