31 Votes

The New Taurus Is Great, But $46 Grand For A Loaded SHO! Too Much For A Good Thing?

Agent001 submitted on 10/13/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:12:31 AM

53 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

I can't tell you what a MAJOR step forward the new Taurus is for Ford.

After the '500' disaster, they have really come back with a vengeance with this bold, sharp, design.

But when I was on eBay today my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw the window sticker for a loaded SHO.

$45,875!

That is a LOT of F'n money for a Taurus, no matter HOW good it looks.

So it begs the question...

WHY, would they price it so high when they desperately need volume sales in this market?

Do you think the car is worth the money and in your opinion are they making a mistake pricing it that high?

Our does the high price totally change the image of the car?

Share your opinions with us in detail and let us know if YOU were going to price it, what would the range (strippie to loaded) be?

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The New Taurus Is Great, But $46 Grand For A Loaded SHO! Too Much For A Good Thing?

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FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

If it had a bmw logo on it and came with what the loaded sho has, wouldn't it be too much? I say no.
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:24:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

Yes, but it would never drive like something with a BMW logo so whats your point?

The BMW logo was not invented in one day, but built on years of automotive excellence.

Ford logo has to pay for years of mediocrity.
— rumnyc (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:30:03 AM | | Votes: 11

Volume sales may not be the SHO, or even, loaded Taurus models. I would bet that they'll sale more of the trim levels b/c the standard 3.5L Duratec is a pretty descent engine to start with. As the SHO starts at $38k, most people are not going to be able (or want) to pay that much for the new Taurus just yet.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:48:45 AM | | Votes: 2

righhtt... cause the majority of bmw's sell on their magic feel alone *eyesroll*
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:25:18 AM | | Votes: -2

"The core BMW traits are all there: slot-car steering response, implacable structural rigidity, sublime balance. See your path through a corner, and the BMW nails it with a wrist flick. It doesn't clomp, it doesn't float, its throttle doesn't surge or cause the driveline to buck. It doesn't force you to wrestle with mushy controls or negotiate with bionic brains. It just makes every road your personal pavement playpen." - Car and Driver review of the 2006 BMW 330i

"Even without the optional adjustable electronic dampers, our M3 test car displayed a better ride-and-handling compromise than either the 911 or the GT-R. Handling, both on the track and public roads, matched the GT-R in our individual scoring. But the M3 goes about its business differently. The GT-R steamrolls the tarmac into submission in an eerie sort of way; the M3 allows the driver to use the car as an instrument. Not many cars can play the road—the car world has more fakers than a middle-school band concert." - Car and Driver comparison of the BMW M3, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Turbo

"What are the key elements of automotive perfection? From our perspective, the list of qualifications includes eager responses, supple ride quality, smooth power, supportive seats, athletic proportions with limited front overhang, attractive styling with familial features that endure through the generations, a car that is always entertaining to drive.

"For us, the sum of those attributes is epitomized by the BMW 3-series. Not only is this true for 2009, the addition has been coming out the same way now for 18 years: a string of consecutive 10Best Cars appearances that’s unique in the 27-year history of these awards." - Car and Driver's 2009 10 Best Cars list

"BMW has again dominated the 2007 International Engine of the Year Awards, with its new 3.0 liter inline-six twin-turbo engine from the 335i and 5.0 liter V10 from the M5 and M6 winning top praise. BMW dominated more than half of the awards."

http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmw-straight-six-v10-sweep-engine-awards.html

— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:06:22 AM | | Votes: -4

Thanks for the quotes, but I am talking about everyday people who drive these cars not auto enthusiasts/car magazine critics.
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:53:54 AM | | Votes: 3

Joe, the point is that at least BMW has a storied history of CONSISTENTLY providing a superior driving experience, the Taurus never has let alone ANY Ford for that matter.
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:24:31 PM | | Votes: 1

I don't think it really matters how the old Taurus handled on the road. How does this new Taurus SHO stack up to the competition today? Probably fairly well.

