Ford Taurus

The 2013 freshening brought variable cam timing to the 3.5-liter V6 for improved performance and better fuel economy. An optional 240-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is offered as well. On the safety front, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, Active Park Assist and backup sensors are all available. Still though, while we appreciate the quiet interior and comfortable ride, cramped interior accommodations and poor outward visibility continue to plague Ford's family sedan. The higher-performance SHO model has standard all-wheel drive, and its 365-hp, turbocharged V6 makes it quick, but it isn't an engaging car to drive.

The car's basic platform was reworked for 2010, but the attempt to make Taurus more stylish and upscale in feel and appearance doesn't quite translate. While interior quality and curb appeal are improved, practicality takes a nosedive, with a cramped interior and poor driver visibility. Some of this could be forgiven if the Taurus was rewarding to drive, but that's not the case either. It feels like a big car and comes up short on agility. While the cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth, this version of the Taurus is outdated and outclassed. As a result, the model's overall test score is below our threshold for recommendation.