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Photo of a Ford Taurus

Ford Taurus

The jelly bean that put Ford back in profit and led U.S. car sales for five years, 1992–1996.1

Researched October 25, 2026 from 40 sources

Also called

  • Jelly beanA comparison with the first generation's aerodynamic shape.2
  • Flying potatoAnother food comparison for the first generation's aerodynamic shape.2
  • Bubble TaurusDetractors used it for the 1996–1999 generation's window shapes and broad front-end curves.3
  • Submarine TaurusA critical nickname for the 1996–1999 generation's window shapes and broad front end.3

At a glance

0200400
88–365 hpPower
0510
5.2–9.8 s0–60 mph
0125250
179–230 km/hTop speed
0250500
176–475 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,380–1,990 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.259141617

Engine
2.0–2.5 L I4s; 3.0–3.8 L V6s; 3.4 L SHO V8; SHO twin-turbo EcoBoost V6231314
Layout
Transverse front-engine; FWD, with AWD offered from 20084
Gearbox
3-/4-speed autos; 5-speed manual MT-5/early SHO; 6-speed auto from 20085
Built at
Chicago Assembly and Atlanta Assembly, United States15
Units built
Over 8 million at Chicago Assembly across 34 years12

The story

Created to replace the LTD while Ford was losing billions, the 1986 Taurus combined an aerodynamic body with controls drivers could use by touch. Its success helped restore Ford's profitability.124

1985: December debut, 1986 awards19851989: SHO: 220 hp from Yamaha19891992: Five straight years at No. 119921993: SHO automatic gets a bigger Yamaha V619932008: Taurus returns as a full-size sedan20082010: 365-hp SHO returns with all-wheel drive20102013: 2.0-liter EcoBoost, bigger SHO brakes20132019: Chicago's final Taurus2019 Ford LTD (midsize): 1983–1986Ford Taurus (first generation) (DN5): 1986–1991DN5Ford Taurus (second generation) (DN5): 1992–1995DN5Ford Taurus (third generation) (DN101): 1996–1999DN101Ford Taurus (fourth generation) (D186): 2000–2007D186Ford Five Hundred (D258): 2005–2007D258Ford Taurus (fifth generation) (D258): 2008–2009Ford Taurus (sixth generation) (D3): 2010–2019D3Ford Taurus (China): From 2016Ford Taurus (China) 198519901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones234891315182223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1983–1986Ford LTD (midsize)
1986–1991Ford Taurus (first generation) (DN5)
1992–1995Ford Taurus (second generation) (DN5)
1996–1999Ford Taurus (third generation) (DN101)
2000–2007Ford Taurus (fourth generation) (D186)
2005–2007Ford Five Hundred (D258)
2008–2009Ford Taurus (fifth generation) (D258)
2010–2019Ford Taurus (sixth generation) (D3)
From 2016Ford Taurus (China)
1985December debut, 1986 awards
1989SHO: 220 hp from Yamaha
1992Five straight years at No. 1
1993SHO automatic gets a bigger Yamaha V6
2008Taurus returns as a full-size sedan
2010365-hp SHO returns with all-wheel drive
20132.0-liter EcoBoost, bigger SHO brakes
2019Chicago's final Taurus
  1. 1985

    December debut, 1986 awards

    Launched December 26 as a 1986 model, the aerodynamic Taurus wins Motor Trend Car of the Year and a place on Car and Driver's 10Best list.2

  2. 1989

    SHO: 220 hp from Yamaha

    The 1989 SHO pairs a Yamaha 3.0-liter V6 with a five-speed manual: 0–60 mph in 6.7 seconds and 230 km/h flat out.56

  3. 1992

    Five straight years at No. 1

    The Taurus leads U.S. car sales from 1992 through 1996, five consecutive years.1

  4. 1993

    SHO automatic gets a bigger Yamaha V6

    The 1993–1995 SHO automatic gets a 3.2-liter Yamaha V6: 220 hp and 292 Nm, versus 220 hp and 271 Nm for the 3.0-liter manual.57

