The Detroit News's view

A typical Friday night date with the Lienerts: Dinner. Movie. Argument about the movie.

Paul: Brilliant movie. Loved that young actress.

Anita: Stupid movie. A total male fantasy.

You begin to understand how we approach test cars, like the 2000 Ford Taurus SE we recently sampled. Ford gave us the SE Comfort model, which includes the more powerful Duratec V-6 engine and antilock brakes. We estimated the price of the prototype at $23,000.

Anita’s first response – no surprise – was the polar opposite of Paul’s. But as in most good partnerships, eventually we found some common ground.

She: The first time I got in the new Taurus was on a rainy night, and I had the sensation of being in an airport parking lot in a rental car. The seats seemed hard and uncomfortable. The instrument panel was not the familiar Taurus oval shape. And the exterior was different, almost more Toyota-like. In fact, it looked like someone at Ford’s design staff got yelled at for the radical look of the previous model. And this was their idea of a sedan that wouldn’t get them into trouble. It was the “chicken factor” hard at work. My initial reaction was that I didn’t like the new Taurus.

He: Funny how we had almost exactly opposite reactions to this car. From the first time I drove the 2000 model, I was immediately impressed with how the Taurus had changed. It looks better inside and out, it feels more powerful, it’s easier to operate and, best of all, I no longer whack my head when trying to get into the back seat. And the quality of the materials and trim fits is exceptional – on a par, I think, with the best of the Japanese. The price is also about what you’d spend on a comparably equipped Honda Accord or Toyota Camry V-6, or maybe even a tad cheaper.

She: Too bad you’re not a woman. Because this Taurus seems unusually female-friendly.

He: Wait a minute. Is that an about-face I hear?

She: Well, I did gradually warm up to the car. It’s got those power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals that move forward or backward with the touch of a button. They cost only $120, and they’re well worth the price if you’re petite. Anybody who’s afraid of being too close to the air bag will appreciate this option. Also, the center armrest/console has been cleverly redesigned so that when it’s flipped forward, you can actually stash your purse right next to you while still having access to the cupholders. The new Taurus has the feel of being gone over by women – and improved. Good for Ford.

He: Hey, forget about the purse. Whoever redesigned that console surely is a fast-food junkie. For the first time in my memory, I had room to plop my bag of Whoppers and fries, plus a nice cupholder for my large Coke and a place to put my napkins. Thank you, Ford. And best of all, the whole thing folds up and back, so you can squeeze a third person into the front seat.

She: You’re getting into the minutia. But the big picture is that this is a pretty serious attempt on Ford’s part to win back the sales crown from Toyota and Honda. There were years in Detroit when Ford hired a brass band to celebrate Taurus’ sales leadership. And you have to admit that previous weird design seemed to generate more criticism than acceptance. This new model is much more mainstream.

He: In the power department, Ford always bragged that the twin-cam Duratec V-6 put out 200 horsepower, but it never felt as peppy as the sixes in the Camry and the Accord. That’s changed. The 2000 model feels like a totally different animal – much more lively, with all kinds of extra power on tap when you need it. The steering also feels more responsive, as do the brakes. The ride on the SE model is probably more firm than some buyers will prefer, but I don’t think you give up that much in comfort.

She: You know, I was really cranky when we started writing this test drive. In fact, I warned you that it was a Hormone Action Alert day. t the more I think about the new Taurus, the mellower I feel. One of my gripes with the old model was visibility, especially with the rear window. But they’ve made it bigger, more square than oval, and it’s a big improvement. The trunk is bigger, too, as you can well attest, having loaded our groceries in it last night. The design is not fearless, but the execution is nearly flawless. That counts for a lot.

He: Especially if it improves your mood, dear.

2000 Ford Taurus

Anita’s rating: above average

Paul’s rating: world class

What we liked: Power adjustable pedals are a godsend for petite drivers. Optional side air bags. Lively twin-cam V-6 with more power. Clever and useful new armrest/console. Exceptional assembly quality. Lots more headroom. Larger trunk.

What we disliked: Antilock brakes should be standard. New styling is less daring (Anita)

Make/model: Ford Taurus SE Comfort

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, six-passenger mid-size sedan

Price: Base, $21,445; as tested, $23,000 (est.)

Engine: 3.0-liter V-6; 200-hp; 200 lb-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $925

(* Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Atlanta