The Duratec V6 is a more sophisticated engine with double overhead cams working 24 valves, so it breathes more freely and revs higher. The Duratec produces 201 hp and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Vulcan engine is good, but take one drive with the more responsive Duratec and you may never be satisfied with less. For 2004, a revised exhaust system helps make the Duratec engine LEVII compliant (as a low-emission vehicle). The Duratec is slightly more efficient as well, with an EPA-estimated 20/28 mpg City/Highway for the Duratec and 20/27 for the Vulcan.

Equipped with the Duratec, the Ford Taurus is a genuinely satisfying car to drive. It's as responsive as a finger snap, delivering crisp acceleration from low revs straight through to the glass-smooth full-throttle shift point. This engine not only provides good thrust, it makes an understated, but throaty declaration that it means business. The Taurus SEL reminds us a bit of the lamented high-performance Taurus SHO, only it's much more refined.

The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. Its shifts are positive, authoritative, and at the same time, almost impossible to feel. The kickdown response is very good.

If you ever wonder just how important modern electronics have become, the Taurus with its powerful Duratec engine can quickly demonstrate the benefits of traction control: Simply switch off the traction control, nail the throttle, and the front tires will shriek as they claw for traction. Powerful front-wheel-drive cars like the Taurus SEL need traction control to reduce wheel spin and provide better control of the car.

The fully independent suspension provides a smooth, impact-free ride. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers improve its cornering responsive. When pushed in the corners, it remains stable, nimble and ready for more. Cornered hard, its body roll is moderate, and the nicely tuned variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering delivers a steady stream of road information. The steering also offers good on-center response when crusing in a straight line.

In an emergency lane-change demonstration set up in a parking lot, the Taurus stopped smoothly, with anti-lock brakes allowing steering control during hard braking.

With its excellent chassis and Duratec power, the Ford Taurus comes close to being a sports sedan for the price of a family mid-size sedan.