  5. 2008

    Taurus returns as a full-size sedan

    The 2008–2009 revival is a reworked Five Hundred on the D3 platform, adding optional all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic.8

  6. 2010

    365-hp SHO returns with all-wheel drive

    The revived SHO gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 and six-speed automatic. Testing records 0–60 mph in 5.2 seconds.79

  7. 2013

    2.0-liter EcoBoost, bigger SHO brakes

    Ford targets at least 31 mpg highway with the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost; the SHO gains larger brakes, torque vectoring and revised electric steering.1011

  8. 2019

    Chicago's final Taurus

    The last U.S.-built Taurus leaves Chicago Assembly on March 1, 2019, after the plant produced more than 8 million in 34 years.12

Every generation

  • Ford LTD (midsize)
    Ford LTD (midsize)1983–1986
  • Ford Taurus (first generation)
    DN51986–1991
  • Ford Taurus (second generation)
    DN51992–1995
  • Ford Taurus (third generation)
    DN1011996–1999
  • Ford Taurus (fourth generation)
    D1862000–2007
  • Ford Five Hundred
    D2582005–2007
  • Ford Taurus (fifth generation)
    D2582008–2009
  • Ford Taurus (sixth generation)
    D32010–2019
  • Ford Taurus (China)
    Ford Taurus (China)From 2016

Power over the years

From 88 hp to 365 hp in 24 years.

0100200300400 198519901995200020052010 hp 1986 · 88 hp · MT-5, 2.5 L HSC I41986 · 140 hp · 1986 3.0 L Vulcan V61988 · 140 hp · 1988 3.8 L Essex V61989 · 220 hp · SHO, 3.0 L Yamaha V6 manual1993 · 220 hp · SHO, 3.2 L V6 automatic1996 · 200 hp · LX, 3.0 L Duratec V61996 · 235 hp · SHO, 3.4 L V82000 · 155 hp · 2000 3.0 L Vulcan V62008 · 263 hp · SEL/Limited, 3.5 L Cyclone V62010 · 365 hp · SHO, 3.5 L EcoBoost V62013 · 240 hp · 2013 2.0 L EcoBoost I42013 · 288 hp · 2013 3.5 L Cyclone V6 365 hp SHO, 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 88 hp MT-5, 2.5 L HSC I4
5613
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
198688MT-5, 2.5 L HSC I4
19861401986 3.0 L Vulcan V6
19881401988 3.8 L Essex V6
1989220SHO, 3.0 L Yamaha V6 manual
1993220SHO, 3.2 L V6 automatic
1996200LX, 3.0 L Duratec V6
1996235SHO, 3.4 L V8
20001552000 3.0 L Vulcan V6
2008263SEL/Limited, 3.5 L Cyclone V6
2010365SHO, 3.5 L EcoBoost V6
20132402013 2.0 L EcoBoost I4
20132882013 3.5 L Cyclone V6

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • SE / SES / SEL

    Standard

    SE / SES / SEL

  • Station wagon

    Standard

    Station wagon

    1986–2005

  • Standard

    SE / SEL / Limited

    2010–2019

  • Standard

    MT-5

    1986–1988

    88 hp
  • SHO (manual or automatic)

    Performance

    SHO (manual or automatic)

    1992–1995

    220 hp
  • SHO (EcoBoost)

    Performance

    SHO (EcoBoost)

    2010–2019

    365 hp

  • Special

    Police Interceptor Sedan EcoBoost

    2013–2019

    365 hp

  • Special

    SHO Plus (212A)

    1991

    220 hp

  • Limited

    Centennial Edition

    2003

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1986–1991: the original's smooth, grille-free bottom-breather nose.24
  • 1992–1995: slimmer headlights flank the original-style smooth nose.15
  • 1996–1999 sedans: an oval rear window is the giveaway.3
  • 2000–2007 sedans: upright trunk, thick rear roof pillars and two large, separate taillights.18

