Ford Taurus

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Ford Taurus Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Production 1986–present Predecessor Ford LTD (1986) Ford Five Hundred (2008) Successor Ford Five Hundred (2005-2007) Ford Freestyle (2005-2007) Class Mid-size (1986-2007) Full-size (2008-) Designer Jack Telnack J Mays

The Ford Taurus is a mid-size, front wheel drive car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in North America. It was introduced in December 1985 as a 1986 model, replacing the Fairmont-based, rear wheel drive Ford LTD.

The Taurus was a milestone design for both Ford and the entire American automotive industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Ford selling nearly 7.5 million examples during its 20 years of production — a longer bestselling run than the original Ford Model T.^[1] Between 1992 and 1996, the Taurus was the best-selling car in the United States, even prompting Honda to grow the US version of the Accord to a similar size. The Taurus eventually lost its best-seller status in 1997 to the Toyota Camry.^[2]

Many, including Chrysler and even Ford themselves, believed that the Taurus was going to be a failure, as they believed its design was too advanced for many eighties customers. This turned out not to be the case, as the Taurus became a best seller, thus making it a sleeper hit.^[3]

The car was given a cosmetic facelift in 1992 and a major redesign in 1996, followed by two design updates in 2000 and 2004. Throughout its lifetime, the Taurus has been available as both a 4-door sedan and 4-door station wagon. An SHO (Super-High Output) version, with a more powerful engine and other modifications, was manufactured from 1989 to 1999, and gained a fanbase of its own. The Taurus also has a sibling called the Mercury Sable.

Production ended on October 27, 2006 after a long run, with 2007 being the last model year.^[4] The Taurus was ultimately replaced by three cars, each aimed at better covering the markets that the Taurus had competed in. The Ford Five Hundred, a large car; its crossover SUV version, the Ford Freestyle, to replace the Taurus Wagon; and the Ford Fusion, a midsize car closer in size to the Taurus. Most Tauruses were built either in Chicago, Illinois (until April 23, 2004, at which time the plant was retooled to build the Five Hundred) or in Ford's Hapeville Plant in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Taurus was named by Lewis Veraldi (the 'father' of the Taurus team concept) and his chief planner, John Risk, each of whose wives were born under the astrological sign of the bull.^[5][3]

On February 7, 2007, Ford announced that the Taurus name will be revived for the 2008 model year, as the facelifted and slightly enhanced Ford Five Hundred and Ford Freestyle will be renamed the Taurus and Taurus X, respectively.^[6][7]

Contents 1 First generation (1986–1991) 1.1 First generation SHO 1.2 Awards 1.3 Models 2 Second generation (1992–1995) 2.1 Second generation SHO 2.2 SHO wagon 2.3 Awards 2.4 Models 3 Third generation (1996–1999) 3.1 Third generation SHO 3.2 Models 4 Fourth generation (2000–2007) 4.1 Models 5 Initial discontinuation 6 Fifth generation (2008-) 6.1 Fifth Generation SHO 6.2 Models 7 Export models 8 NASCAR 9 Famous owners 10 References 11 Notes 12 External links

[edit] First generation (1986–1991)

First generation
Production	1986–1991
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford D186 platform
Engine	2.5 L HSC I4 3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.8 L Essex V6 3.0 L SHO V6
Transmission	5-speed MTX manual 3-speed ATX automatic 4-speed AXOD automatic 4-speed AXOD-E automatic 5-speed MTX-IV manual
Wheelbase	106.0 in (2692 mm)
Length	188.4 in (4785 mm)
Width	70.8 in (1798 mm)
Height	54.1 in (1374 mm)
Curb weight	3050 lb (1383 kg)
Related	Mercury Sable Lincoln Continental
Similar	Chevrolet Celebrity Dodge Dynasty Nissan Maxima

The 1986 Ford Taurus was a very important and successful mid-size sedan. It introduced a radical new European design philosophy typified by the aerodynamic Audi 5000 and Ford Sierra to U.S. made cars.

