Ford Taurus (third generation)
Ford Taurus (third generation) | |
---|---|
AX4S automatic | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 108.5 in (2,756 mm)[3] |
Length | Sedan: 197.5 in (5,016 mm) Station wagon: 199.6 in (5,070 mm) |
Width | 73.0 in (1,854 mm) |
Height | Sedan: 55.1 in (1,400 mm) Station wagon: 57.6 in (1,463 mm) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Ford Taurus (second generation) |
Successor | Ford Taurus (fourth generation) |
The third-generation Ford Taurus is an
In contrast to the evolutionary 1992 update of the second generation, the third generation sought to recreate the class-leading design introduced by the 1986 Taurus, also in response to the 1992 introduction of the Chrysler LH cars.[4] Following the 1986 introduction of the Taurus, the model line had gained two significant competitors — the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord (the latter of which, the Taurus had overtaken as best-selling car in the United States) alongside traditional GM and Chrysler-brand competition.[5] The first Ford to combine round headlights with composite-style housings, the third-generation Taurus adopted oval shapes for multiple design elements of the exterior and interior, including the grille openings, taillamps, the rear window (for the Taurus sedan and Taurus/Sable station wagons), and side window openings for the Taurus/Sable.
The model line was released for sale in late 1995; in contrast to the near-universal acceptance of the first-generation Taurus, the third-generation Taurus received mixed reactions from consumers.[6] For the 1996 model year, the Taurus remained the best-selling car in the United States; however, only 49% of the model line were sold to retail customers, with the rest nearly entirely supported through fleet sales.[4] For 1997, the more conservatively redesigned Toyota Camry overtook the Taurus as the best-selling car in the United States (a position it has held ever since).[7]
The third-generation Taurus was assembled by Ford at its
Development
Development for the third-generation Taurus began in 1991, and its designers and engineers believed that they were faced with a daunting task; they compared completely redesigning the Taurus to repainting the Mona Lisa.[6][8] Like the first-generation Taurus, the new Taurus was developed by a team effort, in which the exterior and interior designers, engineers, and marketing staff had input on the new car.[6]
Many designs were considered during the development process, from designs that resembled the second generation cars, to more radically styled cars. They eventually decided on a radical new styling scheme based upon oval derived design elements in April 1992 (final approval),
Breaking down and testing competing cars, as well as listening to customer input played a large part in the development of the third-generation Taurus, just like it did during the development of the first generation. Many competing cars were broken down and extensively tested in order for the Taurus to be designed to be superior to them in terms of comfort, performance, and refinement.[6] Most notably, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord were extensively tested, and the Taurus' suspension was designed to emulate these cars' ride and handling techniques.[10] Customer input played a large part into the design of the third generation Taurus' interior.
The
Making the new Taurus pleasing to the senses was a recurring theme throughout the third-generation Taurus' development.[6] Ford's engineers specially tuned every panel and component, so that every sound that the Taurus made, from the doors closing to the engine running, was acoustically pleasing.[6][12] Ford's trim designers specially selected every one of the Taurus' interior materials, so that every surface, as well as every button and control, was pleasing to the touch.[6]
Reception
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/3rd_Ford_Taurus_sedan_rear.jpg/220px-3rd_Ford_Taurus_sedan_rear.jpg)
The third-generation Taurus and Sable sedans were unveiled at the
The first third-generation Taurus rolled off the assembly line on July 12, 1995 at the
Reception to the new Taurus by automotive publications was generally positive. Road & Track gave the Taurus a good review upon its release, and found its handling and refinement impressive.[10] Motor Trend also gave the Taurus a positive review, although they found the oval styling awkward at first glance. Despite this, they found it to have many redeeming qualities.[12] However, unlike the first-generation Taurus, it fell short of their Car of the Year award, which was instead awarded to the redesigned 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Consumer reaction was mixed, however. Detractors of the new design pejoratively refer to this generation as the "Bubble" Taurus or "Submarine" Taurus based on the window shaping and broad curves used in the front end being seen as a negative. Ford had hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had with the 1986 Taurus, and went as far as predicting that the new Taurus would continue the outgoing model's record of selling over 400,000 units a year.[12] Sales were somewhat slow at first, prompting Ford to add a low priced "G" model mid-year 1996.[18] Ford also offered incentives such as a six-month lease for Toyota Camry and Honda Accord owners, a $250 Cash Allowance on lease renewals, and a $50 dinner certificate for test driving the vehicle.[17] It managed to keep its position as the best selling car in the United States in 1996, although this was because of heavy sales to rental fleets, which comprised 51% of all Taurus sales for that year.[4] This is opposed to the Toyota Camry, of which the bulk of its sales were through retail outlets to individual customers.[4] In 1997, the Taurus lost its bestselling title, as it slipped to #3 behind a redesigned Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.[8]
Overview
Exterior
The exterior of the third-generation Taurus was completely redesigned for 1996. It used a controversial new shape that chief designer Jack Telnack claimed was penned to make the Taurus stand out to sedan buyers, and compared the current Taurus to the likeness of a pair of slippers.[5] This shape was based upon that of an oval, which was perhaps inspired by that of Ford's own logo,[6] and while the previous Taurus used a flat, streamlined shape, this Taurus used a rounded shape similar to that of the Chrysler Concorde. The heavily-contoured sides took their cue from the Lincoln Mark VIII. Station wagons also got new sheet metal, although from the firewall back, the Taurus and Mercury Sable wagons again shared the same panels, with all station wagon doors being the same as those used on the Sable sedans. As the new-generation Taurus was aimed at a more mature, affluent customer base,[5] its exterior contained many upscale styling touches. For example, the LX came with chrome alloy wheels, chrome dual exhaust tips, and the "Taurus" badge on the back was written in script, as opposed to the block letters used in previous generations.[18]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/98-99_Ford_Taurus_Sedan.jpg/220px-98-99_Ford_Taurus_Sedan.jpg)
In 1998, the exterior of the Taurus received a slight redesign to make the shape more mainstream, in order to appeal to a wider customer base. The front
Interior
The interior was also completely redesigned for the 1996 model year. Like that of the previous two generations, the interior was designed to be user-friendly.
