The removable six-CD changer/cassette is cleverly concealed in the center console at the driver's right elbow. This is far more convenient than the remote 12-CD changers commonly hidden in the trunk of other cars.
The center console is furnished with twin foldaway cupholders, though the swing arm meant to hold your cup in place is not as firm as it might've been. Overhead, our SE had a tilt/slide moonroof, with a difference. Opening the panel required only one touch of the button, whereupon it opened automatically. Very bright idea. But to close it required holding the button down.
Our test car had the optional five-seat layout, and the excellent front seats provided very good lateral support for a family sedan--without being too tight for the Big Guy driver. The cushions and seatbacks are more firm than cushy, but firm is usually best on long drives. Each of the lighted vanity mirrors in the two front visors features a rheostat for regulating their brightness, a novel touch.
The roomy rear compartment seats three, although the seat forms two semi-buckets and has a pull-down central armrest containing two cupholders. An HVAC duct at the rear of the center console provides climate control for rear passengers. Dual baby-seat anchors are provided on each side of the rear seat. In the SES and SEL, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down, providing an enormous pass-through luggage capability for skis and other long items. The trunk is of generous size and contains the Taurus' mini-spare tire. Next Page