2012 Ford Taurus SEL AWD 0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

The 2012 Ford Taurus SEL AWD is a All-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve engine which outputs 263 hp @ 6250 rpm and is paired with 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. The 2012 Ford Taurus SEL AWD has cargo capacity of 569 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1916 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2012 Ford Taurus SEL AWD has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers Reverse sensing sytem and Rear view camera. Safety features also include Driver side front airbag and Passenger side front airbag. The front suspension is Front independent suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a Low tire pressure warning It has 18'' painted 5-spoke aluminum wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 287 N.m of torque and a top speed of 235 km/h. The 2012 Ford Taurus SEL AWD accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and hits quarter mile at 14.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.2 L/100km in the city and 7.8 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 34,999

2012 Ford Taurus Used Price Estimates

With its comfortable interior and large trunk, the 2012 Ford Taurus is an appealing reinvention of the classic full-size American sedan.

Back in 2005 when it was called the Ford 500, today's Ford Taurus grew dramatically larger, leaving the midsize category to the Ford Fusion. And that's why the Taurus today is a bit of a niche player in the market compared to the segment-busting of the 1980s that once was the most popular car in America.

Despite its fall from the top of the sales charts, the 2012 Ford Taurus is appealing. Its primary asset lies in the roomy backseat and cavernous trunk. An extensive list of cutting-edge convenience and safety features doesn't hurt either. Aside from a minor face-lift, the Taurus returns largely unchanged for 2012.

If the regular Taurus seems a little too tame for your tastes, you may want to consider the distinctly more exciting 365-horsepower all-wheel-drive Taurus SHO model. The SHO is a decent alternative to other muscular sedans like the V8-powered versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, while returning better fuel economy. In fact, the Taurus SHO is just as efficient as the regular Taurus. But at the same time, the SHO's hefty price tag puts it in the same category as luxury sport sedans like the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37.

Realistically, it's the regular 2012 Ford Taurus you're likely interested in. When pitted against other full-size sedans like the 300, Dodge Charger, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon and Volkswagen Passat, some of the Taurus' drawbacks begin to emerge. Most notably, the Taurus just feels bigger than it really should, something that comes about from the confining cabin design, tepid base engine and lack of rear visibility. Overall, we think the Taurus deserves a look, but we would recommend checking out the competition before committing.

The 2012 Ford Taurus is a full-size five-passenger sedan offered in SE, SEL, Limited and SHO trim levels.

Standard equipment on the entry-level SE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, integrated blind spot mirrors, keyless entry with an exterior access keypad, cruise control, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sync voice-activated electronics interface with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity is optional.

The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compass, an outside temperature display and satellite radio. Options on the SEL include 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, leather upholstery (packaged with heated front seats and a six-way power passenger seat), ambient interior lighting and Sync.

All the above items are standard on the Taurus Limited, along with perforated leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats with power lumbar and driver seat memory functions, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and a seven-speaker upgraded stereo with a six-CD player.

The Taurus SHO adds a more powerful V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, different steering, xenon headlights, an auto-dimming driver side mirror, a rear spoiler, special styling flourishes inside and out, keyless entry/ignition (optional on SEL and Limited) and unique leather upholstery with faux-suede inserts. The optional SHO Performance package adds performance brake pads, recalibrated steering, a different final-drive ratio, stability control defeat, summer tires and 20-inch wheels. Those wheels are also a stand-alone option.

Options on all but the base SE include a sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, a 12-speaker Sony premium audio system, and "multicontour" front seats with active bolsters and massage. Options on the Limited and SHO include a blind-spot warning system, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers (packaged together), heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear window shade, adaptive cruise control, and a navigation system with a touchscreen interface, voice controls, Sirius Travel Link service (real-time traffic, weather and other information), a single-CD player, DVD audio and digital music storage.

The 2012 Taurus is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option on SEL and Limited models. In performance testing, a front-drive Taurus went from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds -- a tad slow for the class. Fuel economy with front-wheel drive is an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops those numbers to 17/25/20.

The Taurus SHO gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (dubbed "EcoBoost") that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with shift paddles is standard, as is all-wheel drive. In performance testing, the Taurus SHO went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds. Despite this engine's impressive performance, EPA fuel economy estimates are the same as the regular all-wheel-drive Taurus.

Every 2012 Ford Taurus comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags and integrated blind spot mirrors. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard on Limited and SHO models and optional on the SEL. Optional on the Limited and SHO are a pre-collision warning system (included with adaptive cruise control) and a blind-spot warning system bundled with a cross-traffic warning system, which warns you of approaching cars or pedestrians when backing up.

In government crash tests, the Taurus earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. It also got the best rating of "Good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.

In brake testing, a Taurus with 19-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in a longer-than-average 131 feet. Even with summer tires and 20-inch wheels, the SHO was only able to manage 127 feet -- a long distance for a performance-oriented sedan.

On the road, the 2012 Ford Taurus offers confident handling and a comfortable ride quality. The firmer sport-tuned suspension underpinning the SHO model sharpens up the handling noticeably. However, there's no hiding the Taurus' hefty weight and grand dimensions.

The SHO's twin-turbo V6 offers acceleration that falls just short of its V8-powered competitors from Chrysler and Dodge, but it returns fuel economy that puts them to shame. Even so, we think most folks will be just as happy driving any of the three models powered by the standard V6 and pocketing the substantial price difference.