Another innovation was the "Flip-Fold" center console on cars not equipped with a standard floor console. It was a seat in between the bucket seats that could be transformed into a console, reducing the seating count by one. The seat cushion folded out into a console with a lockable storage bin and
This generation's interior was not as configurable as that of the first two generations. The G and GL models (see below) were only available with steering column-mounted shifter, along with a cloth front bench seat and the "Flip-Fold" center console. The LX, on the other hand, came standard with bucket seats that could be ordered with either cloth or leather upholstery, along with a center console and floor-mounted shifter. However, a column-mounted shifter and a cloth front bench was available as a no-cost option.[18] In 1999, the interior was again available in three configurations, like that of the first-generation Taurus; a front bench seat with a column-mounted shifter, front bucket seats with a center console and floor-mounted shifter, or front bucket seats with a center console and a column-mounted shifter. Each configuration was offered in both Taurus models (see below).[18]
The Ford Taurus has many seating options, ranging from five people to eight people. On wagons and sedans equipped with the floor mounted shifter, it seated five people standard, and wagons could seat up to seven people, with a bench in the third row. Also, models equipped with the flip fold console could seat either six or eight people, depending on whether the wagons had a third row bench or not. The sedans could seat a maximum of six people with the flip fold console, and five people with a regular console.
Models and engines
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/1997_Ford_Taurus_GL_wagon%2C_rear_right%2C_07-13-2023.jpg/220px-1997_Ford_Taurus_GL_wagon%2C_rear_right%2C_07-13-2023.jpg)
At its launch, the Taurus was available in two models, the GL, which was the entry level/value model, and the LX, which was the top-of-the-line model.[18] The GL was basic and did not have many optional features, while the LX came with many standard features and was highly configurable.[23]
To close the price gap between the Taurus and the
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/1998_Ford_Taurus_Engine_%282160137628%29.jpg/220px-1998_Ford_Taurus_Engine_%282160137628%29.jpg)
The 1996 model year was the first time that the Taurus did not have an optional engine. The base G and GL had the 3.0 L
Variants
Mercury Sable
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/3rd-Mercury-Sable-sedan.jpg/220px-3rd-Mercury-Sable-sedan.jpg)
The Mercury Sable, a sister model of the Taurus aimed at a more upscale audience, was also redesigned for the 1996 model year. As with previous generations, the Sable used the same mechanical parts as the Taurus with a unique body. However, the 1996 Sable ditched the unique styling cues of the previous generations, specifically the front light bar, wrap-around rear glass and skirted rear fender, in favor of a design theme that more closely resembled that of the Taurus.
Ford Taurus SHO
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/1996-1999_Ford_Taurus_SHO_front.jpg/220px-1996-1999_Ford_Taurus_SHO_front.jpg)
As with the Taurus, a new model of Taurus SHO was launched for 1996. Although it contained less aggressive styling than its predecessors, it still differed from the normal Taurus with different seats,
This model of SHO gained a reputation of being trouble-prone due to a large number of engine failures at around the 50,000-mile mark due to separation of the camshaft from its sprocket.[28] However, this problem can be rectified by having the camshafts welded.[28] Possibly because of this, this generation of SHO sold substantially worse than its predecessor, with sales peaking at 9,000 in 1997.[29] As a result, the SHO was discontinued outright after the 1999 model year.
