Ford taurus

2018 Ford Taurus SHO Review

Taurus debuted in 1985 in Los Angeles. The front-wheel-drive, mid-size Taurus was available only in two bodies: the four-door sedan and station wagon. The curb weight of the car was about 1450 kg with a wheelbase of 2.7 m. The futuristic shape of the Ford Taurus did not have a grille, but simply a panel in body color, where the Ford oval was located between the headlights. Due to the large area of ​​glass and narrow racks, the car had excellent visibility.

Taurus was introduced in four versions: L, MT-5, GL and LX. Models L and MT-5 were fairly simple, equipped with a 4-cylinder engine of 2.5 liters, which developed power of 90 hp These modifications had the main difference in the transmission: the L was delivered with a 3-speed automatic transmission of the ATX type, and the MT-5 with a 5-speed manual transmission, hence the name MT-5 (Manual Transmission-5).

Options GL had some features, such as mirrors and lights in the visors, cargo net in the trunk, as well as the central armrest in the backseat in a sedan. Options LX was equipped with equipment such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, electric driver's seat, stereo radio, cruise control, etc.

Due to the fact that the 4-cylinder engine was actually not enough for a mid-size sedan, the LX version and partly the GL were completed with a V-shaped 6-cylinder engine of 3.0 liters. with a capacity of 140l.s. Cars with this engine were completed with 4-speed automatic transmission type AXOD.

The 1986 model had the yellow inserts of the “turn signals” so much loved in Europe in the rear lights. Subsequently, in 1988, the rear lens lenses, with the exception of the reversing lenses, became completely red.

Luxury model LX differed electric telescopic antenna and salon switch "up-down". Also on the luxury version were “turning lights” - on the front bumper on the side were flush with two lamps with transparent lenses, which were switched on depending on the turn signal signals and illuminated the corresponding side of the road. This option lasted until 1993, inclusive.

Also on the luxury version were painted silver-colored bumper and plastic cover panels of doors and wings (they were used until 1995, only began to be painted in body color). It also had an automatic headlight activation system (photo sensor); interior mirrors with lights; back cushions (up to 1999) in the front seats. And also was available steering wheel, upholstered in genuine leather.

In 1988, a high-speed sports modification "SHO" ("Super High Output") appeared with a 3-liter V6 rated at 220 hp and four valves per cylinder. The engine was aggregated only 5-speed manual transmission, with automatic transmission were delivered only in 1993 Version "SHO" is only with a sedan.

In 1988, a V6 engine appeared in the range of power units, the same power as 3 liters, but with a volume increased to 3.8 liters, which led to an increase in its torque to 291 N / m and greater tensile strength due to a decrease in power characteristics (The maximum power of 140 hp was achieved at 3800 rpm). This engine has become optional for all Taurus except L and MT-5.

In 1988, the Taurus MT-5 Wagon was removed from production.

Since 1989, some modifications as an option began to install anti-lock ABS.

In 1990, a standard driver’s airbag, ABS (only for sedans), a CD player, and a dashboard were slightly modified for cars as standard. It should be noted that during this period dashboards were let in of several types, differing both in appearance and in various graduations of the speedometer and odometer scales (miles or km).

In 1991, the 4-cylinder engine was modified and its power increased from the previous 90 to 115 hp. Also in 1991, came the new equipment, called the L-Plus, going for Taurus L and equipped with air conditioning, automatic transmission and central locking.

From the technical innovations of 1991, it is worth noting the release of a modified four-speed automatic transmission, called AXOD-E. The fundamental difference from the previous AXOD was the electronic shift control and linear pressure, which resulted in smoother gear shifting.

In 1992, after deep modernization, the second generation of Taurus appears. It is distinguished from the previous new body design, an updated interior and a modified chassis. The body restyling was evolutionary - the overall shape was the same, however many parts of the body became new. The update consisted of narrow headlamps, modified taillights and more smoothed hull lines. The dimensions of the car remained the same, except for the total length, which increased by 10 cm to 4.88 m.