Year by year

  1. 1989

    Slimmer headlights and a full-width chrome strip below them updated the original nose.2

  2. 1993 SHO

    A spoiler with an integrated brake light and directional slicer wheels arrived; 1992 cars had no spoiler and downturned exhaust tips.14

  3. 1998–1999

    A full-width bumper opening appeared, with the Ford badge moved down onto a chrome grille bar.3

  4. 2004

    The smaller grille lost its chrome bar; a large central Ford badge, larger backup lights and no rear chrome strip identify the update.18

  5. 2013

    A trapezoidal upper grille, reshaped headlights and LED taillights mark the facelift; SHO models switched to black mesh.1314

  6. 2010–2012 / 2013–2019 SHO

    Early SHOs have five-spoke wheels and C-pillar logos; later cars moved the badges to the fenders and offered flower-pattern wheels.14

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Taurus
    Taurus
    Photo of a Mercury Sable
    Mercury Sable

    Mercury Sable

    Early Sables have a front light bar; 1992–1995 SHOs use Sable headlights and panels, with the center light bar deleted.314

  • Ford Five Hundred

    The 2008–2009 Taurus kept the Five Hundred's body but added a three-bar grille and chrome-trimmed imitation fender vents.8

Against its rivals

  • Audi 5000S

    Taurus vs Audi 5000S

    Price lower is better

    Taurus$13,351
    Audi 5000S$18,065
    16

  • Taurus vs Nissan Maxima SE (1992)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Taurus6.4 s
    Nissan Maxima SE (1992)7 s
    24

  • Taurus vs Toyota Camry SE (1992)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Taurus6.4 s
    Toyota Camry SE (1992)7.5 s
    24

