The Ford Taurus is a significant name among the cars that transformed automotive design. Introduced in 1986, the Ford Taurus has portrayed engineering excellence for over three decades. Besides, the Ford Taurus’s history spans eight generations of design changes and revolutionary advancements.
Here’s a detailed journey through the rich Ford Taurus history, exploring its various generations, key milestones and lasting legacy in the world of automobiles.
Ford Taurus History and Timeline
In nearly four decades, the Ford Taurus is among the car models saving their brands during hard times. In the early 1980s, Ford received a major setback. After that, the first Ford Taurus generation was released in 1986. This sedan model came with an upgraded aerodynamic design and advanced technology. Besides, it is one of the most popular used American sedans in the UAE.
Let’s go through the evolution of the Ford Taurus and how it became popular in a short span.
First Generation Ford Taurus (1986-1991)
The Ford Taurus was introduced as a mid-size car for the 1986 model year. The Taurus featured a revolutionary aerodynamic design with a rounded shape, which was a significant departure from the boxy cars of the time. Moreover, Taurus’s interior was ahead of its time with the technology and infotainment features.
It boasted a V6 and an inline engine paired with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Besides, this generation won several awards in the Ford Taurus history. It became one of the most anticipated models and saved Ford from bankruptcy. At the end of the first-generation Taurus, more than two million units were sold worldwide.
Second Generation Ford Taurus (1992-1995)
The second generation brought subtle changes and refinements to the original design. In the Ford Taurus history, the 1992 model saw extensive restyling, except for the doors, marking it as a mid-cycle facelift. It grew in size and weight, offering only V6 engines and automatic transmissions. The Taurus SHO also returned with a new automatic transmission option.
The interior redesign included a passenger-side airbag, standardising dual airbags by 1994. This generation, produced until 1995, maintained its best-selling status in the U.S., with over 1.4 million units sold.
Third Generation Ford Taurus (1996-1999)
The third generation debuted in 1996 with significant chassis upgrades, creating the DN101 generation. It shared its underpinnings with the Mercury Sable, Lincoln Continental and Ford Windstar.
Departing from the familiar styling of Ford Taurus old models, the 1996 redesign featured rounded lines and oval shapes. It also included a distinctive rear window. The interior was also completely revamped, with bucket seats standard in all versions.
Six-passenger Taurus models had a flip-forward centre seat cushion doubling as a console. Meanwhile, five-passenger models featured a floor shifter and centre console. Centralised radio and climate control on an oval-shaped dashboard console improved ergonomics.
In the Ford Taurus history, it is one of the most remarkable feats that it became the first-ever four-door sedan to participate in NASCAR competition.
Fourth Generation Ford Taurus (2000-2004)
Ford’s decision to redesign the Taurus after just four years was unusual, but the third-generation model’s bug-eye headlights were particularly unpopular. This prompted the design team to create a more appealing fourth generation, with engineers making only minor adjustments to the platform.
The most noticeable update in the fourth generation was the swept-back headlight design extending to the front fenders, replacing the previous round ones. It retained a similar elliptic car grille shape. At the rear, the Taurus adopted corner-mounted tail lights, aligning with the new-edge design trend seen in the Ford Focus.
Inside, the fourth-generation Taurus featured the instrument cluster with an upper section extended over the centre console. Moreover, a new trapezoidal-shaped audio system replaced the egg-shaped previous version.
Under the hood, Ford offered two V6 engine options with similar displacements, delivering up to 201 hp. All models came with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission and a floor-mounted shifter.
Fifth Generation Ford Taurus (2008-2009)
Ford discontinued the Taurus in 2004 due to major setbacks. As the sales continued to drop, the Ford Taurus’ history halted. After that, Ford Taurus history continued with a revamped model in 2008.
The 5th generation Taurus gained traction in the market thanks to its renowned nameplate and appealing exterior design. While the overall shape of the vehicle remained consistent, significant changes were made to both the front and rear ends.
The Taurus featured fully independent suspension and an all-wheel-drive system. Moreover, it utilised a platform initially developed by Volvo before Ford acquired it in 1999.
At the front, the Taurus adopted the three-bar horizontal grille design already seen on other Ford vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. Its new headlights, along with a raked front end and curved surfaces, attracted customers.
Inside, Ford created a spacious cabin with a curved dashboard. The centre stack housed an infotainment system called SYNC. The system featured user-friendly voice commands, easily understood in the quiet interior.
Sixth Generation Ford Taurus (2010-2013)
The 2010 Taurus marked the fully-fledged sixth generation of the model, arriving after the 2008 version, which was essentially a rebadged Five Hundred. Built during the post-financial crisis era, it utilised existing parts and was based on the D3 platform, an updated version of Volvo’s P2 architecture with steel suspension arms. Despite this, it featured independent suspension on all four corners, enhancing comfort.
Design-wise, the 2010 Taurus significantly improved over its predecessor with slimmer headlights, a narrower three-slat grille and a trapezoidal lower grille reminiscent of the European Mondeo. The arched roofline and forward-raked C-pillars gave it a cab-forward look, while the taillights extended onto the trunk lid.
Inside, it offered a spacious cabin for five, with a dashboard inspired by the Mustang and a centre stack housing the infotainment screen, sound system controls and HVAC controls.
Power came from a transversely-mounted 3.5-litre V6 Duratec engine, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Seventh Generation Ford Taurus (2013-2019)
Ford unveiled the 2012 Taurus at the 2011 New York Auto Show, introducing a mild facelift in cars aimed at boosting sales. The key updates focused on technology and eco-friendliness.
The entire range of the 2012 Taurus became greener, featuring electronic power steering and automatic fuel shutoff during aggressive deceleration. Exterior changes included a new grille with three slim horizontal chrome slats and redesigned headlights.
Inside, the Taurus now boasted the MyFord Touch infotainment system, combining traditional buttons with new touch controls. The seats were also upgraded with eco-friendly soy-based foam.
Under the hood, Ford introduced a new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine with direct fuel injection, delivering more power and torque. The 3.5-litre V6 version also saw a power boost of 27 hp thanks to twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Eighth Generation Ford Taurus (2023-Present)
The Ford Taurus history again came to a halt in 2019. However, in 2023, Ford unveiled the all-new Taurus model with upgraded technology and features. It is only marketed in GCC countries.
The all-new Taurus continues the storied legacy of this iconic sedan, offering modern features that appeal to today’s drivers. Its refreshed exterior design radiates innovation and excitement, giving the classic nameplate a contemporary look.
Inside, the Taurus stands out with the largest centre touchscreen in its class—a 13.2-inch display featuring SYNC technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, enhancing connectivity and convenience.
Under the hood, the Taurus is equipped with a robust and efficient 2.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and direct injection. Delivering 232HP and 388 Nm of torque, this engine offers an ideal balance of power and fuel efficiency.
FAQs
Why did Ford discontinue the Taurus?
Ford discontinued the Taurus sedan due to declining sales. However, the sedan is brought back with new designs and features in GCC countries.
Does Ford still build Taurus?
While the model isn’t available in other nations, the all-new Ford Taurus is available in the UAE and other GCC countries.
This was the complete history of the Ford Taurus models by years and generations. You can find more details in the Ford Taurus facts. If you are interested in this car model, browse through these used Ford Taurus for sale in the UAE. Moreover, explore these used cars for sale in the UAE and sift through them to find your favourite vehicle.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle cars blog and keep finding more interesting facts and history about popular car models.
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