Ford Taurus

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

2000 - 2006

The Taurus received a minor redesign in 2000 which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model. The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear-passenger space to increase passenger headroom sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was also completely swapped out 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, the Ford Taurus was also stripped of many standard and optional features such as 4-wheel disc brakes. The cost-cutting ultimately led to a vehicle with poor-quality materials and fewer features, but more reliable transmissions. The Taurus SHO did not return for 2000.

Related Topics:
2000 - 1996 - Suspension - Disc brake - Transmissions

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For 2004, the Taurus received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, as well as a new instrument cluster and steering wheel. There are differing opinions about whether the 2004 ? 2006 cars should be considered a true fifth generation or just another modification of the third generation.

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Production of the Taurus wagon was discontinued in January 2005.

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Ford has stopped selling Tauruses to the public, but they are still building them for rental fleets.

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