It's a shame that bland vehicles don't get a makeover in reality TV shows.
A smarmy host with slicked back hair and a small wrench earring could introduce a car each week with self-esteem issues and then do a makeover.
The first makeover candidate could have been the Ford Five Hundred.
The car formerly known as the Five Hundred has been revamped as the all-new 2008 Ford Taurus, with a more aggressive face, enhanced power train and a host of other improvements.
It's a car that looks better, performs better and rides quieter than before.
Ford Motor Co. touts 500-plus improvements made to the sedan with all the fanfare of reality TV.
The Taurus, which is in showrooms now, is a significantly better vehicle.
While the new Taurus holds the bones of the Five Hundred -- namely the sturdy Volvo S80 underpinnings -- it still falls short of striking a pose as dramatic as other large sedans, such as the Chrysler 300.
Ford's signature three-bar grille draws the Taurus into the family and adds machismo to the wispy wire mesh grille.
The new front fascia gives it a more substantial look.
Most of the other changes to the Five Hundred's bland exterior feel like small brush strokes.
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