Ford had lagged behind General Motors in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against the Citation and best-selling Celebrity, and Chrysler's well-received K cars. But when Ford replaced the rear-wheel drive mid-sized Fairmont-bodied Ford LTD, the front-wheel drive Taurus introduced a much rounder and more 'organic' design. Ford designers noted that the GM A-cars were designed with interiors with wide horizontal dashboards that could have come out of the mid 1960s, while Ford's styling were as contemporary as the best from Europe or Japan. Often described as 'jelly bean' shaped, the design proved successful and helped to launch Ford into a new era of prosperity. The Taurus, along with the 1983 Thunderbird, ultimately led to an American automobile design revolution that saw the end of the 'boxy' cars of the 1970s and 1980s.^[3]

Aerodynamic design was not just a styling fad — cars designed for low drag coefficient use less fuel at highway speeds. American manufacturers were seeking alternate solutions to comply with increasingly stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards applied by the government.

The Taurus and Sable siblings used flush aerodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S., when it introduced the Lincoln Mark VII in 1984. To do so, Ford (among other automakers) had to lobby the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to have them approved.^[3] The Taurus and Sable were the first domestically-produced, mainstream sedans to use the new lights. They also went beyond the Audi 5000, with which they were often compared, to adopt a grille-less 'bottom breather' nose, first pioneered by the Citroën DS in the 1950s, and also used briefly on the Mustang. Some special performance models were fitted with additional ventilation openings.

The bodyshell was smooth and aerodynamic. The Sable twin had a wraparound "lightbar" with two headlights and a low-wattage stretch in between. The doors went into the roof, and the handles were recessed. The Taurus also had large glass areas with slim pillars, and were flushed into the body, not recessed. The interior was available with bucket seats — very rare for most U.S. midsize sedans — and the dashboard wrapped around the driver and fed into the door panels to create more of a "cockpit" feel.^[8]

The premiere for the Taurus was a resounding one. For its aerodynamic shape, the premiere was held in MGM Studios Soundstage 85, where Gone with the Wind was filmed. Ford workers came into the room, which was decorated in space-age decor, holding cups shaped like flying saucers and the Taurus and Sable were sitting behind a curtain, their outlines silhouetting. Then, with the flashing of strobe lights and a drumroll, the curtain was pulled back and the two cars were revealed to the public.^[3]

For 1986, the engines were a 90 hp (67 kW) 2.5 L HSC 4-cylinder found in the MT-5 and L models or a new 140 hp (104 kW) 3.0 L Vulcan V6, optional on the L and standard on the GL and LX models. The MT-5 was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, Vulcan models used a newly-designed 4-speed AXOD automatic, while HSC-equipped cars used an older 3-speed ATX automatic.

The MT-5 and L models were basic, starting at US$10,500, with the GL offering a few interior upgrades like rear headrests and a folding armrest, as well as the standard 3.0 L V6. The LX was loaded with air conditioning, power windows, power seats, electric door locks, a cassette stereo and cruise control, although these features were also available as options on the other cars. The top-of-the-line LX station wagon sold for $14,300. By 1989, the top-of-the-line car offered automatic temperature control, keypad door locks, electronic instrument cluster, trip computer and power passenger seats.

Ford's 3.8 L Essex V6 was added to the lineup in 1988. Although the power output was rated at the same 140 hp (104 kW) as the 3.0 L engine, this large V6 produced 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) of torque, a welcome addition, especially in the heavier wagons. However, the 3.8 suffered from a premature failure of head gaskets, which was a fault with Ford's supplier of gaskets, not necessarily with the engine itself. Some also attribute this to reduced under-hood cooling.

There was no 5-speed wagon that year, while the L model was upgraded with a split bench in front and exterior power mirrors. The SHO model was added for 1989, and became the only manual transmission Taurus as the MT-5 model was eliminated.

In 1990, the interior received a facelift, incorporating a new steering wheel design with an airbag, a new gear shifter and a new dashboard with a new instrument panel. The 2.5 L four was given SFI, increasing power by 15 hp (11.2 kW) and torque by 10 ft·lbf (13.6 N·m), as did the 3.0 L V6, although output remained the same for that engine. The 3.8 L continued unchanged. All but the SHO were fitted with a 4-speed automatic for 1990 and a new electronic AXOD-E transmission in 1991. LX cars were also fitted with anti-lock brakes as standard that year.

