2000 Ford Taurus...Continued

Where once there were four or five models, now Ford has adopted a simplified strategy. There is just the entry level LX, an affordable SE, the high value SE Special Value Group (SVG), and the SE Comfort. Most buyers are likely to choose the Special Value Group SE that features ABS, power driver seat, 60/40 split fold rear seat and driver and passenger secondary visors with illuminated vanity mirrors in a value priced package.

The heart of Ford's safety system is a well planned structure that will protect occupants in impacts from any direction, but is also enhanced with a large variety of features. Standard are dual-stage airbags, child seat tether anchors, belt minder warning system, and an emergency inside trunk release. Less obvious are crash severity sensors, seatbelt usage sensors, driver seat position sensors, energy-absorbing trim panels and seatbelt pretensioners. Additional safety can be obtained by ordering the side impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, or the Ford unique power adjustable pedals. The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals can be horizontally adjusted up to three inches toward the driver and allow a variety of statures to be accommodated easily and safely. Shorter people have been at risk when forced to sit close to the airbag in the steering wheel, and this makes all the difference.

While Ford has offered adjustable pedals in some sport utilities, this is the first application in a sedan. Pat Seashore was responsible for engineering the feature, and noticed that the smaller folks who used the rearward positions had smaller feet and thus angled the pedal track to adapt to all of their physical differences. Look for Pat and her family on a current Mercury Sable ad.

Taurus is the only mid-size car to offer not only both the five- and six-passenger configurations but a station wagon version as well. The six-passenger flip/fold console folds flat to the floor, allowing better access to the lower part of the Integrated Control Panel (ICP). The five-passenger full-length floor console has a larger armrest and a larger storage area and an adjustable cup holder.