By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

After three years of poor sales for Ford’s flagship Five Hundred full-size sedan, Ford says it made 500 improvements and renamed the Five Hundred for 2008 to trade on the name recognition of the successful Ford Taurus. The 2008 5-passenger Taurus sits on the same basic platform as the Five Hundred but with substantial upgrades, such as a bigger engine that increased horsepower nearly 30 percent and a switch to a six-speed automatic transmission that feels stronger in its shifts than the continuous variable transmission in last year’s Five Hundred. Models are SEL or Limited with all-wheel-drive options for each. Our test drive was the Limited all-wheel-drive and it handled well on the road, especially with an optional AdvancTrac electronic stability control system originally developed for Volvo, which Ford owns. It uses a sensor to predict vehicle intentions by monitoring oversteer, speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. If wheel slip occurs, it reduces engine torque and applies the brake to keep the car tracking safely. Other improvements that contribute to a comfortable and confident ride are revised strut towers in the suspension and the bolting of the engine to the car body, rather than the front subframe, to help set the suspension more precisely. Sound-absorbing material in the A-pillars reduces noise 20 percent, Ford claims, and new climate controls are 50 percent quieter. Taurus now becomes the company’s flagship full-size sedan with interior space Ford claims is best-in-class for front and rear legroom. The 60/40 fold-down, fold-flat second row seats, combined with the fold-flat front passenger seat, provides nine feet of straight storage space. The center storage console is spacious, as is the trunk. Materials used inside appeared to be high quality and the fit and finish is well done. Options included a voice-activated Navigation system that was easy to use and activates other features like the radio and climate controls. Believing that safety sells, Ford is marketing the Taurus as the “safest large car in America” due to its top crash test scores in all four National Highway Traffic Safety Administration categories and its “Top Safety Pick” by the independent Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Limited has standard 18-inch wheels, a covered tray on the dashboard, and a number code entry keypad. Audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use. The steering wheel has push-button controls - cruise, audio and information.