[edit] First generation SHO

In 1989, the Taurus line was given a boost by the addition of the SHO. It is said that the reason why the SHO was created was because a lightweight two-seater sports car was under development by Ford to compete with the Pontiac Fiero and the Toyota MR2. Ford had sealed a deal with Yamaha for engines for this new car, but since the 'sporty car' market was falling, Ford scrapped the project, having already received a shipment of engines from Yamaha for the car, with many more in production. To utilize these otherwise redundant engines, Ford instead decided to put them in the Taurus, creating the SHO.^[9]

The SHO, however, wasn't the sales success for which Ford had hoped. It had little exterior differentiation from other Taurus models, displaying understated ground effects and plain colors. The interior was very different, giving sports seats and an 8000 rpm tachometer. The SHO became the only Taurus to feature a manual transmission since the MT5 was discontinued in that year.^[10]

A 'special edition' of the SHO was offered in 1991 that had some different styling cues from the 'normal' SHO, such as a new hood, painted wheels and other cosmetic details. This was called the SHO Plus Package.^[11]

[edit] Awards

The first generation Taurus LX was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1986. It was also on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list each year it was produced, from 1986 to 1991.

[edit] Models

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
MT-5	1986–1988	2.5 L HSC I4	90 hp (67 kW)	130 ft·lbf (176 N·m)	5-speed MTX manual
L	1986–1990				3-speed ATX automatic
L	1991	2.5 L SFI HSC I4	105 hp (78 kW)	140 ft·lbf (190 N·m)	4-speed AXOD automatic
L GL LX	1986–1990	3.0 L Vulcan V6	140 hp (104 kW)	160 ft·lbf (217 N·m)	4-speed AXOD automatic
GL LX	1988–1990	3.8 L Essex V6	140 hp (104 kW)	215 ft·lbf (291 N·m)	4-speed AXOD automatic
L GL LX	1991	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	140 hp (104 kW)	160 ft·lbf (217 N·m)	4-speed AXOD-E automatic
GL LX	1991	3.8 L Essex V6	140 hp (104 kW)	215 ft·lbf (291 N·m)
SHO	1989–1991	3.0 L SHO V6	220 hp (164 kW)	200 ft·lbf (271 N·m)	5-speed MTX-IV manual

[edit] Second generation (1992–1995)

Second generation
Production	1992–1995
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford D186 platform
Engine	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 3.8 L Essex V6 3.0 L SHO V6 3.2 L SHO V6
Transmission	4-speed AXOD-E automatic 4-speed AX4N automatic 5-speed MTX-IV manual 4-speed AX4S automatic
Wheelbase	106.0 in (2692 mm)
Length	192.0 in (4877 mm)
Width	71.2 in (1808 mm)
Height	54.1 in (1374 mm)
Curb weight	3118–3472 lb (1414–1575 kg)
Related	Mercury Sable Lincoln Continental Ford Windstar[12][13]
Similar	Chevrolet Lumina Nissan Maxima Toyota Camry

The Taurus received its first significant cosmetic update in 1992 (a nearly-invisible front headlight/grille change happened in 1989), which modernized the interior and the front and rear fascias. The operation cost Ford $650 million at the time. With the older model facing slumping sales, this new model brought sales back up again, with 410,000 examples sold during 1992, a number unheard of even today.^[2] While the design was basically the same, every body panel except for the roof was changed. Ford also gave the Taurus what they called a 'smarter appointed interior',^[14] which offered such luxuries as electronic automatic climate control (an option for the LX and, later, SE; standard on SHO models), power sliding moonroof, leather seating surfaces, and a center console which was available for people who didn't want the front bench seat. Wagon versions that retained the front bench seat and were equipped with the optional rear facing third seat had seating capacity for eight passengers. The Taurus was the best-selling car in the United States for every year of this cosmetic update.^[8]

