Second-generation Ford Taurus
Encyclopedia
The second-generation Ford Taurus is an automobile
produced by the Ford Motor Company
from 1992 to 1995, which served as the second out of six generations of the Ford Taurus
.
The second-generation Taurus shared all of its mechanical parts with the first-generation Ford Taurus, yet its exterior and interior were nearly completely redesigned. However, its exterior still strongly resembled that of the first-generation Taurus, leading many to falsely believe that the second-generation was simply a face-lift of the first-generation Taurus. This is partially true, however, as the wagon model, from the B-pillar to the rear of the car, was a carryover from the first generation. The second generation of Taurus proved to be very popular, selling 410,000 units in its first year, becoming the best selling car in the United States
.
It would hold this title until 1995, when it was discontinued and replaced with the third-generation Ford Taurus
.
The front nose was redesigned with slimmer headlights, while retaining the first generation's "bottom breather" nose, albeit in a more aerodynamically efficient design that flowed into the front bumper. In the rear, it received new taillights that closely resembled those of the previous generation, as well as an entirely new rear clip. The trunk was also redesigned, with a spoiler
being integrated into the trunk lid's design to make the car more aerodynamically efficient.
Also with this generation, each model of Taurus received different exterior trim. The lowest level Taurus L had light grey plastic mirrors and window trim, while the bumpers and side trim were also light grey. The GL, the mid priced model, got chrome window trim and body color mirrors, while still retaining the grey bumpers and side trim. The top-of-the-line LX model had its bumpers color keyed, as well as having the grey side trim replaced with color keyed body cladding. 1992 L and GL models (and the Mercury Sable GS) could also be ordered with a two-tone paint job, in which instead of being grey, the bumpers and side trim were painted a slightly darker shade of the vehicle's body color. To cut costs, this was discontinued for the 1993 model year, as all models received color-matched trim and bumpers from that year onward.
The seats and door panels were also redesigned. The new door panels contained integrated armrests, with the controls for the power windows and locks mounted flat on its frontal part, allowing the driver to operate them without moving their arm. These switches, along with all of the main controls, would become illuminated when the headlights were turned on, allowing the driver to easily see them at night.
Unlike the first generation, the interior was not as customizable in the second generation, and many options that were previously available were cut for 1992. The second generation now used only a single seat design shared with all models (the first generation LX got its own unique seat design), and was only available in two configurations; with a front bench seat and a column mounted shifter, or with front bucket seats and a center console with a floor mounted shifter. The console was a carryover from the first generation, although it was redesigned for 1993.
For 1992, the Taurus was available in three models; L, GL, and LX. As with the first generation, the L was the basic model, the GL was the mid priced value model, and the LX was the luxury model. Due to poor sales, the L was dropped after 1992, leaving the GL as the entry level model. For the 1995 model year, a new SE model was added, intended to be a budget version of the SHO
. It was a step above the entry level GL, a step below the top of the line LX, and came standard with front bucket seats and a center console with a floor mounted shifter, as well as a rear spoiler borrowed from the SHO. The SE was never available as a wagon.
The second generation also came in a modified Police
version. A police Taurus was a GL trim with the 3.8 litre Essex V6 engine that was slightly different than the regular Essex engine. Output of the police Essex version was 15 bhp greater than the standard due to the addition of a dual exhaust
muffler system, similar to that standard on the SHO; a Y-pipe was added after the resonator which allowed for the split to both sides of the rear of the vehicle. Other changes included a larger fuel tank
, stainless steel brake lines, standard 4-wheel disc brake
s with ABS
, a modified front grille fascia that had a slit to allow for increased airflow to the radiator, and a certified calibration 140 mi/h speedometer
. Some were bought for speed limit enforcement, with the anonymity of the car aiding in the role. The Taurus police package didn't prove to be very popular, and it was often strongly outsold by Ford's own Crown Victoria
.
