2013 Ford Taurus

On Sale: Spring 2012
Base Price: $27,395
Drivetrain: 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo I4/288-hp, 3.5-liter V6/365-hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6; FWD/AWD, six-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 2.0-liter turbo I4: N/A (FWD); 3.5-liter: 23 mpg (FWD), 21 mpg (AWD), 3.5-liter turbo: 20 mpg (AWD)

Having unveiled the 2013 Fusion at the Detroit auto show--hot on the heels of Frankfurt's Evos concept which heralded its styling direction--Ford had to do something to keep the Taurus from looking a tad long in the tooth. Hence this mid-cycle refresh.

The new front end gets a wider look to mitigate the sedan's tallish stance, while the rear is nicely spruced up with LED taillights bisected by a full-width chrome bar. The overall effect is zazzier, sportier and generally more pleasing to the eye. The extra-zoot SHO models also receive five-leaf cyber-clover wheels, new faux fender vents and a blackout mesh-grille treatment for a measure of menace.

Engine choices? Ford's got a few. The base engine is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo. The mid-level engine is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, while the SHO gets a 365-hp, 350-lb-ft twin-turbo six, gaining 10 hp over the previous model.

The interior sees a fairly comprehensive redo that now incorporates fabric-wrapped pillars and a new dash with touch-sensitive buttons and a revised version of MyFord Touch, guaranteed to be somewhat less frustrating and a fair bit prettier.

By: Davey G. Johnson