The 2.5L four-cylinder engine had been eliminated after 1991, making the 3.0L V6 standard in all non-SHO models (except the LX Wagon, which had the 3.8L standard) from 1992-on. The next year (1993), the cheaper L base model was gone, as were other unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield and the front cornering lamps on GL and LX models. For both 3.0L and 3.8L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the alternator had used a separate belt). A passenger-side airbag became standard for 1994, including a redesigned drivers side airbag and steering wheel (though this newer look had been on the SHO for 1992 and 1993), finally replacing the "block" air bag of 1990-1993. Also for 1994, all wheel options were now 15". Previously, 14" wheels were standard on GL models. For 1994 and 1995, the LX model received unique crystiline headlamps.^[15]

The wagon version was available with mostly the same options as the sedan versions. Wagons had a maximum of 81.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down. They featured a 2-way liftgate (raise the entire liftgate or just the window), a roof rack with crossbar and tie-downs, an optional rear-facing third seat, a lockable under-floor compartment, and an optional fold-out picnic table. With both rear split seats in the upright position, standard cargo capacity was 45.7 cubic feet.

The last year of this updated Taurus generation was 1995. For the 1995 model year, a sportier SE model was added; similarly the Sable added the rare "LTS" trim level. It featured alloy wheels which were borrowed from the LX, had combination leather/cloth bucket seats separated by a console, unique "Crystalline" headlamp assemblies also borrowed from the LX, and a rear deck lid "lip" spoiler borrowed from the SHO. The SE trim had either the standard 3.0L Vulcan V6 or the optional 3.8L Essex V6. Other models gained standard air conditioning and rear window defroster, depending on the market, these may have already been standard equipment.

The second generation also came in a modified Police version. A police Taurus was a GL trim with the 3.8L Essex V6 engine that was slightly different than the regular Essex engine. The police version of this engine use high silicone alloy pistons which can be identified by two notches in the top of the piston. Output of the police version essex was 15bhp greater than the standard due to the addition of a dual exhaust muffler system, similar to that standard on the SHO; a Y-pipe was added after the resonator which allowed for the split to both sides of the rear of the vehicle. Other changes included a larger fuel tank, stainless steel brake lines, standard 4-wheel disc with ABS, a modified front grill fascia that had a slit in it to allow for increased airflow to the radiator, and a calibrated 140 MPH speedometer.

[edit] Second generation SHO

The SHO model continued with the same powertrain as before: The Yamaha-developed 3.0L V6 and 5-speed manual transmission. The new second generation SHO gets its own distinctive front fascia with a unique front bumper cover that incorporated fog lights and a lower front spoiler, as well as side claddings. The hood, fenders, headlights, and marker lights were borrowed from the Mercury Sable, but no middle light bar.^[16]

The lack of an automatic transmission had hurt sales, which was a situation that Ford rectified in 1993. A 3.2 L version of the Ford SHO V6 engine was introduced for automatic-equipped SHO, which still had 220 hp (164 kW), but now boasted 215 ft·lbf (292 N·m), a 15 ft·lbf (20.3 N·m) increase over the 3.0 L version.^[15]

In 1993, Ford did a minor redesign of the SHO interior, updating the center console. Other changes for 1993 included a trunklid spoiler, with integrated center high mount stop lamp.^[16]

[edit] SHO wagon

A single SHO wagon was built by Ford at the request of Car and Driver magazine. The SHO wagon was the cover feature in the April 1993 issue. It was billed as "The fastest, leanest, meanest and best station wagon Ford ever built".

While the engine and drive train fit the car without trouble, the biggest concern centered around the wagon's torsional rigidity. This problem was solved by welding reinforcing plates in the front wheelhouses, on the floor near the D-pillars, at the tops of the C-pillars, and in vital wheel well locations.

The suspension used a unique 23 mm front anti-roll bar and a 15 mm rear bar. Low load springs were used in the rear and the stock shock absorbers from the standard wagon were used.

The car weighed 3,636 lbs, went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in 172 feet. Estimated sales price, if Ford had been convinced to build them, was $30,000.

[edit] Awards

The updated Taurus earned seventh place on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list for 1992.

