Is the Ford Taurus a Worthy Choice? A 56-Year-Old’s Honest Review
As I approach retirement at 56, saying goodbye to my longtime companion—my trusty old car—was no easy decision. This vehicle will likely be my last, so I approached the selection process with extreme care. With a budget of around 250,000 RMB, I knew I had to make every penny count.
After years with a Honda CRV, I realized comfort was non-negotiable for my next ride. My children suggested luxury brands, even offering to help financially, but I’ve never been one for flashy displays. A car should serve its purpose reliably, not just impress neighbors.
The Search for the Perfect Fit
My budget placed me in an awkward position—luxury brands were accessible only at entry-level trims. I test-drove the Infiniti Q50L and Cadillac CT4, but neither resonated with my practical needs. Their limited cabin space and rear-wheel drive posed concerns, especially for winter driving safety.
Turning to mainstream brands, I explored the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord Hybrid. While competent, they still didn’t deliver the comfort and presence I sought. The breakthrough came unexpectedly while accompanying a colleague for his Ford Mondeo’s service.
Discovering the Taurus
There it was—the Ford Taurus. While its exterior shares familial traits with the Mondeo, the interior tells a completely different story. Spacious, understated, and impeccably crafted, it felt like the car had been designed specifically for my requirements. I placed a deposit that very day.
I opted for the base model with a guide price of 228,900 RMB. Thanks to a generous 17,000 RMB discount (likely due to its niche appeal), the final pre-tax price came to 211,900 RMB. With additional costs including 19,000 RMB for purchase tax and approximately 8,000 RMB for insurance, the total landed at 239,400 RMB. Exceptional value for a vehicle of this size—substantially more spacious than any luxury alternative I’d considered within budget.
Interior Excellence and Space
The Taurus embodies American luxury at its finest. Plush leather wraps nearly every surface, while soft-touch materials grace even secondary areas. The rotary gear shifter echoes Jaguar’s elegance, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin.
Where the Taurus truly shines is space. With a wheelbase stretching 2,949 mm and generous width, it dominates its class for passenger comfort. This isn’t just a car—it’s a personal sanctuary on wheels.
Final Impressions
The Ford Taurus delivers outstanding value, blending premium features with commanding presence. My only reservation lies with fuel economy; after 3,600 km, I’m averaging 11 L/100km, which feels somewhat thirsty for daily driving.
Overall, this vehicle has proven to be a wise choice for my retirement years—comfortable, spacious, and refreshingly understated. What are your thoughts on the Ford Taurus? Share your experiences below!