When the 2.5 L HSC
four-cylinder
was dropped in early 1991, along with the 3-speed ATX
automatic transmission, all following second-generation Taurus models came standard with the 140 horsepower (104 kW) 3.0 L Vulcan
V6
, except for the LX wagon that came with a 3.8 L Essex
V6
. The Essex was optional on all other Taurus models. Every engine in this generation used the four speed AXOD-E automatic transmission
, until 1993, when it was replaced by the four speed AX4S transmission, which was used for the rest of this generation's production run in most models. Some 1994–1995 3.0 L came with the AX4N transaxle.
The second generation of the Mercury Sable went on sale in 1992, along with the Taurus. Just like the first generation, the second-generation Mercury Sable shared mechanical parts with the Taurus, but contained mostly unique cosmetic parts. This generation of Sable also carried over many design features from the first generation, such as the wrap-around rear windows and the front full length "lightbar". This generation of Sable was also offered as both a sedan and wagon
, although it too was aimed at a more upscale market than the Taurus. This generation of Sable was sold until 1995, when it was replaced with a third generation of Mercury Sable.
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The second-generation Ford Taurus SHO was launched in 1992, along with the Taurus. Unlike the first generation, this SHO contained less aggressive body cladding, as well as a unique front end using parts largely borrowed from the Mercury Sable. Like the Taurus and Sable, the SHO's drivetrain was carried over from the first generation. The only major change came in 1993, when an automatic transmission became optional. Automatic equipped cars got a slightly bigger engine with equal horsepower due to less aggressive camshafts.
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
produced by the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
from 1992 to 1995, which served as the second out of six generations of the Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus
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...
.
The second-generation Taurus shared all of its mechanical parts with the first-generation Ford Taurus, yet its exterior and interior were nearly completely redesigned. However, its exterior still strongly resembled that of the first-generation Taurus, leading many to falsely believe that the second-generation was simply a face-lift of the first-generation Taurus. This is partially true, however, as the wagon model, from the B-pillar to the rear of the car, was a carryover from the first generation. The second generation of Taurus proved to be very popular, selling 410,000 units in its first year, becoming the best selling car in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
It would hold this title until 1995, when it was discontinued and replaced with the third-generation Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus (third generation)
The third-generation Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1996 to 1999.The third generation of Ford Taurus was the first to be completely redesigned from the ground up, and used a rounded, oval-derived design that was very controversial at the time, considered to...
.
Exterior
The exterior of the second generation was completely redesigned from the first generation. Its length was increased by a few inches, and it was a couple of hundred pounds heavier, and had a more rounded roofline. Every body panel, save for the doors, was redesigned. However, many of the redesigned components closely resembled that of the previous generation, leading many to falsely believe that this generation is just a face-lift of the previous generation.The front nose was redesigned with slimmer headlights, while retaining the first generation's "bottom breather" nose, albeit in a more aerodynamically efficient design that flowed into the front bumper. In the rear, it received new taillights that closely resembled those of the previous generation, as well as an entirely new rear clip. The trunk was also redesigned, with a spoiler
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
being integrated into the trunk lid's design to make the car more aerodynamically efficient.
Interior
The interior was also completely redesigned for 1992. The Taurus received a new dashboard that, like the previous generation, was designed to be user friendly. Like the previous generation, it had all of the vehicle's main controls located near the left side of the dash, to be within the easy reach of the driver. Also like the previous generation, all of the controls were designed to be recognizable by touch, and to be operated by the driver without taking their eyes off the road. The new dash also contained three buttons to the right of the gauge cluster that allowed the driver to operate the radio without taking their eyes off the road. The radio was also redesigned, while the rest of the lower dash was carried over from the previous generation, as was the steering wheel. The new dash was also designed to contain a passenger's side airbag, a first of its kind. It was optional in 1992, and became standard in 1994, making the Taurus the first car of its kind to have standard dual front airbags.The seats and door panels were also redesigned. The new door panels contained integrated armrests, with the controls for the power windows and locks mounted flat on its frontal part, allowing the driver to operate them without moving their arm. These switches, along with all of the main controls, would become illuminated when the headlights were turned on, allowing the driver to easily see them at night.