[edit] Models

Model	Year	Transmission	Engine	Power	Torque
L	1992	4-speed AXOD-E automatic	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	140 hp (104 kW)	160 ft·lbf (217 N·m)
GL LX	1992–1992
			3.8 L Essex V6	140 hp (104 kW)	215 ft·lbf (291 N·m)
GL LX	1993–1995	4-speed AX4S automatic	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	140 hp (104 kW)	160 ft·lbf (217 N·m)
			3.8 L Essex V6	140 hp (104 kW)	215 ft·lbf (291 N·m)
SE	1995		3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	140 hp (104 kW)	160 ft·lbf (217 N·m)
			3.8 L Essex V6	140 hp (104 kW)	215 ft·lbf (291 N·m)
SHO	1992–1995	5-speed MTX-IV manual	3.0 L SHO V6	220 hp (164 kW)	200 ft·lbf (271 N·m)
	1993–1995	4-speed AX4N automatic	3.2 L SHO V6	220 hp (164 kW)	215 ft·lbf (291 N·m)

[edit] Third generation (1996–1999)

Third generation
Production	1996–1999
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford D186 platform
Engine	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 3.4 L SHO V8
Transmission	4-speed AX4N automatic 4-speed AX4S automatic
Wheelbase	108.5 in (2756 mm)
Length	197.5 in (5016 mm)
Width	73.0 in (1854 mm)
Height	55.1 in (1400 mm)
Curb weight	3329 lb (1510 kg)
Related	Mercury Sable Lincoln Continental Ford Windstar[12][13]
Similar	Chevrolet Lumina Dodge Intrepid Toyota Camry

The 1996 model year saw the first complete redesign for the Taurus. Ford hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had had with the 1986 Taurus. The controversial oval theme was not well received by the press and the public, and is ultimately blamed as the reason the Taurus lost its bestseller status to the Toyota Camry in 1997.^[5]

Another factor that was to blame for the sales decline of the Taurus was the substantial price increase from the previous model. The suggested retail price for the 1996 model increased US$2,500 over the 1995 model. The 1996 Taurus attempted to move upmarket and the result was a car with more standard and optional features. The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 200 hp (149 kW) 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 as an option. Quality of this generation was of a lower standard than in previous generations, as the overall quality of the Ford line was falling at the time; the Taurus received a poor reliability rating from Consumer Reports.^[17] Another notable quality issue is the fact that cars equipped with the manual air conditioning did not have any form of liquid drainage, meaning that mold could form in the air ducts and blow into the cabin, when the AC was turned on. This sparked a notorious battle between Ford and Jerry Schreiber, an elderly man who claimed that the mold in the faulty AC system in his 1998 Taurus nearly killed him.^[18] The battle continues to this day.

Trim lines were now known as G at the bottom, with GL in the middle and LX as the most-luxurious. The third generation also saw Ford USA's re-entry into RHD export markets. A specially luxurious trim level — the Taurus Ghia — was available in these markets. The SHO continued with a new 3.4 L V8 engine. The Taurus was a flexible-fuel vehicle for 1997 and earned low-emission vehicle status in California but sales were faltering, nonetheless.

In an effort to reverse the declining sales of the Taurus, Ford tried to increase its appeal by making some cosmetic changes for the 1998 and 1999 model years. These changes included redesigning the grille openings in the front, changing the design from two oval openings to a more SHO-like full width opening for the air dam (without the bar running through the center) and moving the Ford logo down into an enlarged opening between the lights, mounted onto a Jaguar-esque 'motif bar'. These years were also fitted with more attractive headlight lenses, featuring completely clear lenses and a multi-reflector surface in the rear of the housing, around the bulb; these were known as the 'disco ball' headlights. The rear turn signal lenses were changed from amber to red, to match the rest of the lightbar assembly, presumably to present a more 'sleek' appearance. Ford also eliminated the two downmarket trim levels, G and GL and reinstated the upscale SE model from 1995, which featured a harder suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.^[19]

Although all 1998 models had the option of the DOHC Duratec engine, it was only available on the SE for 1999. That same year, the front bucket seats, re-introduced with the SE, became optional on the LX. Ford claimed that the 1999 Duratec had less power than the 2000 Duratec in hopes to increase sales of the 2000 Taurus.^[20]

Part way into the 1999 model year, Ford made some minor cosmetic changes and cut features, mostly to cut costs. These changes were made due to the continuing decline of Taurus sales and Ford's focus on the truck and SUV market.^[21]

[edit] Third generation SHO

A 235 hp (175 kW) 3.4 L DOHC V8 was specified for the SHO model but the 5-speed manual transmission was deleted. The V8 in the SHO model (produced from 1996 to 1999) increased curb weight, and the lack of a manual transmission option meant the new SHO lacked the acceleration of the previous generation manual transmission cars, though its top speed of 144 mph (232 km/h) was higher and its cornering and braking were improved. These engines were assembled by Yamaha in Japan but more parts were made by Ford than in the earlier Yamaha-built V6.

