To put the comment in context, Mulally was talking about the “fabulous” styling of the all new Taurus coming in about a year or so. A sexy mid-size sedan couldn’t come at a more important time for the beleaguered automaker.

It is odd, though, that Mulally would criticize that model as it was one of his first decisions as CEO to change the name of the 500 to the Taurus. His hope was that fond memories of the once hot selling nameplate would spark more interest on the part of buyers. Unfortunately, the new chrome logos were still attached to a vehicle that had a complete and utter personality bypass.

So let’s examine the Ford Taurus 500/Taurus and see if it truly is a vehicle that Homer Simpson would love. While it is below average and borders on utter incompetence like one H. Simpson, fans of the show would surely argue that the cartoon celebrity is way more colorful than the Taurus. And not just because of his orange-like skin pigmentation.

From the start, the 500/Taurus never excelled in any area. The 500 was based on old Volvo S80 architecture and was designed to have a conservative “European” look to it. It was also equipped with an anemic 201hp V6 that lagged behind the class in power and smoothness. Many models were also saddled with a CVT transmission that made more mooing noises at high revs than your average dairy cow.

Unfortunately, the same month the 500 was released Chrysler unleashed its utterly original and totally “American” 300C. Suddenly, no one wanted an American car trying to be European. They wanted a slice of Americana from their homegrown sedans.

So, as often is the case with poor Ford Motor, nothing really went right with the launch of the 500/Taurus. Working against it were bad timing, bland styling and an interior that may have looked Audi-like in the sketches but was built with plastics from a Tonka Toy Factory.
Proof that Ford may have actually learned a lesson here is most evident in comments made by Derrick Kuzak, head of Ford Global Development. As for innovation and desirability in new models, “That's only delivered when the engineering team does not dumb down the design because of engineering and manufacturing feasibility concerns.”

I know I am looking forward to a more daring and stylish new Taurus from Ford Motor Company. I think they should stick to the historic nameplate from the get-go for the new model, as the original 1986 Taurus was truly groundbreaking. Would Honda ever even consider naming its midsize sedan anything other than the Accord? Stick to the name people know and put it on a great car this time, Ford! Even Homer Simpson would think this was a no-brainer.

 

 

via guest blogger Jim Hamel