Taurus’ good handling is even better

($1495), power moonroof
(Si,250), premium stereo and
sin-dise CD changer ($1,050),
ail speed traction control
(S491), and side airbags

and rear wiper /washer. SEL
Wagons, far $27,993, add a
third, rear-facing folding seat
that brings seating, capacity to
seven, and a standard cargo

From previous page pad on the driver's door tor
remote entry, leather-wrapped
steering wheel, perimeter and:
theft system), and illuminated
Sun Visors.

uifle too sensitive when accel-
crating, from 4 standing start.
The engine is generally

FOR ALL YOUR

very quiet and smooth and
emits a muftled, sporty roar
under hard acceleration. Its
high-revving nature ang plen-

Taurus SE Wavens, which cover,
start az $26,695, have the
sane features as the SE sedan,

as well as a luggage roof rack

included the optional pin
cam 3.0-litre V6 engine

My test car, an SEL sedan

($463). With these options
the price came to $31,644,
plus $870 for freight, bringing
the grand total to $32,514

import Repairs

1124 West 15th Street, North Van
Ph. 988-7671 Fx. 983-0315

. : e t tives 26 years in the seme location
tiful horsepower make for easy (before faxes). ° ae anne 5 a EE:
passing at highway speeds, en
while highway cruising is quict

a
‘ ay
and comfortable with the Te chn Cc al 2 ata
a fons Sarat i

engine revving at just 2.300 . . BE L

p.m. ata steady 100 km/h. ; ~ ee
2600 Ford Taurus SEL

The. Taurus has always
offered better-than-average Base price (SEL) .....
Price as tested (SEL)

handling due in part to its
Freight...

fully independent suspension,
tight chassis, and suspension S
tuning. Larger standard 16- Type ... four-door, five-passenger mid-size sedan
inch tres have improved this Layout. ransverse front engine/front-wheel-drive
slightly for fe aprion ENQING .sssststncssansstsenenecd.O-litre V6, DOHC, 24 valves
have produced a smoother, Horsepower .... se-200 @ 5,750 rp.m.
more plush ride. Torque........... soaee 200 @ 4,500 rp.m.
Transmission .. four-speed automatic
Curh weight..... 1,496 kg (3,328 Ib.}
P215/60R-16

I found the variable-assist
power rack and pinion steering

..2,756 mm (108.5 in.)
5,017 mm (197.5 in.)

alittle stiff at slower speeds,
1,854 mm (73.0 in.)

but it offers better on-centre
feel. In addition, the Taurus’
high-speed directional stability

Height... 1 425 mm (56.1 in.)
Trunk capacity. ...481 litres (17.0 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption... ity: 12.0 ¥100 km (24 m.p.g.)

1010 20,799
$31,644

Esteem Wagon GL

has improved slightly. .
Front ec ret drum New 1.8 | engine
brakes are standard on all
Tauruses, and anti-lock brakes
» are optional on LX and stan-
dard on SE and SEL models.
Taurus SE and SEL models
- offer optional all-speed trac-
tion control to help prevent.
wheelspin when accelerating
on slippery surfaces. While
some of its competitor’s sys-
tems work only at lower
- speeds, Ford’s system works at
any speed... ;
Outward visibility in the
Taurus is very good to the
front and sides — the extra
third side window helps when
making lane changes.
However, as I mentioned, the
view to the rear is hampered
by a high rear deck and a
bulge where the third rear
brake light is located.

Models and prices .

-. Fhe 2000 Taurus sedan
comes in three trim levels: LX,
SE and SEL while the Taurus
Wagon comes in SE and SEL

. trim levels only.

Taurus LX sedans start at
$24,495. For this price, you
get standard six passenger seat-
ing (with a front split bench
seat and column shifter), four-
speed automatic transmission,
power steering, AM/FM radio
~- and cassette player, air condi-

» tioning; power windows with
driver’s “express-down” fea-
ture, power door locks, power

.. heated mirrors, tilt steering

"wheel, remote keyless entry,

" cruise control, rear window

defroster, two 12-volt power
outlets, block heater, and
P215/60R-16 inch all-season
tires.

The next trim level up,
Taurus SE, is priced $25,795.
SE models have ovo front
bucket seats and a centre con-
sole with a floor shifter instead
of a front bench seat. To the

- list of equipment mentioned

‘- above, the SE adds power
adjustable pedals, 60/40 split
folding rear seatbacks, six-way

power driver's seat, five-spoke

inted alloy wheels, and anti- : 2 :

~ Taurus SEL sedans, for - |! fo
e
On time.

Prices include installation, balance,
valve stems, lifetime rotation, an
80,000 km warranty plus a four
year road hazard warranty.

Prices include installation,
balance, valve stems,
lifetime rotation and a four

Two Tires From year road hazard warranty.

“Firestone.

CARTER CHEVROLET-OLDSMOBILE 987-5231
' REGENCY PONTIAC-BUICK-CADILLAC-GMC 985-6333

BUNROVALB mocesrone BEGoorrich!

($26,795, add five-spoke
<3 machined alloy wheels, auto-
"matic climate control, a key-