Separation of the camshaft from its sprocket (components shared with at least one other Ford engine with significantly lower output) has been implicated in a growing number of catastrophic failures of this engine, at around the 50,000 mile (80,000 km) mark. The standard warranty on this model was 36,000 miles (58,000 km). This problem can be rectified by having the camshafts welded.^[22]. This SHO model sold in lower numbers that the previous SHO generations, with sales peaking at 9,000 units in 1997.^[23] As a result, Ford cut the SHO when redesigning the Taurus for its fourth generation.

[edit] Models

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
G GL	1996–1997	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	145 hp (108 kW)	180 ft·lbf (244 N·m)	4-speed AX4S automatic 4-speed AX4N automatic
		3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6	200 hp (149 kW)	195 ft·lbf (264 N·m)
LX	1996–1997
LX SE	1998	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	145 hp (108 kW)	180 ft·lbf (244 N·m)
		3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6	200 hp (149 kW)	195 ft·lbf (264 N·m)
LX	1999	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	145 hp (108 kW)	180 ft·lbf (244 N·m)
SE		3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6	200 hp (149 kW)	195 ft·lbf (264 N·m)
SHO	1996–1999	3.4 L SHO V8	235 hp (175 kW)	230 ft·lbf (312 N·m)	4-speed AX4N automatic

[edit] Fourth generation (2000–2007)

Fourth generation
Production	2000–2007
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford D186 platform
Engine	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6
Transmission	4-speed AX4N automatic
Wheelbase	108.5 in (2756 mm)
Length	197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width	73.0 in (1854 mm)
Height	56.1 in (1425 mm)
Curb weight	3316 lb (1504 kg)
Related	Mercury Sable Lincoln Continental
Similar	Chevrolet Impala Dodge Intrepid Nissan Maxima

The Taurus received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional styling. The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear-passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was completely changed for a much more conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained from the 1996 model, such as the integrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel. The suspension was also softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce the price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes were eliminated.^[24] The SHO model was also dropped.

The 2002 Taurus included extra equipment on every trim level, including a CD player and power driver's seat on the SE, a power moonroof or leather interior on the SES and both of these luxury options on the SEL. Side airbags and traction control were added as options on all models.

In 2003, Ford created a Centennial Version Taurus to celebrate Ford's 100th anniversary. This special Taurus included many extras, such as lighter wood trim, special leather seats, headlights with black accents, special wheels, a special leather case for the owner's manual, a leather jacket that said "Ford:100 years", a similar watch, and a letter from William Clay Ford, Jr. Production was limited to 3,000 units.^[25]

For 2004, the Taurus received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticeably the removal of a horizontal bar running through the Ford logo on the grille. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel. 2005 to 2007 models remain unchanged from 2004. In 2006 the Duratec engine was dropped from the lineup.^[24]

[edit] Models

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
LX SE SES	2000–2005	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	155 hp (116 kW)	185 ft·lbf (251 N·m)	4-speed AX4N automatic
		3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6	200 hp (149 kW) 201 hp (150 kW)	200 ft·lbf (271 N·m) 207 ft·lbf (281 N.m)
SEL
SE SEL	2006–2007	3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6	155 hp (116 kW)	185 ft·lbf (251 N·m)	4-speed AX4N automatic

[edit] Initial discontinuation

Taurus sales had slumped significantly in the years prior to its demise, losing significant market share to foreign sedans.^[2] Production of the Taurus wagon was discontinued in January 2005; sedan retail sales halted after a short 2006 model year. The 2007 Taurus was sold exclusively to fleets in the United States, but was still offered to consumers in Canada. Production ended on October 27, 2006, as Ford idled the Atlanta plant, as part of The Way Forward. The last Ford Taurus rolled off the assembly line around 7:25am, destined for delivery to S. Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-A.^[26] Mr. Cathy's original restaurant was located across from the Ford Atlanta plant. There was no official event or function of any kind to mark the end of production.

