2011 Ford Taurus Trims and Specs

Though it's the base trim of the lineup, the front-wheel-drive-only 2011 Ford Taurus SE still packs a pretty hefty list of standard appearance features and creature comforts. This full-size, five-passenger sedan is delivered with 17-inch painted alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, cruise control, power accessories, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with six speakers. Virtually no options are available for the SE trim level, however, standard safety items include four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and a post-collision safety system.

As with all non-SHO trims, the 2011 Taurus SE is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6. The standard six-speed automatic transmission produces 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque, while variable valve timing ensures 18/28 mpg.

The midlevel, front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2011 Ford Taurus SEL full-size sedan adds a few appearance and cabin goodies to those of its base sibling. These additions include premium cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated outside mirrors, and Sirius satellite radio. Options include many of the top-shelf Limited’s standard features, as well as DVD navigation, Sony premium audio, and a power moonroof. A remote anti-theft alarm system, meantime, is an added standard safety item for the SEL.

A 3.5-liter V6 powerplant and standard six-speed automatic transmission give the 2011 Taurus SEL 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Variable valve timing ensures 18/28 mpg, and, though it sounds a bit silly, the Taurus SEL is actually capable of towing up to 1,000 pounds of trailer.

It's a mirror image of the front-wheel-drive SEL insofar as appearance and cabin amenities go, but the 2011 Ford Taurus SEL AWD adds a twist. All-wheel-drive (AWD) traction, ensured by a center-mounted, limited-slip mechanical differential, provides full-time power to all four wheels. This full-size sedan thereby proves itself a match for all but the nastiest winter weather.

The 2011 Taurus SEL AWD’s 263-hp, 249-lb-ft/torque 3.5-liter V6 engine is managed by a standard six-speed auto-manual transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. EPA estimates are pegged at 17/25 mpg.

As a flagship of the Taurus fleet, the 2011 Ford Taurus Limited comes with all the bells and whistles. This front-wheel-drive, five-passenger sedan packs standard 19-inch painted alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power accessories (including heated outside mirrors), telescoping tilt-wheel steering, power-adjustable front seats, and SYNC/Bluetooth information, audio, and communications technology into its handsome frame and cabin. Additionally, dual-zone climate control, a universal remote garage door opener, memory for driver's settings, and a 6-CD changer and seven speakers round out the standard creature comforts and technology features. Options, meanwhile, include the popular BLIS blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, Sony premium audio components, DVD navigation, massaging Active Motion front seats, heated front and rear seats, and a power moonroof.

Safety is certainly not neglected in this top-shelf Taurus, with four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, a post-collision safety system, anti-theft alarm, and auto-dimming headlights all standard.

Powering the 2011 Taurus Limited is a 3.5-liter V6, that, when managed by its standard six-speed automatic transmission, puts out 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Variable valve timing, meanwhile, keeps fuel economy at an estimated and respectable 18/28 mpg.

Equipped and optioned identically to its front-wheel-drive sibling, the 2011 Ford Taurus Limited AWD goes its twin one better with the benefits of all-wheel drive. A center-mounted mechanical limited-slip differential provides power to all four wheels all the time, while a well-equipped cabin keeps driver and passengers comfortable and entertained with such gizmos as seven-speaker audio, dual-zone air conditioning, and SYNC/Bluetooth technology.

Also reflecting its front-wheel-drive sibling, the 2011 Taurus Limited AWD packs a variable-valve-timed 3.5-liter V6, this time with a six-speed auto-manual transmission featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This combo puts out 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 17/25 mpg.

The 2011 Ford Taurus SHO AWD could be described as a Taurus on steroids. This all-wheel-drive (AWD) stud in sedan clothing features all the gizmos and doodads of the Taurus Limited trims, while adding a sport-tuned suspension and twin turbos to the 3.5-liter V6 powerplant. Mated with a standard six-speed auto-manual transmission, the turbocharged V6 pounds out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, all the time. Yet, despite its rather awesome power, this variable-valve-timed mill manages a respectable 17/25 mpg.

Additional options for the 2011 Taurus SHO AWD run to the performance-oriented, with the SHO Performance Package featuring upgraded brakes, recalibrated steering, and 20-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels taking top billing. The 20-inch wheels are also a stand-alone option, while other available features for this amped-up auto mirror those of the Taurus Limited trim level.