Export models
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/1996_Ford_Taurus_%28DP%29_Ghia_sedan_%282010-07-05%29_01.jpg/220px-1996_Ford_Taurus_%28DP%29_Ghia_sedan_%282010-07-05%29_01.jpg)
In addition to being sold in the
Launched while Japan was in a
Replacement
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/00-03_Ford_Taurus_SES_sedan.jpg/220px-00-03_Ford_Taurus_SES_sedan.jpg)
In 1999, Ford launched the fourth-generation Ford Taurus to replace the third generation. Although the doors and mechanical parts were carried over, this generation was designed with a more conservative design in hopes of increasing its appeal to customers.[4] This new shape contained a more upright trunk and rear roof panel, of which increased headroom and trunk space substantially.[31][32] This generation also contained a redesigned interior that sported a more conservative look, while retaining many features offered in the third generation.[32]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/2004_Ford_Taurus_SE_Sedan%2C_rear_left%2C_08-14-2022.jpg/220px-2004_Ford_Taurus_SE_Sedan%2C_rear_left%2C_08-14-2022.jpg)
However, this model of Taurus is most notable for offering a special system that Ford called the "Personal Safety System". This system had sensors in the seat that detected a passenger's weight and position, and inflated the
References and notes
- ^ Kerwin, Kathleen (24 July 1995). "The Shape Of A New Machine". Bloomberg.com – via www.bloomberg.com.
- ^ "1999 Ford Taurus Specifications-Vehix". Archived from the original on 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2012-03-14.
- ^ "1996 Ford Taurus Intro-04". Archived from the original on 2017-12-22. Retrieved 2017-12-16.
- ^ ISBN 1-4127-1354-4.
- ^ a b c d Sedgwick, David. "Taurus for '96 will dare to stand out in competitive sedan market". The Detroit News: 1C–2C.
- ^ ISBN 0-393-04080-1.
- ^ Detroit News. Archived from the originalon 2012-07-30. Retrieved 2006-05-16.
- ^ a b c d e DiPetro, John (2003-04-18). "Inside Line: Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable". Edmunds. Archived from the original on 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-05-29.
- ISBN 9780393318616.
- ^ a b Homan, Richard. "Sneak Preview: Whats Hot For 1996 and Beyond". Road & Track (September 1995): 70–80.
- ^ a b c Pierson, John. "How Ford Added a Dash of Design To Its New Taurus". Chicago Sun-Times.
- ^ a b c Karr, Jeff. "Balance of Power: America's Most Popular Car Is All New. How Does It Stack Up?". Motor Trend (August 1995): 51–60.
- ^ Adler, Adam. "Ford Competes Strongly for Attention at International Auto Show". Detroit Free Press.
- ^ "1996 Ford Taurus and Mercury wagons debut in Chicago". PR newswire. 1995-02-09. Retrieved 2008-04-04.[dead link]
- ^ Mateja, Jim (1995-07-24). "'96 Taurus Another Ford Bull's-Eye?". Chicago Tribune.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Taurus, Sable show new style Daringly different: The 1996 models have a smooth, silent ride and a dramatic rounded appearance". The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution. 1995-07-28.
Ford Motor Co. is at it again - rolling out a new Taurus/Sable likely to have the industrywide impact that the original "jelly bean" cars did after their introduction in 1986. The 1996 models, built at Ford's Hapeville assembly plant and in Chicago, are due in showrooms Sept. 28. Potential buyers will find that they have boldly dramatic elliptical bodies, daringly different cabins and remarkably silent and smooth rides.
- ^ a b Dean, Paul (1995-10-27). "For Those Who'd Like to Drive a Jujube".[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Taurus/Sable Spotter's Guide Generation 3". Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia. Taurus Car Club of America. 2006-10-30. Archived from the original on 2006-11-19. Retrieved 2007-02-25.
- ^ "1996–1999 Ford Taurus Review". Consumer Guide. Archived from the original on 2007-03-09. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
- ^ "Curbside Analysis: 1996 Ford Taurus – Misguided Styling Creates the Biggest Automotive Fumble of the Modern Era". 24 December 2015.
- ^ "1996 Ford Taurus New Car Review on DriveChicago.com". www.drivechicago.com. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ "1996 Ford Taurus Pocket Guide". Ford Motor Company. 1995. Retrieved 2022-08-18 – via Oldcarbrochures.com.
- ^ "Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia (1996 options)". Taurus Car Club of America. Archived from the original on November 19, 2006. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
- ^ "Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia (1998 options)". Taurus Car Club of America. Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
- ^ "Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia: Transaxles (AX4N)". Taurus Car Club of America. Archived from the original on November 19, 2006. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
- ^ "Ski". 10 June 1996. Retrieved 10 June 2023 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Winfield, Barry (October 1995). 1996 New cars, Ford Taurus SHO. Car and Driver.
- ^ a b "What We Know, What Ford Does Not Want You to Know, & Who Is To Blame". V8SHO.com. Retrieved January 26, 2006.
- ^ "Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia (SHO numbers)". Taurus Car Club of America. Archived from the original on 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
- ^ a b c "Ford Taurus Ghia: our opinion". Glass Guide. Archived from the original on 2008-08-16. Retrieved 2007-07-26.
- ^ "2000-2006 Ford Taurus overview". Consumer Guide. Archived from the original on 2007-02-06. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
- ^ a b "Taurus/Sable spotter's guide (Generation 4 2000-2007)". Taurus Car Club of America. Archived from the original on November 19, 2006. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- ^ "CEO insisted in bringing "Taurus" back". NBC News. 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-07-26.
External links
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