Rather than investing in an older platform, Ford chose to concentrate on development of the larger 2005 Five Hundred and Freestyle (a taller crossover sedan and wagon, based on a Volvo FWD/AWD platform) and the 2006 Fusion (a Mazda6-based sedan, similar in size to the original Taurus), both vehicles replaced the Taurus in the Ford lineup.

The discontinuation of the Taurus was controversial, mostly due to the fact that it was believed that the Taurus was just left to die by Ford, while others believe that the car couldn't keep pace in the growing sedan market, and that caused it to be discontinued.^[27] This is disputed though, because some believed that if Ford wanted to save the car, they could have easily done so.^[28] One went even as far as calling the Taurus the biggest fall from grace in history, and even blamed Ford being in dire straits today on them letting the Taurus widdle away and focusing all its money on SUVs.^[29]

MSNBC interviewed many Ford workers who felt that Ford unjustly abandoned the car that had done so much to revitalize Ford and the US industry. In a October 25, 2006 USA Today editorial, "How Ford starved its Taurus" it was noted that the Japanese stick with their winners and make them better, (Such as the Toyota Corolla, which has been in continuous production since the 1960s^[30]) while Detroit retires cars or entire division nameplates.^[31]

[edit] Fifth generation (2008-)

This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

See also: Ford Five Hundred, Ford Freestyle, and Ford Taurus X

Fifth generation
Production	2008-
Assembly	Chicago, Illinois
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout/All wheel drive
Platform	Ford D3 platform
Engine	3.5 L Cyclone V6
Transmission	6-speed 6F automatic
Wheelbase	112.7 in
Length	201.5 in
Width	74.1 in
Height	61.2 in
Related	Volvo S60 Mercury Sable Lincoln MKS Ford Fairlane
Similar	Chevrolet Impala Kia Amanti Toyota Avalon

Ford CEO Alan Mulally said that Ford's scheme to make all its cars' names start with the letter F was a bad move, as it made Ford's new cars easily forgettable.^[6] Mulally wants to revive some known and respected Ford nameplates for its new model line, the Taurus being one of them. When the face lifted Ford Five Hundred is launched in late 2007, it will be renamed the Taurus.^[32] Many say that Alan Mulally has had a strong interest in the Taurus name, and it is no surprise that he is bringing it back.^[33]

Changes to the new Taurus from the existing Five Hundred include a new front end and the addition of the 3.5 L Cyclone engine from the Ford Edge, as well as replacing the CVT transmission with a conventional one to counter criticism of the Five Hundred being underpowered.^[34] The Taurus' twin, the Mercury Sable, will also be revived, by the Mercury Montego being renamed the Sable.^[35] On Wednesday February 7, Ford confirmed the changes,^[6][36] and announced that the facelifted Freestyle will be renamed the Taurus X.^[7] The Taurus X will also drop the CVT transmission and 3.0 L V6 used in the Freestyle in favor of the 3.5 L engine and six-speed 6F automatic.

[edit] Fifth Generation SHO

With the return of the Taurus, SHO enthusiasts have begun an effort to persuade Ford to reintroduce it. The top consideration for an engine is the 4.4 L Yamaha V8 from the Volvo S80. Another suggestion is the twin-turbo TwinForce version of the 3.5 L Cyclone V6.^[37]

[edit] Models

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
SE SEL Limited	2008-present	3.5 L Cyclone V6	260 hp	245 ft·lbf	6-speed 6F automatic

