Ford Taurus

:This article is not to be confused with Ford Taunus.

1986 - 1991

The 1986 Ford Taurus was a very important and successful midsize sedan that introduced a radical new design philosophy. Replacing the Ford LTD, the front-wheel-drive Taurus introduced North America to a much rounder and more organic design. Often described as "jelly bean" shaped, the design proved successful and helped to launch Ford into a new era of prosperity. The Taurus ultimately led to a design revolution that saw the end of the 'boxy' cars of the 1970s and 1980s.

Related Topics:
1986 - Ford LTD - Front-wheel-drive - Jelly bean - 1970s - 1980s

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For 1986, the engines ranged from a 100 hp (75 kW) 2.5 L 4-cylinder found in the MT-5 and L models, to either a 140 hp (104 kW) 3.0 L Vulcan V6 or 3.8 L 140 hp (104 kW) Essex V6, found in the L, GL, and LX models, to a 220 hp (164 kW) 3.0 L DOHC V6 produced by Yamaha in the SHO model (debuting in 1989, with a 5-speed only). The 4-cylinder engine was eventually dropped from the lineup - cars carrying such engines were found to be underpowered.

Related Topics:
1986 - MT - Vulcan V6 - Essex V6 - 3.0 L DOHC V6 - Yamaha - 1989

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In 1990, the interior was facelifted, incorporating a new steering wheel design in order to fit an airbag, a new column shifter and floor shifter, and a new dashboard with a new instrument panel.

Related Topics:
1990 - Steering wheel - Airbag - Dashboard

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SHO

The SHO model, which debuted in 1989 with a sticker price of around USD $20,000, changed the dull reputation of the Taurus.

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Powered by a special "Super-High Output" 4-valve-per-cylinder derivative of the Vulcan (developed in conjunction with Yamaha), it featured vastly improved performance. With mid-6-second 0-to-60 mph (100 km/h) times, and a top speed around 145 mph (233 km/h), it could keep up with such performance cars as Ford's own Mustang GT, Camaro Z28s, and the Diamond Star Motors cars (Mitsubishi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser, and Eagle Talon) in turbocharged form. It was said to be the most powerful and quickest front wheel drive car ever made when it was introduced.

Related Topics:
4-valve-per-cylinder derivative - Mustang GT - Camaro Z28 - Diamond Star Motors - Mitsubishi Eclipse - Plymouth Laser - Eagle Talon - Turbocharged - Front wheel drive

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The SHO, however, wasn't the sales success that 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 way to some very comfortable and supportive sports seats, and an 8000 rpm tachometer.

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The SHO became the only Taurus to feature a stick shift since the MT5 was discontinued in that year.

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