Manufacturer Ford Motor Company ! Production 1985–present ! Model year(s)1986–present ! Predecessor Ford LTD (1985) ! Ford Five Hundred (2008) ! Successor Ford Fusion (2006 for mid-size) ! Class Mid-size (1986–2007) ! Full-size (2008–present)
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American Ford lineup.It has had a more upscale Mercury branded version entitled the Sable (1986–2005; 2008–2009), as well as a performance variant, the Ford Taurus SHO (1989–1999 and 2010—); in addition, it served as the basis for the first-ever front-wheel drive Lincoln Continental (1988–1994). It was a front-wheel drive mid-size car during its first production run, and it is now a full-size car available in front- or all-wheel drive. It is built on the D3 platform since 2008.
The original Taurus was a milestone design for Ford and the entire American automotive industry, as well as a very influential vehicle that brought many new features and innovations to the marketplace.Since its launch in 1986, Ford has built 7,519,919 Tauruses through the 2007 model year,Making it the fifth best selling North American nameplate in Ford's history; only the F-150,Escort,Model T, and Mustang have sold more units. Between 1992 and 1996, the Taurus was the best-selling car in the United States,eventually losing the title to the Toyota Camry in 1997.The 1986-2007 Tauruses were built on the D186 platform.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sales of the Taurus declined as it lost market share to Japanese midsize sedans, and as Ford shifted resources towards developing SUVs. It was discontinued in 2006, with production initially ending on October 27, 2006 and 2007 being the last model year.Ford had decided to replace the Taurus with the fullsize Five Hundred and midsize Fusion sedans, as well as replacing the Taurus wagon with the Freestyle crossover SUV. However, Ford revived the Taurus name a few months later during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show by renaming two new models that were intended to be updated versions of the Five Hundred and the Freestyle, the "2008 Taurus" and "2008 Taurus X", respectively.A new model of Taurus was then released for the 2010 model year.
Ford Taurus First generation (1986–1991)....The first-generation Taurus was launched in 1985 as a 1986 model to strong fanfare and sales, replacing the slow-selling mid-size Ford LTD.....
Ford Taurus Second generation (1992–1995)....The Taurus received its first cosmetic update in 1992. The second generation dropped the manual transmission and the four-cylinder engine
Ford Taurus Third generation (1996–1999)....The 1996 model year saw the first complete redesign of the Taurus. It used a controversial new shape that chief designer Jack Telnack....
Ford Taurus Fourth generation (2000–2007)...The Taurus received another redesign for 2000, which replaced many of the oval derived design elements of the previous model...
Ford Taurus Initial discontinuation and revival....Taurus sales had slumped significantly in the years prior to its demise, losing significant market share to Japanese sedans.....
Ford Taurus Fifth generation (2008–2009)...The fifth generation was developed from the Ford Five Hundred, which was scheduled for a significant styling facelift and power upgrade for the 2008 model year
Ford Taurus Sixth generation (2010–.......)......The 2010 Ford Taurus was revealed at the Detroit International Auto Show in 2009 at Cobo Hall.....