[edit] Export models

The third generation model was exported outside North America to Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, with right hand drive. However, this action proved unsuccessful. In these markets, it wore a Mercury Sable grille, a unique front bumper cover with inset parking and turn signal lamps, and a Taurus-style rear, due to those countries' regulations regarding automotive lighting. Australians and New Zealanders tended to stay away from the cars, due to their high price; a well equipped, larger-engined rear-wheel drive Ford Fairmont cost around the same amount. While the Japanese market was offered the station wagon, Australian buyers could only opt for a high-spec sedan, with the Taurus Ghia badge. The third generation Taurus was also exported to Israel. For the Hong Kong market, only the sedan variant was offered. It was marketed as an upscale Ford sedan. However, as in other export markets, the Taurus was a failure in Hong Kong. In Brazil, the second-generation Taurus was introduced in 1994, available only as a sedan, with the 3.0L Vulcan engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. It was intended to be an upscale alternative to the Belgian-built Mondeo. The third-generation Taurus was available from 1997 to 1998, only in the LX trim level, using the Duratec engine. It enjoyed only minimal sales, mainly due to its controversial design. However, the Taurus is popular in the used car market in Brazil, due to its low price and high equipment level.

Other Latin American versions were 3.0 V6 GLX and 3.8 V6 GT.

[edit] NASCAR

As Ford retired the MN12-based Thunderbird after the 1997 season, which had been Ford's NASCAR platform, they needed to pick another platform. The idea was risky, as the Thunderbirds had won eighteen races in 1997, the model's second-most wins after the twenty-one wins in 1994.

General Motors had already used 2-door versions of their front-wheel drive mid-sizes: the Chevy Lumina and Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Buick Regal in NASCAR competition, even though the actual cars were V6-powered. Since Ford no longer manufactured any 2-door mid-size cars, the 4-door Taurus was chosen, although NASCAR racers don't have any doors. The first cars were modeled after the third generation cars, but later cars adopted the standard body shape imposed on all NASCAR bodies.

The Nascar edition of the Taurus was developed by the Penske Racing South group based in Mooresville, North Carolina after the decision was made to drop the Thunderbird in March 1997. The first one was owned by Don Miller, the co-owner and manager of Penske Racing South.

The stock car Taurus made its debut to over 300 people, including news media, team representatives, and Ford drivers, on July 30, 1997 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, right before the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.^[38]

The Taurus was tested at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, driven by Rusty Wallace and Bill Elliott. It was then taken to the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama for a three day test.

The Taurus won fifteen races in the introductory season, nine more than the Thunderbird won in its first five seasons. The Taurus was at the top of the standings in 1999, and the racers wondered if the redesigned models for 2000 would continue the good fortune.^[39]

The Taurus won over 100 races during its NASCAR career.^[40] With the retirement of the Taurus, new Ford NASCAR bodies are now based on the Fusion, a car sized similarly to the original Taurus.^[41]

[edit] Famous owners

• Conan O'Brien's daily driver is a second generation SHO, and he mentions it whenever he talks about his car, or his interests. He even dedicated an entire segment of the show to it, during which he sets off to sell it, and buy a large estate in Finland (Poking fun at the Taurus' notoriously low resale value). He later "sold" the car to Brad Pitt. In reality, O'Brien still owns the vehicle.^[42]
• Jay Leno owns several SHOs.^[42]
• Pat Goss from Motorweek drives a 1991 SHO.^[42]
• Noel Gugliemi, best known for playing the "Monkey Butt" hood from Bruce Almighty, drives a 4th generation SE.
• S. Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-Fil-A, owns the last Taurus off the Atlanta assembly line.

[edit] References

• Generations: Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on 2006-05-16.
• Ford Taurus official website. Ford.com. Retrieved on 2006-05-16.
• Taurus Car Club of America. Retrieved on 2006-05-16.
• Beadle, Tony (August 1996). The American Automobile. Smithmark Publishers. ISBN 0-8317-6267-5. 
• Gunnell, John (July 2002). Standard Catalog of Ford 1903-2003, 3rd edition, Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-452-0. 

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

• Official 2008 Ford Taurus Website
• Current official Ford Vehicles (USA cars) web site
• Taurus Car Club of America
• The Ford Taurus SHO: Performance with Style!
• Taurus SHO article
• Ford Taurus Smart Guide
• TCCA: Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia
• SHOTimes.com Taurus SHO information site
• V8SHO - Site dedicated to the 1996–99 V8 Ford Taurus SHO
• FordTaurus.net pictures/information

• Ford Taurus quiz
• Atlas Taurus history

• MSNBC: Say goodbye to the Taurus

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							Taurus
Full-size																										Five Hundred			Taurus
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