By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
The Ford Taurus is your normal everyday sedan. One that gets you from point A to point B without any surprises or excitement. On the other hand the Taurus SHO (Super High Output) has a completely different attitude, one that immediately comes to your attention when you hit the throttle.
When the Taurus got a make over for the 1996 model year, the SHO was a late introduction. The extra development time went mainly to engine and suspension enhancements. The engine is a 3.4L, V8; one of the smallest displacement V8's in production. This little V8 produces a whopping 235 hp, a wonderful exhaust note and an unmistakable roar into the passenger compartment. The exterior of the Taurus SHO differs little from the Taurus; the SHO has added lower body side moldings, front air dam and a rear wing, all for a more aggressive look.
The evaluated Taurus had cloth seats; leather is optional. The seats are very comfortable and provide good lateral support which comes almost to shoulder height. Ergonomic design inside the Taurus is excellent. The shifter falls easily to hand, along with the radio and ventilation system controls that are easy to use. The moonroof was large and had a one touch slide open feature, though it did have a minor wind leak at excessive speeds. The factory sound system is awesome: the Mach audio system is easily comparable to any Bose-equipped vehicle I've driven.
The Taurus SHO is in the same class as the previously reviewed Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Each has good and bad points. While the Taurus is comfortable and spacious, the Grand Prix is moreso, especially in the rear seat. While both the Taurus and the Grand Prix handle extremely well, the Ford just feels better. Drivers talk about having more confidence behind the wheel, when they drive the Taurus.
Driving the Taurus is a lot of fun. The throttle is very responsive and leads to what one driver calls 'happy throttle foot.' Steering is a bit heavy, yet gives excellent feedback. There is significant torque steer when you nail the throttle from a stop light. The ride is firm, yet plush, but not over dampened. For a sport sedan it handles rough pavement well. The initial braking power is excellent but after many, consecutive, hard stops there is moderate fade. The transmission has soft upshifts that are just too mushy; Ford should at least offer a dual mode transmission; one with sport and luxury mode or an adaptive transmission. Of course, they could just offer a 5-speed manual transmission and be done with it.
Mileage ratings for the SHO are 17 mpg in the city, 26 mpg highway. During our week long evaluation of the Taurus SHO we achieved 21 mpg.
All of the power, performance and amenities come at a hefty price; our Taurus SHO base price was $26,460. Option package 211A was installed as well. It includes keyless entry, power moonroof, anti-theft system, air conditioning, Mach audio system, power heated mirrors, all for; $1,740. High performance Z rated tires and chrome rims cost $580. A trunk mounted 6 disc CD changer cost another $595. The total, as tested price, was $29,395 with destination, delivery and discounts.
Ford with the Taurus SHO has turned the normally boring daily drive into something to look forward to.