Unlike the first generation, the interior was not as customizable in the second generation, and many options that were previously available were cut for 1992. The second generation now used only a single seat design shared with all models (the first generation LX got its own unique seat design), and was only available in two configurations; with a front bench seat and a column mounted shifter, or with front bucket seats and a center console with a floor mounted shifter. The console was a carryover from the first generation, although it was redesigned for 1993.
Models and Engines
Ford Taurus SHO
The Ford Taurus SHO is a full-size performance sedan based on the Ford Taurus that was originally produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1989 until 1999. It returned in 2009 for the 2010 model year....
. It was a step above the entry level GL, a step below the top of the line LX, and came standard with front bucket seats and a center console with a floor mounted shifter, as well as a rear spoiler borrowed from the SHO. The SE was never available as a wagon.
The second generation also came in a modified Police
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
version. A police Taurus was a GL trim with the 3.8 litre Essex V6 engine that was slightly different than the regular Essex engine. Output of the police Essex version was 15 bhp greater than the standard due to the addition of a dual exhaust
Exhaust system
An exhaust system is usually tubing used to guide reaction exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine or stove. The entire system conveys burnt gases from the engine and includes one or more exhaust pipes...
muffler system, similar to that standard on the SHO; a Y-pipe was added after the resonator which allowed for the split to both sides of the rear of the vehicle. Other changes included a larger fuel tank
Fuel tank
A fuel tank is safe container for flammable fluids. Though any storage tank for fuel may be so called, the term is typically applied to part of an engine system in which the fuel is stored and propelled or released into an engine...
, stainless steel brake lines, standard 4-wheel disc brake
Brake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s with ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
, a modified front grille fascia that had a slit to allow for increased airflow to the radiator, and a certified calibration 140 mi/h speedometer
Speedometer
A speedometer is a gauge that measures and displays the instantaneous speed of a land vehicle. Now universally fitted to motor vehicles, they started to be available as options in the 1900s, and as standard equipment from about 1910 onwards. Speedometers for other vehicles have specific names...
. Some were bought for speed limit enforcement, with the anonymity of the car aiding in the role. The Taurus police package didn't prove to be very popular, and it was often strongly outsold by Ford's own Crown Victoria
Ford Crown Victoria
-1992–1994:Released in March 1991 as an early 1992 model, the Crown Victoria sedan was completely redesigned with a rounder, eight-window roofline . The redesign reduced the coefficient of drag from 0.42 to 0.34; the suspension setup was also heavily revised...
.
When the 2.5 L HSC
Ford HSC engine
The HSC is an automobile engine from Ford Motor Company sold from 1984 until 1994. It was produced in Lima, Ohio, largely using tooling and designs adapted from the predecessor 200 CID straight 6.-2.3:...
four-cylinder
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
was dropped in early 1991, along with the 3-speed ATX
Ford ATX transmission
The FLC ATX was a 3-speed hydraulic automatic transaxle produced by Ford Motor Company from 1981 through 1994. Used in the company's four-cylinder-powered cars ranging from the Escort to the Taurus, the transaxle had a lockup torque converter, but no overdrive...
automatic transmission, all following second-generation Taurus models came standard with the 140 horsepower (104 kW) 3.0 L Vulcan
Ford Vulcan engine
The Ford Vulcan V6 is a 3.0 L , 60° V6 engine with an iron block and iron heads, used in some of Ford Motor Company's vehicles from model years 1986 through 2008. It was originally designed to be the optional engine in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. In 1992, it became the standard engine for...
V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, except for the LX wagon that came with a 3.8 L Essex
Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)
The Ford Essex V6 engine was a 90° V6 engine family built by Ford Motor Company at the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Unlike the British Essex V6, the Canadian Essex used a 90° V configuration, in addition to having different displacements and valvetrains...
V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
. The Essex was optional on all other Taurus models. Every engine in this generation used the four speed AXOD-E automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, until 1993, when it was replaced by the four speed AX4S transmission, which was used for the rest of this generation's production run in most models. Some 1994–1995 3.0 L came with the AX4N transaxle.
Mercury Sable
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
, although it too was aimed at a more upscale market than the Taurus. This generation of Sable was sold until 1995, when it was replaced with a third generation of Mercury Sable.
Ford Taurus SHO