The 2012 Ford Taurus offers a classy passenger cabin, though the use of hard plastics in a few places detracts a bit from the overall upscale feel. Door panels are convincingly textured to look like stitched leather, but are hard to the touch. At least the interior is comfortable, especially with the optional high-tech "multicontour" front seats with built-in massage. The backseat offers generous head- and legroom even for good-sized adults. At 20.1 cubic feet, the trunk is one of the largest you'll find on any sedan. Fold down the rear seats and the Taurus offers up even more space.

On the downside, the car's rising beltline, thick roof pillars and tall center console can make the interior feel confining despite its large size. Other issues include deep-set gauges that can be hard to read and the dashboard's large and somewhat confusing assortment of buttons and knobs. Like most other Fords, the Taurus can be equipped with the useful Sync system, which connects cell phones and portable music players into the car's electronic interface that includes voice commands.

The 2012 Ford Taurus marries the comfortable ride expected of a full-size sedan with the handling and agility commonly found in smaller, more nimble cars. The 2012 Taurus moves through curves with little fuss or worry, going where you point it and giving plenty of notice when its front-driven tires are about the reach their cornering limits. We found the sightlines from the driver's seat better than expected and, with the exception of the rather wide B-pillar located just over the driver's shoulder, had good 360-degree visibility. The new blind-spot exterior mirrors are a vast help, as is the BLIS system that warns of objects too close to the vehicle's side when changing lanes. Ford's 3.5-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission are the perfect pairing, allowing for spirited starts, rapid downshifts and impressive fuel economy at cruising speeds. For those who constantly feel the need for speed, the SHO's twin-turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension take the Taurus' performance capabilities to another level. Together with its AWD system, the SHO's performance carving up twisting back roads is nothing short of astounding.

Miko Suede In a nod to both fashion and the environment, the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO features suede-like seat inserts made from recycled plastic beverage bottles. Novel origin aside, the seats feel nice, look good and offer excellent grip, helping to hold occupants in place during hard cornering. Ford's MyKeyThis system can be used to restrict vehicle speed, limit audio system volume and control other functions when a specific key is used to start the vehicle. In effect, MyKey lets parents better control the driving habits of their children, even when they aren't along for the ride.

If it's space you want, you'll find the 2012 Ford Taurus delivers. The massive interior can easily carry five passengers, although we think four would be more comfortable. Up front, available massaging seats help negate leg and back fatigue on long drives and can also be climate controlled to provide both heating and cooling. The Taurus' instruments are bathed in a soothing ice blue lighting and the center stack houses a large LCD display for the available SYNC audio and navigation system. Most of the controls can be operated via buttons on the Taurus' steering wheel or by voice-command. In a nod to Ford's environmentally friendly stance, recycled materials are used extensively in the seating fabric, headliner and sound-deadening material. Further separating itself from the pedestrian family sedan, the 2012 Taurus offers such upscale options as automatic high-beam dimmers, Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), and a power sunshade for the rear window.

Compared to most sedans, the Taurus is far from being in the norm. It's a tall sedan, with wide doors, and low roof, and a steeply raked windshield and rear window. The 2012 Ford Taurus is endowed with an unmistakable face composed of thin wraparound headlights, a chrome-clad 3-bar grille and a raised power dome hood. From the front, a sweeping beltline gently rises back to the high trunk and is paralleled by a deep accent line momentarily broken by the rear fender flare. The Taurus' large rear deck creates a vast 20-cubic-foot trunk capable of carrying a week's worth of luggage or two golf bags, and the low liftover makes it easy to get things in and out. The SHO models are narrowly distinguished from the bread-and-butter cars through different trim, a set of dual exhaust outlets, a subtle rear spoiler and a few SHO badges.

Included on the 2012 Ford Taurus' list of standard equipment are a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power driver's seat, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, power windows with one-touch up-and-down function for the driver and Ford's programmable MyKey system. The standard audio system is a 6-speaker CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags protecting both the front and rear passengers.

Many of the high-tech features offered for the 2012 Ford Taurus are typically reserved for more expensive luxury cars. Among the more interesting options are seats with massage function, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. Other options include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Intelligent Access with push-button start, power rear sunshade, power adjustable pedals, the SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system (standard on Limited and SHO), and a 12-speaker premium Sony audio system. On the safety front, the optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) alerts the driver when other vehicles are in his blind spots, while Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when the vehicle is backing up.

All 2012 Ford Taurus trims feature a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Taurus SHO offers 102 more horsepower than the standard Taurus V6, thanks to the use of direct-injection technology and twin turbochargers. With the exception of the SE trim, all Taurus models also feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, providing manual control of the transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option on both SEL and Limited trims and standard on the Taurus SHO. 3.5-liter V6263 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm249 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 FWD, 17/26 AWD3.5-liter V6 Twin-Turbocharged365 horsepower @ 5,550 rpm350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,250 rpmEPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

The 2012 Ford Taurus has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $ 26,000 for the SE trim, around $ 28,500 for the mid-level SEL, close to $ 33,000 for the Limited trim and just over $ 39,000 for the high-performance Taurus SHO. All-wheel drive adds about $ 1,850 to the price tag and, when fully loaded, the price for a Ford Taurus Limited tops out near the $ 44,000 mark. Prices for the 2012 Ford Taurus tend to be lower than those for the 2012 Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300, but slightly higher than prices for the aging Chevrolet Impala. A nicely equipped Limited runs about the same price as a V6 Hyundai Genesis. To get the best deal, be sure to take a look at the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what consumers in your area are currently paying for their Ford Tauruses. We expect the 2012 Ford Taurus to hold its value better than previous versions, easily outpacing residual values for the Chevrolet Impala and Chrysler 300 while nearly matching the values for the Toyota Avalon.

2012 Ford Taurus Consumer Reviews