I’m thinking of buying a used car for my son—something made in the US, I’m thinking. What do you think of the Ford Taurus?

Herbert

Houston, TX

If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand Ford Taurus, you’d be pleased to know that it is relatively more inexpensive than a same-year Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. In fact, before those two Japanese-manufactured cars, the Taurus was the best-selling passenger car in the United States. Also, since it’s made in the good old US of A (points for your patriotism right here), any repair shop can handle the looking after, and it’s cheaper to maintain. Of course, the drawback is that it depreciates faster.

As for the engine, what the Taurus features is a 3.5-liter 263-horsepower 6-speed automatic. It has 17-inch wheels and power seats, and is offered in two trims: the SEL and the Limited. The standard offer is 4-wheel drive, but you can get an all-wheel drive in either trim.

The interior, though as basic (some say drab) as it is, offer ample legroom both front and back, plenty of storage space, with controls that are logically arranged.

And I’m sure that you’d be relieved to know that probably the best of the Taurus’ characteristics is its estimable safety ratings. It has air bags, great chassis and an SOS-Post Crash Alert System. This just might mean less sleepless nights for you when your son goes out driving.

And as a final point: it may not score any points for flashiness (which I’m sure is the least of your priorities, anyway), but it sure is perfect for a family-friendly sedan.