The 3 Billion Dollar Gamble
In the mid-1980s, Ford was in financial ruin. Their cars were boxy, boring, and losing sales to the Japanese. Ford bet the entire companyâ$3 billionâon a radical new project codenamed DN5. The result was the 1986 Ford Taurus. It looked like nothing else on the road. It was aerodynamic, smooth, and futuristic. The press called it the Jellybean or the Flying Potato. The public called it a masterpiece. It became the best-selling car in America, dethroning the Honda Accord and saving Ford from bankruptcy.
When you browse the Taurus listings on Hugegarage, you are looking at the evolution of the American family sedan. From the revolutionary first generation to the oval-obsessed third generation, and finally to the massive, Volvo-based luxury cruiser of the final years, the Taurus has worn many faces. But one thing remained constant: it was always built for the American highway.
The SHO Legend: The Super High Output (SHO) Taurus is a cult icon.
- Gen 1-2 (1989-1995): Used a high-revving V6 engine built by Yamaha. It was faster than a BMW 5-Series of the time.
- Gen 3 (1996-1999): Used a Yamaha-built 3.4L V8. Great sound, but prone to cam sprocket failure.
- Gen 4 (2010-2019): Returned as a twin-turbo AWD monster with 365 HP.
Generation 1 2: The Glory Years (1986â1995)
These cars defined the 90s. They were everywhere.
Engine: The 3.0L Vulcan V6. An ancient pushrod design, but incredibly durable. You will still see these running today with 300,000 miles.
The Weakness: The AXOD / AX4S automatic transmissions were notorious for failing every 80,000 miles. Heat killed them.
Generation 3: The Oval Overload (1996â1999)
Ford tried too hard. The redesign featured oval shapes everywhereâthe headlights, the rear window, the radio buttons, even the door handles. It was too weird for buyers, and the Toyota Camry stole the sales crown. This generation is generally considered the low point of the Taurus history.
Generation 4: The Fleet Queen (2000â2007)
Ford softened the styling to be more conservative. It became the default rental car and police detective vehicle. It was boring, reliable, and cheap.
Engine: The 3.0L Duratec DOHC V6 (200 HP) was the optional engine and made this car surprisingly quick.
Generation 6: The Full-Size Luxury Cruiser (2010â2019)
After a brief hiatus (where it was renamed the Five Hundred), the Taurus returned in 2010 as a massive full-size sedan. It shared its D3 platform with the Lincoln MKS and Volvo S80.
The Cabin: A Personal Cockpit
The defining feature of the final Taurus is the high center console. It wraps around the driver, creating a cockpit feel. However, this massive console steals interior space. Despite being a huge car on the outside, the interior feels tighter than a Honda Accord.
Engine Options
- 3.5L Duratec V6
- Specs: 288 HP / 254 lb-ft Torque.
Verdict: The standard engine. Smooth, reliable, and adequate power. It uses a water pump inside the engine (like the Flex), so watch for coolant leaks. - 2.0L EcoBoost
- Specs: 240 HP.
Verdict: Rare. Good fuel economy, but felt overworked in a 4,000-lb car. - 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (SHO)
- Specs: 365 HP / 350 lb-ft Torque.
The Drive: Standard AWD. It is a highway missile. With a simple software tune, it can hit 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. It is a police interceptor in civilian clothes.
The Police Interceptor Sedan
Starting in 2012, the Taurus replaced the Crown Victoria as the standard police car.
Differences: The Police Interceptor Sedan has heavy-duty cooling, upgraded brakes, a column shifter, and structural reinforcements for 75 MPH rear-impact crashes. These are fantastic used buys if you can find one that wasn't abused.
Common Issues (2010-2019)
1. Internal Water Pump
As with the Flex and Explorer, the 3.5L V6 has an internal water pump. If it fails, it can dump coolant into the oil. Check the oil dipstick for milky residue.
2. PTU Failure (AWD Models)
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that sends power to the rear wheels holds very little fluid (less than a quart) and sits next to the hot catalytic converter. The fluid cooks and turns to sludge.
Hugegarage Tip: Change the PTU fluid every 30,000 miles to prevent failure. Ford says it is lifetime, but it is not.
Why Was It Cancelled?
The same story as the Fusion and Focus: SUVs. Ford killed the Taurus in 2019 to make room for more Explorers. The final Taurus rolled off the Chicago assembly line on March 1, 2019, ending a 34-year run.
Conclusion: The End of an Icon
The Ford Taurus is the most significant American car of the last 40 years. It proved that Detroit could innovate. Today, the final generation (2010-2019) represents an incredible value. You get a quiet, safe, Volvo-engineered chassis with powerful engines for a bargain price. Just be aware of the water pump maintenance on high-mileage examples. For those who want a sleeper, a used Taurus SHO is one of the fastest cars you can buy for under $15,000. Explore the specs below.