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Ford Taurus: A Classic American Icon The Ford Taurus, also known as the "Grandpa car" or "Old Bull," was first introduced in 1986 as a mid-size sedan. It quickly became one of the most popular cars in America, with over 7 million units sold by the end of its production in 2019. The Taurus was inspired by the Ford Executive, a mid-size car made in the 1970s. Ford engineers wanted to create a car that was sleek, modern, and stylish. Their goal was to build a car that could compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The result was the Ford Taurus, a car that became an instant classic. It was known for its smooth ride and superior handling, as well as its innovative design features. The Taurus was the first car to use ground effects to improve aerodynamics, allowing it to glide effortlessly through the air. Other notable features of the Taurus included its futuristic dashboard, which featured a digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls for the air conditioning and radio. It also had a spacious interior, with ample legroom and comfortable seats. The Taurus underwent several transformations throughout its lifetime, including a redesign in 1996 that gave it a more rounded and fluid appearance. In 2010, Ford introduced the sixth-generation Taurus, which was based on a new platform and featured a more modern and refined design. Despite its popularity, the Taurus faced its fair share of challenges over the years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sales began to decline as consumers shifted towards SUVs and trucks. In response, Ford introduced the Taurus X, a crossover SUV based on the Taurus platform. Despite these changes however, the Taurus continued to be a beloved car among many Americans. Its longevity and iconic design have made it a classic American car, with many enthusiasts still driving and collecting Ford Tauruses today. In conclusion, the Ford Taurus is a classic American icon that has left a lasting impact on the automotive industry. Its innovative design features, futuristic dashboard, and smooth ride made it a popular choice for millions of drivers. While it faced challenges over the years, it remains a beloved car and a testament to Ford's commitment to innovation and high-quality design.