FOR
D TAURUS: A LEGENDARY SEDAN The Ford Taurus is a nameplate that has stood the test of time. First introduced in 1986 as a mid-size sedan, the Taurus quickly became a hit with car buyers thanks to its smooth ride, spacious interior, and innovative features. Over the years, the Taurus has undergone several redesigns, but one thing that has remained constant is its popularity among American consumers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Ford Taurus and what makes it such a legendary vehicle. 1986-1995: THE EARLY YEARS The first-generation Taurus was a breakthrough vehicle for Ford. It was designed to be aerodynamic and efficient, with a sleek profile that set it apart from other sedans on the road. The Taurus was also packed with advanced features for its time, such as a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen display for climate control. One notable characteristic of the first-generation Taurus was its “jellybean” shape, which made it look like a futuristic car from a science fiction movie. The Taurus was also one of the first cars to use front-wheel drive, which gave it better handling and stability. 1996-2006: THE OVAL-SHAPED TAURUS The second-generation Taurus, introduced in 1996, was known for its oval-shaped body and larger dimensions. The Taurus was now a full-size sedan, with ample room for passengers and luggage. The car was also redesigned to have a more traditional look, with a grille and headlights that were reminiscent of classic Fords. In 2000, the Taurus received a significant overhaul with a new suspension system and more powerful engines. The car also received several safety upgrades, including side airbags and a stability control system. 2007-2019: THE TWIN OF THE FORD FIVE HUNDRED The third-generation Taurus, introduced in 2007, was essentially a rebadged version of the Ford Five Hundred. The Taurus was once again restyled, this time to resemble a larger version of the Ford Fusion. The car also featured a host of high-tech features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system and a rearview camera. In 2010, the Taurus received a major facelift with a new grille and redesigned interior. The car also received a more powerful engine in the form of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. 2019-PRESENT: THE END OF AN ERA In 2019, Ford announced that it would be discontinuing the Taurus. The company cited declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards crossovers and SUVs as the reason for the decision. Despite its discontinuation, the Ford Taurus will always be remembered as a legendary sedan. It set the standard for American cars in the 1980s and 1990s and continued to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions over the years. The Taurus was also a popular choice among law enforcement agencies, with many police departments opting for the Taurus as their patrol car of choice. In conclusion, the Ford Taurus represents the best of American automotive engineering. It was a car that was always ahead of its time, with advanced technologies and sleek styling that set it apart from its competitors. While it may be the end of an era for the Taurus, its legacy will live on forever.