The new Taurus indicates that Ford is now willing to take chances on modern designs instead of hiding behind "plain-jane" exteriors. I will admit, though modern, most of Ford's newest vehicles still have that "Ford-look" that says something about it is cheap. This new Taurus his a bit less of that "cheap" look.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:56:47 PM | | Votes: 0

Joe you forgot where you are!
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:48:42 PM | | Votes: 2

Not even close.
— veyron1001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:29:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

American made cars: Made cheap, 0 reliability, 0 appeal, 0 quality, and cost more than its foreign competitors. Now, why buy American cars when the American companies ripped us apart and they're STILL producing the same junk that got them into the situation they're in today. Taurus SHO should cost ONLY $25k with all options in it.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:14:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

They are not 0 reliability yum yum, and if you had any clue about how much steal costs these days, and expensive twin turbo's, plumbing and inter-coolers, this car is also not made cheap. In fact if you look at consumer reports MANY fords Exceed the reliability of every Mercedes not recommended! In fact Consumer reports recomends no mercedes, none zero, zip! Why is that? hmmmm
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:56:43 AM | | Votes: 4

Ford 500= Attempt to cater to Baby Boomers and their conspiracy to turn everything into retro Malt Shop Make out at 16 and 30 dancing at the Discotechque Sedans. Cars with 75 Billion tons of Chrome, no pickup, and get 2 MPG.

They were the classics though they should get respect, RIGHT!!!!

No Yeah Fu-king right.

Its your faults you and you Decadent sedans did this to your Children's and grndchildren's environment.

Baby Boomer Bastards.

Back to the SHO:

KIA has a sedan with this level of equippment and power in development, and will hit the streets in 2011. It damm sure wont cost $46K though.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:38:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10

just remember, this clown is a social worker. Scary huh?
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:52:12 AM | | Votes: 6

MMM I got me a car it's as big as a wale ;) We like Chrome and v8 engines and last time I checked Hyundai is bringing on some nice bling on its V8 Genesis sedan honey. ;)
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:05:30 AM | | Votes: 0

Ford Taurus SHO. Technology that has most car companies wondering what the hell, why didn't we do this.Twin Turbo Direct Injection V6 365 HP (the engine alone has garnered 120 different patens) , 390 watt /Sony surround w/ 12 speakers. Voice Activated Nav, 10GB Hard drive, Heated and Cooling seats, power rear, aluminum trim, (not plastic covered to look like chrome) sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, radar based blind spot information system, Adaptive Cruise control, increased acoustic insulation, AWD.

Now it is totally ignorant to think a car with this much technology, that just years ago, an average Taurus would not even come close to have, now offers leading technology that its direct competitors, at this time, not dreaming somewhere in the future, doesn't even come close to. Ford has taken the lead in so many areas with the Taurus and isn't looking back. The problem is , Ford should have taken care of its products in the past. True the Taurus has a lot to live up to when comparing to its competition, but its putting out the goods. Give credit where its due. Is it worth $46K loaded? Depends who is purchasing it. For some, a Mitsusbishi EVO MR is worth loaded north of $49K.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 5:01:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

by all accounts the SHO is a great car, but $40k+ is just too much for a Ford. if it was around $35 fully loaded they would have a different situation on their hands.

Can you imagine the depreciation owners will experience on a $45k Taurus?
— freeagent (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 5:44:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

this thing will top out at about $28k max next year.
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:54:14 AM | | Votes: -2

Well how about a loaded BMW 7 Series after 3 years worth less than half for an S Series devalued almost as much. Why harping on the value of this car before it even makes it out in the real world.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:28:07 AM | | Votes: 4

again, you consistently miss the point: ALL luxury flagship sedans take a considerable hit simply because of the fact that they price out well north of $75k. We're talking about a car that is almost HALF that and will lose probably 30-35% in less than one year. Do you really want to sit here and tell me that someone buying a Ford costing almost $18k more than its last iteration many moons ago (because the company long lost its way), is gonna be happy knowing that a $45k investment will be worth approx. $27k in only a YEAR??

Wow, just....wow.
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:32:56 PM | | Votes: -2

When you've got Hyundai selling a $40k plus sedan with aspirations to compete directly with Lexus, a $45k Ford isn't very surprising.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:14:33 PM | | Votes: 3

I think everyone is forgetting that to compete with what the Japanese and Europeans have put forward, the US has to price their cars comprably.

