The Detroit News's view

We’ve been waiting for a mainstream station wagon that will give minivans a run for the money. It just may happen with the 1996 Ford Taurus GL wagon. Even though it’s the base model in the lineup, it’s got a radical look inside and outside. Plus it’s got some wonderful little touches that move it way beyond the wood-sided family haulers we remember from childhood.

And when you’re counting every dime in the family budget, the base Taurus may start to make station wagons look real good again.

He: I’m not a mom, but I love the looks of the Taurus wagon. It’s so different from anything else on the road, and best of all, it doesn’t look or feel like a station wagon. Still, I’m not convinced I’d give up my Chrysler minivan for the Ford wagon.

She: I think some smart shoppers may rediscover station wagons, especially when they are as outstanding as the new Taurus. I look at it this way, even if I can save an extra $1,000, that might make the difference in the type of vehicle I choose. And with the Taurus, you’re not giving up a tremendous amount over a minivan. Well – OK, maybe in terms of rear-seat cupholders. I was a little ticked that the Taurus – a family vehicle – still has an ashtray in the rear. Now couldn’t those designers have easily made that ashtray into at least one cupholder?

He: There’s no question the Taurus wagon has a lot less room inside than even the short-wheelbase Chrysler vans. But then, I think people will be attracted to the wagon because it’s not a van and because it drives more like a car. And that’s my biggest problem with the Taurus. The ride is just a little too firm and sometimes even harsh for a family vehicle.

She: But the handling is outstanding, especially with the variable assist rack-and-pinion steering. To put it in practical terms, this feature makes the Taurus easier to park, but you can feel the road more and control the car better at higher speeds. The very worst place to park in Detroit, to me, is at Children’s Hospital, because the parking structure has some floors where you angle park, with other cars parallel parked just behind you. Anyway, it makes for a horribly tight squeeze. I’ve been in there recently with two sport-utes and the Taurus and believe me, the Taurus made the parking a cinch. The sport-utes were horrible to park on the other hand.

He: Outside of that neat shape, one of the wagon’s most attractive features is its cabin, which is every bit as stylish and cutting edge as the exterior. We’ve been driving a silver wagon with a purple – that’s right, purple – cloth interior that’s just wild. And I love the very fluid shapes of the instrument panel and center console, where the audio and climate controls are clustered in a single oval pod. But maybe the coolest thing is the two-piece center console that flips open to reveal three cupholders, a change compartment and an extra storage compartment.

She: I have a soft spot in my heart for the Taurus because at nigh t, the lock buttons and window switches on the door stay illuminated even after you turn off the car. What a thoughtful feature! I consider that a safety item, because you’re not fumbling around in the dark. The other thing I like is that you can immediately identify a Taurus wagon on the road. It’s got such a distinctive design with those teardrop-shaped third windows and oval headlights.

He: Everybody turns to stare at this car. If you’re into exhibitionism, here’s a cheap way to get some extra looks. The Taurus GL wagon starts at under $20,000, and our moderately equipped model had a perfectly reasonable sticker of $21,635. For the money, you get the standard 145-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic. The mileage with that combination isn’t bad – 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway.

She: Too bad you have to pay an extra $570 for antilock brakes, when even modestly priced General Motors cars like the Chevy Cavalier have ABS as standard. Famili can also order an optional child safety seat for the rear.

He: So what’s your pick, Mom? Is it the Taurus wagon or the Chrysler van?

She: Well, I’ll tell you. After being in minivans for almost 10 years, the Taurus wagon is a refreshing change. And if I bought one, I’d have enough money left for a new dining room table.

He: Is that a hint?

Anita’s rating: (world class)

Paul’s rating: (above average)

What we liked: More headroom in the wagon than in the sedan; eye-catching shape; jazzy interior; decent gas mileage; reasonable insurance rates.

What we didn’t like: Ride is too harsh for a family vehicle; ABS costs extra; hate the lack of rear cupholders (Anita).

1996 Ford Taurus GL Wagon

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger station wagon.

Price: Base, $19,680; as tested, $21,635 (inc. $550 destination charge, less $500 package discount).

What’s new for ’96: All-new for 1996.

Standard equipment: Tinted glass, variable-assist power steering, air conditioning, power windows, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster, intermittent wipers, all-season radial tires, power windows, power mirrors.

Safety features: Dual air bags, antilock brakes (optional), side-impact door beams, integral child safety seat (option).

Options on test vehicle: Preferred equipment package 204A, inc. speed control, carpeted floor mats, AM-FM stereo cassette, power door locks, air filtration system ($740); six-way power driver’s seat ($340); antilock brakes ($570); rear wiper/washer and cargo cover ($255).

EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

Engine: 3.0-liter V-6; 145-hp at 4525 rpm; 170 lb-ft torque at 3250 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Competitors: Mercury Sable, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat.

Specifications: Wheelbase, 108.5 inches; overall length, 199.5 inches; curb weight, 3358 pounds; legroom, 42.6 inches front/38.4 inches rear; headroom, 39.9 inches front/38.8 inches rear; shoulder room, 57.4 inches front/56.6 inches rear.

2-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $872

Where built: Atlanta, Ga., and Chicago, Ill.

*AAA Michigan rates based on an average family of four from the Livonia area whose primary driver is aged 40 with no tickets who drives 3-10 miles each way to work. Rates reflect multicar discount and, where appropriate, discounts for air bags and seat belts.