Prices

Value today $2.1K–$7.0K19

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 1990200020102020 Value today: $2,100–$7,000 1986 · $10,276 · US MT-5 base1986 · $11,322 · US GL V6 base1986 · $15,079 · US LX as tested1992 · $24,262 · US SHO base1996 · $26,480 · US SHO tested MSRP2010 · $25,995 · US base2010 · $31,995 · US Limited base2010 · $37,995 · US SHO base2013 · $39,995 · US SHO base2013 · $46,275 · US SHO as tested 1986 · $10,276 · US MT-5 base MSRP, 1986 model year 2017 · $8,150 · 1994 SHO 5-speed, BaT2018 · $6,800 · 1994 SHO 5-speed, BaT2018 · $5,500 · 1991 SHO 5-speed, 76k miles, Bring a Trailer2023 · $8,000 · 1994 SHO 5-speed, 56k miles, BaT2024 · $2,400 · 2004 SE sedan, 84k miles, BaT2024 · $2,705 · 1997 SHO V8, 86k miles, salvage history, BaT2025 · $11,300 · 2011 SEL, 26k miles, BaT2025 · $6,250 · 1990 SHO, 82k miles, BaT2025 · $6,000 · 1987 GL wagon, 53k miles, BaT2026 · $19,250 · 1989 SHO, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $38,000 · 2016 SHO Performance Package, 524 miles, BaT2026 · $6,500 · 1995 SHO 5-speed, 113k miles, BaT2026 · $12,193 · 1993 GL wagon, 12k miles, BaT2026 · $8,300 · 2014 SHO Performance Package, 98k miles, BaT $38.0K BaT, 2026
7911161721243031323334353637383940
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1986Launch price$10,276US MT-5 base MSRP, 1986 model year
1986Price when new$10,276US MT-5 base
1986Price when new$11,322US GL V6 base
1986Price when new$15,079US LX as tested
1992Price when new$24,262US SHO base
1996Price when new$26,480US SHO tested MSRP
2010Price when new$25,995US base
2010Price when new$31,995US Limited base
2010Price when new$37,995US SHO base
2013Price when new$39,995US SHO base
2013Price when new$46,275US SHO as tested
2017Auction sale$8,1501994 SHO 5-speed, BaT
2018Auction sale$6,8001994 SHO 5-speed, BaT
2018Auction sale$5,5001991 SHO 5-speed, 76k miles, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$8,0001994 SHO 5-speed, 56k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$2,4002004 SE sedan, 84k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$2,7051997 SHO V8, 86k miles, salvage history, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,3002011 SEL, 26k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,2501990 SHO, 82k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,0001987 GL wagon, 53k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,2501989 SHO, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$38,0002016 SHO Performance Package, 524 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,5001995 SHO 5-speed, 113k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,1931993 GL wagon, 12k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,3002014 SHO Performance Package, 98k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,100–$7,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “America's sales champion for five years”
    • “NASCAR's first full-time four-door entry”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 40 sources
  1. Ford 100: Taurus led the first revival of Ford autoweek.com
  2. Ford Taurus (first generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Ford Taurus (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Ford Taurus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. List of Ford Taurus models - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Tested: 1989 Ford Taurus SHO Shocks the World caranddriver.com
  7. Ford Taurus SHO: History, Photos, Generations, Specifications motortrend.com
  8. Ford Taurus (fifth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. SHO ’Nuff: A Visual History of Ford's Iconic Taurus SHO Supersedan caranddriver.com
  10. New Ford Taurus Delivers More Fuel Efficiency, Technology, Design Refinement and Even Better Driving Dynamics prnewswire.com
  11. 2013 Ford Taurus SHO - Editors' Notebook - Specs - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  12. Ford Motor : Marks End of Taurus Production As Legacy Of Innovation Lives On In Fresh, Expanding Vehicle Lineup | MarketScreener Canada ca.marketscreener.com
  13. Ford Taurus (sixth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. Ford Taurus SHO - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. Ford Taurus (second generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. Tested: 1986 Ford Taurus LX Changes the Shape of Sedans Forever caranddriver.com
  17. Tested: 2010 Ford Taurus Limited caranddriver.com
  18. Ford Taurus (fourth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. 2000-06 Ford Taurus | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  20. Ford Taurus Used-Car Buying Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  21. Junkyard Treasure: 1986 Ford Taurus MT-5 autoweek.com
  22. Ford LTD (Americas) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Ford Five Hundred - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. 1992 Triple Throwdown: Sporty Four-Doors Compared caranddriver.com
  25. Mimi Vandermolen and the 1986 Ford Taurus thehenryford.org
  26. The Ford Racing Legacy - Ford Racing fordracing.com
  27. Demolition Man, RoboCop and more | The stories behind five classic sci-fi cars | Film Stories filmstories.co.uk
  28. Conan O’Brien Defending His Ford Taurus SHO To a Normal Person Is All of Us thedrive.com
  29. Men In Black: Ford Taurus SHO (2012) - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  30. 19k-Mile 1989 Ford Taurus SHO for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,250 on March 7, 2026 (Lot #232,547) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 524-Mile 2016 Ford Taurus SHO for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $38,000 on May 23, 2026 (Lot #244,069) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1994 Ford Taurus SHO 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,000 on September 27, 2023 (Lot #121,981) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1987 Ford Taurus GL Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,000 on June 30, 2025 (Lot #198,480) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 12k-Mile 1993 Ford Taurus GL Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,193 on July 27, 2026 (Lot #254,485) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 1995 Ford Taurus SHO 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,500 on September 17, 2026 (Lot #263,646) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2014 Ford Taurus SHO Performance Package for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,300 on May 30, 2026 (Lot #245,261) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 26k-Mile 2011 Ford Taurus SEL for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,300 on November 21, 2025 (Lot #220,689) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 1990 Ford Taurus SHO for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,250 on October 15, 2025 (Lot #214,996) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 2004 Ford Taurus SE Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,400 on March 29, 2024 (Lot #141,389) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 1997 Ford Taurus SHO for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,705 on January 15, 2024 (Lot #133,440) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • autoweek.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • ca.marketscreener.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • autoweb.com
  • thehenryford.org
  • fordracing.com
  • filmstories.co.uk
  • thedrive.com
  • autobild.de
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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