The interior has been updated to a less angled, there is a backlight control of electric windows and a new design for the seats and doors. The dashboard performance has become larger and the passenger airbag has become available.

In the luxury configuration LX became available keyless entry system with remote control and keys coded lock on the driver's door. Also on the luxury equipment installed beautiful headlights with fully transparent lenses.

Given the experience of the first generation, highly prone to corrosion, since 1992 began to apply galvanized body.

The 4-cylinder unit disappears from the engine range.

The 1992 model year Taurus was produced in three trim levels: L, GL, LX and SHO. In 1993, despite last year’s restyling, the Taurus lineup underwent some changes. Complete L removed from production. Options LX received a new color scheme with the new center console. Bumper steel painted in body color.

The SHO version gets a V6 engine with increased volume to 3.2 liters.

Since 1994, a modernized "automatic" has been installed on the car.

In 1995, the debut of Taurus SE. Essentially it was a sporty version of the Taurus. Sedan equipped with new alloy wheels, ergonomic seat and console.

In 1996, the model was upgraded. The third generation Taurus is coming to light. The car is offered with a sedan and wagon. The new line included the base G, the richer GL, the luxurious LX and the muscular SHO.

< To complete the LX was offered only three options: sunroof, polished aluminum wheels and leather interior. Everything else was standard.

The size of the wheels increased to 15 inches. The rear seat with a folding backrest was available on the sedan. A cabin ventilation filter appeared - it is still available. Installed only on the "rich" trim levels. Also, cars produced in 1996 and 1997 had double mufflers.

Taurus was equipped with a 3 liter 24-valve Duratec V6 engine with a power of 202 hp. complete with 4-speed automatic transmission. The usual V6 12V Vulcan engine with a volume of 3.0 l has acquired 5 hp. and reached 145 hp The engine capacity of 3.8 liters is no longer put on these cars.

The SHO model has received a powerful V8, developed by Yamaha. These are 3.4 liters of displacement, having 4 valves per cylinder, giving out 235 hp.

In 1998, the "Traction Control" became available - a system that prevents wheel spin when moving - it is still available. Dual muffler gave way to a single.

In 1999, the world premiere of the fourth generation Taurus. The lineup has been changed. Ford withdrew the poorly selling 3.4L V8 SHO and in 2001 introduced more refinement into the LX and SE models, duplicating them into the SES and SEL respectively. The SEL package was equipped with a standard Duratec 3-liter V6 203HP engine. ABS has become standard on SEL and SES. Climate control is standard only in SEL. Other new items include additional side airbags and adjustable pedals (charge options).

In an effort to retain customers, Ford offers many additional components for free for 2002. These free gifts are offered depending on the car model and include an electric driver's seat and a CD player for the SE, a choice between the hatch and leather seats for the SES and both of the latter for the SEL, which also comes with adjustable pedals as standard.

The new SEL Wagon also came with new items such as side airbags, traction control, a dimming rear-view mirror with a built-in compass. The side mirrors were equipped with an illumination system of the road at the door (security approach lamps), and the auto-dimming rear-view mirror was made dimming with a compass and the light bulbs mounted below the rear-view mirror cabinets.

The share of pleasant changes came in 2003 too. A complete set of SEL outfitted with such luxurious interior materials as satin, leather seats and wood. The wheel of real wood and leather also came in additional equipment. Slightly changed the shape of the front bumpers and headlights line. The brake light on the rear shelf has changed noticeably - it has ceased to have a semi-oval shape with two light bulbs and has become narrow-rectangular with LEDs. Were also slightly modified "luxury" milled aluminum wheels.

The future generation of 2005 will be built on the platform of the new model Mazda6. New from Ford will receive its own body design, a completely different trim, suspension settings, and even new engines.

For the past five years, the Taurus has been the most popular car in the United States. In total, the entire history of this model has sold about 4 million cars.