Readers pick Ford Taurus as best of show in Detroit

R E A D I N G the article normally helps.

inspiron7 -- LOL

Now I am sure this will create some interesting banter on AutoSpies...however, let's all remember that this is the NAIAS and not Paris, Frankfurt or Geneva so we would expect nothing short of domestic domination. I am unsure about the Taurus in terms of design personally and think that this type of vehicle is so now (read: current) that it is already wearing its shelf life out before it has even hit the road. It is a very safe design which I certainly think ups the ante relative to Avalon or Impala as relevant comparisons, but it is simply another vehicle in a traditionally boring segment. The design has all the markings of ubiquitous contemporary sedans from the now exhausted side vent, to the quad tailpipes, to the LED taillights. Not a ton of risk, taken here but I guess they wanted to avoid the major Taurus risk taken in 1996. The real question is can this vehicle create enough interest to revive a nameplate that was once the best selling car in America for nearly ten years in a row? I don't think so, but Ford seems to be making much better moves than their non-luxury counterparts lately.

point taken.

Bimmermike, this poll has been taken for every and a day, this isn't and new event. Just because a import or R8 wasn't selected doesn't mean the choice wasn't warranted.

If not this, what would you guys of picked?

This Taurus will be a big hit. Its styling is pretty nice. Its definitley going conservative, but I see hints of Audi in there. It all depends on the drive, but Ford got the looks on this one right.

The poll is irrelevant. Scooter, I think you summed it up nicely. It's a nice looking car, definitely better than the current model, but I think it's just too conservative. It IS a conservative segment, but in order to really get back in the game, they need to stand out. The also-rans need to be great looking. The current major players do well in spite of their styling, because people percieve them to be good cars. As for the risk they should have taken, there's smart risk, and not so smart risk. They took a BIG risk in 1986 with the first Taurus, but it was a good looking car, and it took off. The 1996 or whatever year the ovoid shape came out in was a big risk, but it didn't work because it just looked to weird to most people. This new car will do well, and I think Ford has some momentum on its side right now, so maybe it will get noticed a bit more. Time will tell.

I think most are missing the point. The new Taurus has all the makings of a great car. For the first time in for ever, a domestic vehicle has come out of the gate swinging for the rafters with every high-tech feature, including the powertrains available. Fit and finish first rate and very good if not great looks ( what car in this segment sans the Mazda6 is actually awesome looking). What other vehicle would warranty the top pick spot in this Auto show.

Now all we need to know is how much Ford paid the judges.

Bimmermike, you are truly empty and shallow little man that finds the only comfort is your misplaced and delusion of grandeur. I didn't choose the vehicle, just a statement of what happen without your penile input, so the world does and will continue to function with or without you fine thank you.

Definitely reminiscient of a Honda but the best looking Taurus I have ever seen. Remember this is a car for the masses and not a for the rich only. With that in mind this is a great pick. The Mazda 6 is more extreme in design but I like its 'look' slightly more.

is it 1986 again?