New 2008 Ford Taurus Exterior Review [ 2009 ]
Based on analysis of 29 Taurus reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Most compare the 2008 Ford Taurus' appearance to the retired Five Hundred. Reviewers agree that the Taurus has a more distinctive and attractive look.
Cars.com describes it as a "Five Hundred, after plastic surgery," adding that the Taurus "definitely has more presence than its predecessor." Several note that to create the new Taurus, Ford specifically changed the Five Hundred's front end, "which is much more interesting this year thanks to the fitment of Ford's three-bar chrome grille and sexier rectangular headlamps," Car and Driver writes.
Auto writers from Car and Driver continue to say that the new styling "speaks for itself. It gives the Taurus a much snazzier look than the minimalist black-wire mesh adorning the Five Hundred, and although there might be too much bright stuff on this car, there's no denying its improved appearance." The Detroit News calls the front "dramatic and powerful," and Autobytel says these elements "define the front fascia's crisp and modern appearance."
Summing up the majority view, Car and Driver reports that Taurus has cast off the Five Hundred's "bland exterior" that "left us yawning." However Edmunds says the Taurus is "still slightly deficient in terms of style...or all around polish" when compared with highly-ranked competitor Chrysler 300.