And while the car rolling off the line might be comparable to the foreign automakers there is an automatic surcharge added to every domestic vehicle. Its called the Union Tax.

This car (sans the Unions fee for all Detroit vehicles) would end up under cutting its foreign competitors by a bunch. Unfortunatly it can't do that...especially in this economy.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 8:30:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Your an idiot... do some research and you will find that most of your Lexuses, BMW's and Porchese are Union made.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 12:01:09 PM | | Votes: 0

I was wondering if you would show up.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:39:20 PM | | Votes: 1

I dont see any appeal in the exterior styling of the new Taurus. Althought the specs are great, for that price, There are a lot of cars I would consider over this one including a Genesis or a Fully loaded Maxima. Also, I could get a fully loaded G37 or base M37.
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:07:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

That seems like alot of money but considering the fact there honestly isnt really another car that you can get with that much power in a full size car without paying thousands more it just depends on how your looking at it. The Avalon, CC, and Maxima all either go over 40 grand or either loaded are right at $40 grand its hard not to argue that its alot car for the money. If the Taurus was fully optioned and was maybe a high 30 to a low 40 grand it would be just as much as these cars. The G37 wouldnt really be an alternative to a car thats bigger than a Q45, and neither would anything else in Infinitis lineup.
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:15:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

If I needed that much room, I would get an X5 5.0 used.
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 12:08:48 PM | | Votes: -2

This will be a great car to buy Pre-Owned a year from now for $30,000
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:25:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

No way it'll go for $30k a year from now. Maybe $25k.
— Hantra (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:51:50 AM | | Votes: 0

Is any Lincoln even worth $46K?
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 9:42:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I actually was thinking about this two weeks ago and did the price comparison...you would be surprised.

A fully loaded comprable Lincoln costs $53,000. Thats about on par with Cadillac, its competitor. The CTS fully loaded is currently $48,000 with a $3000 rebate (so about 51K) and I see the engine of the Lincoln being worth the 2 grand difference since it has 2 turbochargers.

The only real question I have is, why does Ford have 2 nearly identical cars in its lineup, priced between 45-55K? This is one of those situations where the two brands within the company will be fighting themselves...and we all know how that turns out. If Lincoln is to truly be the competitor with the Reborn Cadillac...then it cannot just be a rehash of its parent car companys lineup. Time to start hiring some good designers and build your own platform.

Honestly...how can you be seirous in selling the Towncar with the same design since 2003(which really isnt that different from the cars built in 1990) and think you are going to compete with the Germans and Japanese...let alone your domestic competitor.

I think its time for Lincoln to show what it can do on its own.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:38:55 AM | | Votes: 4

Probably because Ford wants it to be considered more upmarket which I think it does a commendable job of doing. Stop looking at eBay and go drive it. Even in its advertisings they put it up against an Audi A6 so that should've been your first clue.
— PlanB (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:18:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Nobody will pay $46K for a Ford with only 355hp. Even with all those features, even at that size. I bet those $46K cars will be the dealer owner's cars to drive around for 5000 miles or whatever. For $46K you could have a G8 GXP! Who would pick a Taurus over a G8 GXP??
— ucla95 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:18:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

someone who prefers luxury over performance?
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:32:04 AM | | Votes: 1

Jeez I just priced out a Lincoln version and it was $54,600!! Are they smoking crack? Who's going to pay that for a Lincoln?? The problem there is they sold out to the limo fleets - and destroyed the brand image in the process.
— ucla95 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:27:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I was working for a major Ford Lincoln Mercury Aston Martin network in Southern California, and believe me, they are not having any problems moving the Lincolns out of their showrooms.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:32:46 AM | | Votes: 0

Then again, with the amount of damage Bush and Obama have done to the dollar in the past couple years, $46k is the new $30k.
— Hantra (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:42:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I think it is amazingly funny that the Ford commercials pronounce it "show".

That's like calling a GTO a "ghetto".

Dear Ford: It's a damn acronym. "S" "H" "O".
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:18:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

answer, it has always been known as the "show" even though its an acronym.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 11:34:17 AM | | Votes: 3

What would you rather own?

