Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
Over 2 million Ford Tauruses were sold as of 1991. The car itself was made as a 4-door sedan (GL, L, LX and SHO), and as a 4-door station wagon (GL, L and LX).
1992[]
The second generation Ford Taurus was introduced as a 1992 model. This was the last time we would see the Ford Taurus L in the lineup.
1993[]
Optional automatic transmission was added for the 1993 Ford Taurus SHO.
1994[]
The passenger airbag became standard equipment for all 1994 models.
1995[]
When you have a best-selling car, there's not much you have to change to hold the lead. The early to mid '90s Ford Taurus showed incremental improvements rather than major revamping. Those improvements included added durability and reduced noise and vibration for the base 3.0-liter engine, and new struts for all models to improve ride and reduce dive and pitch.
The big news was a new SE model that Ford hoped to attract younger buyers. This sport sedan, priced slightly higher than a fully equipped base GL model, came with the base 140-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, 4-speed automatic transmission, unique trim and optional SHO-style spoiler. The SE joined the rest of the regular Taurus lineup in a midsize melee that included Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Mazda 626 and Hyundai Sonata.
A mainstream family car, Taurus came in four trim levels, GL, SE, LX and the hot-rod SHO. The base GL and upscale LX were available in both sedan and station wagon models.
The powertrain lineup started with the base 140-hp 3.0-liter V6, with a 3.8-liter V6 optional in GL, SE and LX models. This engine also came standard in LX wagons, and although it was also rated at 140 hp, it produced 50 ft.-lb. more pulling power. The SHO Taurus, the real sportster in the lineup, had a special handling suspension and came with one of two Yamaha-built V6s, depending on the choice of manual or automatic transmission. Both these dohc, 24-valve engines were rated at 220 hp, but the automatic version pumped out 15 ft.-lb. more torque.
1996[]
After topping the sales charts for three years, Taurus was sent back to the engineers for a total redesign. The '96 sedan was 5.4 in. longer than its predecessor, and the unibody boasts greater rigidity. Taurus still carried its signature elliptical theme inside and out.
The Taurus lineup consisted of two sedan and two wagon models in GL and upscale LX equipment series, plus the high-performance SHO sedan. GL buyers got an improved Vulcan 3.0-liter V6 that produces 145 hp. Engine refinements contribute to better noise/vibration/harshness qualities.
LX buyers were treated to an all-new, aluminum-block 200-horsepower 3.0-liter 24-valve Duratec V6. Both engines were scheduled to go 100,000 miles between tuneups, and are mated to 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissions. The hot SHO version rolled out midyear powered by a new 240-hp 3.4-liter 24-valve V8, with a counter-rotating balance shaft for smoothness, and front wheels through a 4-speed automatic. A suspension redesign offered improved antidive and antisquat control during acceleration and braking.
Inside, Taurus featured a fully integrated control panel for audio and climate settings. Six-passenger models offered a 3-way flip console that converts from a center front seat to an armrest or center console. An integrated child safety seat was offered on wagons. Air conditioning was standard across the board, while power locks, alloy wheels and a power driver's seat came standard on LX models. Options included a third seat for wagons and a cellular phone.
Retail prices[]
As of October 17, 1993:
- $16,140 (1994 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Sedan)
- $17,220 (1994 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Wagon)
- $18,785 (1994 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Sedan)
- $20,400 (1994 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Wagon)
- $24,715 (1994 Ford Taurus SHO 4DR Sedan)
As of mid-1994:
- $17,585 (1995 Ford Taurus GL and SE 4DR Sedans)
- $18,680 (1995 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Wagon)
- $19,400 (1995 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Sedan)
- $21,010 (1995 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Wagon)
- $25,140 (1995 Ford Taurus SHO 4DR Sedan)
As of June 15, 1995:
- $18,600 (1996 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Sedan)
- $19,680 (1996 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Wagon)
- $20,980 (1996 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Sedan)
- $22,000 (1996 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Wagon)
As of 1996:
- $25,930 (1996 Ford Taurus SHO 4DR Sedan)
As of July 27, 1997:
- $17,995 (1997 Ford Taurus G 4DR Sedan)
- $18,985 (1997 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Sedan)
- $20,195 (1997 Ford Taurus GL 4DR Wagon)
- $21,610 (1997 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Sedan)
- $22,715 (1997 Ford Taurus LX 4DR Wagon)
- $26,460 (1997 Ford Taurus SHO 4DR Sedan)
Shipping prices[]
- $535 (1994 and early 1995 models)
- $550 (1995-1999 models)
Gallery[]
