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Ford Taurus

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2001 Ford TaurusThe Ford Taurus was a monumental car for Ford. When it was introduced in 1986 it was a gamble. If the car was a flop, Ford would go bankrupt. If not, Ford would be renewed. Needless to say the car "broke the mold" and became a success for decades. The 1986 Taurus redefined the family sedan.

Until the 2008 model year, the Taurus was a mid-size four door passenger car with a 3.0L V6 engine and front wheel drive (FWD). For a brief period in the early years, a I-4 engine was standard. For the 2008 model, the car grew bigger and the standard engine was Ford's new 3.5L V6 engine. The 2008 model was essentially a rebranded Five Hundred. The Taurus is assembled at the Chicago plant. Taurii were also produced at the Hapeville plant near Atlanta until it's closure in 2006. The Taurus twin is the Mercury Sable.

First Generation (1986-1991)

1986 Ford TaurusThe 1986 Taurus won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award. It was very deserving!

Year-to-year changes (highlights, not comprehensive):

Second Generation (1992-1995)

ABC

Third Generation (1996-1999)

 

Fourth Generation (2000-2007)

2000 Ford Taurus SEL

The 2000-2007 Taurus' were built off the same basic shell as the '96-'99 cars but the "oval" theme was gone (thankfully). There were a number of safety features added as well for 2000 such as an emergency release handle inside the trunk.

The X saw the following changes & improvements over the previous models:

Fifth Generation (2008-)

2008 Ford TaurusTo the surprise of many, just as the Taurus was to be discontinued, Ford took their existing redesigned Ford Five Hundred and rebranded it as the 2008 Ford Taurus. It's interesting because the car was already destined and announced as the 2008 Five Hundred but within weeks (days?) it was called the Taurus.

The 2008 Taurus is bigger in many ways. The car is bigger and has a bigger engine. Standard for 2008 is Ford's new 3.5L V6. Just like the Five Hundred, the Taurus is now available with All Wheel Drive (AWD).

Ford Taurus 4.6L V8 Engine Specifications

Other Ford Taurus Resources