A "SHO"

or a "show"

Ford craptastic marketing at it's worst.

The previous generation was the S H O. I don't care if the moronic dealer staff referred to it as the "show".
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 12:26:46 PM | | Votes: 1

It wasn't Ford that called the original SHO the "show" It's the iconic name giving in the 90's, like Nissan's GT-R is called Godzilla. You can't change that just because you don't like it.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:14:54 PM | | Votes: -1

Family had (4) of these between 1989 and 1993 (I was in high shcool & drove a black 1991 when I was 16). It was referred to as "S" "H" "O" and "SHOW". Just depends on who you talked to. Not worth having a pissin' contest over.
— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:14:44 PM | | Votes: 0

Way too much for a Taurus!
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:02:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Way...way....way....too much for a Taurus. For $46K you could buy many much better cars, a decked out BMW 3-series, a Audi A6, A Lexus GS350, a BMW 5-series. Why a Taurus for $46K? This SHO is much better than the last but it's not THAT GOOD! First off, they made the thing way too big! The think looks as tall as some crossover SUVs.

What Ford should have done is bring on a "Affordable" SHO like the original one was. This new SHO you gotta have a over $100K income to afford, the original one, alot more could afford. Ford should have made a SHO version of the Fusion, which is pretty much the same size as the original Taurus. A Fusion SHO would have made for a much sportier and better handling car than the behemoth Taurus.
— skinny (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:16:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Amen.
— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:16:23 PM | | Votes: 0

true if you are looking for a badge all the above mntioned cars would be smoking in the s.h.o's dust and chugging more fuel at the same time. Yes its a Ford, Yes it is a Tuaras and the badge is not a very prestiguse moniker but lets not forget the tech in this car ruvals the above mentioned cars and in some cases surpasis them. The above list of features is not all of the equipment you get in this car It fails to mention that the paint is better than the lexues ls it is faster than the A8 and that the the mart key will limit the driver borrowing this cars speed and raido voulume. So before we go and say it is to much be as inteligent as most of us try to act and check out fords website and see for yourself or better yet go drive the darn car.

— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 3:01:05 PM | | Votes: 1

I think the problem does not lie within the car, but rather, lies within its marketing.

Just follow this logic: You simply cannot try to put a car up against a competitor of higher value and make your car seem like it is great value (cheap, price-wise), and then charge more than what the car's percieved value is. Its like saying I can get you a bottle of water for $5, while the competitors charge $8 for the same bottle. Thats cheaper than the competitors, but it does not mean its a bargain.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 1:52:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

unles the water is Super High Output!!
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:15:19 PM | | Votes: 1

So if Ford gave the Taurus a new name will we be having this conversation? It seems like the only reason we are discussing this is because of the name Taurus, obviously the last ten - fifteen years of the vehicle left the name undesirable. But this car is completely new and completely new technology that competes and sometimes (or for others, consistently) beats the same cars in the price range it is in. Ford is trying to expand its lineup from the Mustang, a couple economical cars and trucks obviously and that means taking it into the luxury car segment. It is very difficult to find another vehicle with the same features, power, and luxury the SHO has for under 35k.
— vvelez (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 2:54:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Very true, with Ford on its luxury game again would it be hoping too much to see a new Thunderbird on the market?
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 3:10:20 PM | | Votes: 3

vvelez you make a good point. I guess the Ford marketing group wasn't on their game like GM was with the Malibu. Its a pretty similar arrangement, brand new car because no one wanted the old one. Maybe they should have waited a year for the SHO and let the standard models shine a bit... especially with that kind of pricing.
— Timzilla (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 6:20:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

maybe but no one can deny the "awesomeness" of the SHO
— vvelez (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2009 10:53:49 PM | | Votes: 3

Modern Chrome is light weight, either painted stainless steel or painted plastic.

Fords grilles are Painted Plastic with Chrome so that will be superlight. If you dont believe me, touch em.

Then again everything has painted plastic chrome now.

That's ok, as long as it benefits MPG.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2009 12:00:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

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The New Taurus Is Great, But $46 Grand For A Loaded SHO! Too Much For A Good Thing?

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