Ford Taurus (sixth generation)

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Ford Taurus (sixth generation)
2010 Ford Taurus Limited 1 -- 10-31-2009.jpg
2010 Ford Taurus Limited
Overview
Manufacturer Ford
Also calledFord Police Interceptor Sedan (2013–2019) (VIN number variant P2M)
Ford Special Service Police Sedan [1]
ProductionJune 2009 – March 2019
Model years 2010–2019
Assembly Chicago, Illinois, U.S. (Chicago Assembly Plant)
Designer Earl Lucas (2007)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout / F4 layout
Platform Ford D3 platform
Related Lincoln MKS
Ford Taurus SHO
Ford Police Interceptor Sedan
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 6F35 6-speed automatic (2.0T)
  • 6F50 6-speed automatic (3.5L)
  • 6F55 6-speed automatic (3.5TT)
  • 6F55 6-speed SelectShift® automatic (3.7L FFV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 112.9 in (2,868 mm)
Length202.9 in (5,154 mm)
Width76.2 in (1,935 mm)
Height60.7 in (1,542 mm)
Curb weight 4,015 lb (1,821 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor Ford Taurus (fifth generation)
Ford Crown Victoria
Successor Ford Taurus (China) (China and Middle East)

The sixth generation of the Ford Taurus is the final generation of the model range manufactured by Ford (in markets outside of China and the Middle East). Introduced for the 2010 model year, [2] the sixth-generation Taurus is the second generation of the model line produced as a full-size car; it was the heaviest sedan sold under the Ford brand worldwide. [3] While sharing its D3 chassis underpinnings with the previous generation, the sixth generation marked the first North American use of Kinetic Design design language.

Contents

Coinciding with the withdrawal of the Mercury brand, the sixth-generation Taurus was developed without a Mercury Sable counterpart (for the first time). From 2009 to 2017, Lincoln marketed a counterpart of the Taurus as the Lincoln MKS (functionally replacing the Lincoln Town Car). While Ford has never officially announced it as a replacement for the Crown Victoria (or the Mercury Grand Marquis), the sixth generation Taurus was marketed in the full-size segment against many similar vehicles as the preceding sedans.

The sixth-generation Taurus marked the return of the Taurus SHO (for the first time since 1999) and the introduction of the Police Interceptor Sedan (replacing the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor).

As Ford expanded its model line of SUVs and crossover, the Taurus sedan was discontinued following the 2019 model year. On March 1, 2019, the final Taurus built in the United States rolled off the Chicago assembly line, ending 34 years of the nameplate in North America (since the 2016 model year, Changan Ford has produced a namesake model as its flagship sedan specifically designed for China and exported to the Middle East following the discontinuation of the North American Taurus). [4] [5]

The model line was assembled at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois alongside the Ford Explorer and the Lincoln MKS.

Development and marketing

Pre-production 2008 Ford Five Hundred (on display at 2007 Detroit Auto Show), shown before renaming to 2008 Ford Taurus Auto Show 032.jpg
Pre-production 2008 Ford Five Hundred (on display at 2007 Detroit Auto Show), shown before renaming to 2008 Ford Taurus

In late 2006, Ford Motor Company named Boeing CEO Alan Mulally to replace William Clay Ford Jr. as its own chief executive. One of his first decisions was to abandon the unpopular "F" model naming scheme for Ford-division cars. A critic of the decision to end the usage of the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable nameplates, Mullaly redesignated the 2008 model year update of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego as the fifth-generation Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable before its release to the public; the Ford Freestyle became the Ford Taurus X.

Although the change back to the Taurus addressed several major deficiencies of the Five Hundred (largely related to the powertrain), the vehicle itself still drew criticism for bland styling derived from its predecessor (one reviewer describing it as a "SUV shaped like a sedan") [6] and handling rated behind its competitors. [7] Although the Taurus gained 60 hp over the Five Hundred, most of its deficiences were related to its introduction essentially being a mid-cycle refresh of its predecessor under a new nameplate.

In January 2008, Alan Mulally revealed that a sixth generation of the Ford Taurus was in development as a planned 2010 model, calling it "the one we should have built originally". [8] In April 2008, a photograph of a full-scale prototype mockup of the 2010 Ford Taurus was leaked onto the Internet. [9] After the styling of the prototype was seen worldwide, Ford contemplated legal action against web sites which posted the photo and Ford attorneys asked site owners to remove the photo. [10]

Towards its launch, the Ford Motor Company website introduced several videos, benchmarking the 2010 Ford Taurus against several production luxury sedans. One test video displayed that the paint coat of the Taurus was more resistant to gravel chips than a Lexus LS460 while another displayed the blind-spot detection sensor system unavailable on an Infiniti M45x. The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was faster than an Audi A6 4.2 FSI Quattro in straight-line acceleration while the interior of the Ford Taurus was quieter than an Acura RL. [11]

In a major contrast from previous generations of the Ford Taurus, once the highest-selling nameplate in the United States, Ford deliberately aimed for lower sales volumes. Instead of the 1990s peak volumes of nearly 400,000 vehicles a year, [12] the intended sales were closer to 50,000 to 75,000. As a full-size car, the Taurus competed closer to the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima than the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima (competitors of the Ford Fusion). Additionally, Ford sought to preserve the resale value of the Taurus by avoiding the usage of fleet sales of the vehicles (though the Taurus would replace the Crown Victoria as the Ford Police Interceptor sedan).

Release

The 2010 Ford Taurus was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall. [13] In May 2009, the new Taurus debuted at three dealers in the Buffalo, Tampa, and Houston, respectively, to be put on display and to build anticipation for the release. The first dealer, West Herr Ford in Hamburg, New York, was chosen due to the successful unveiling of the redesigned Ford F-150 earlier that year. [14]

The 2009 Taurus's counterparts, the Ford Taurus X and the Mercury Sable, ceased production in spring 2009 at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. The sixth-generation Taurus' production started on June 15, 2009, for the 2010 model year. [2] Unlike previous generations of the Taurus, the sixth-generation Taurus would not have a Sable counterpart since the Mercury brand was in the process of being phased out by the end of 2010. For the first time since 2002, Lincoln dealers sold a Taurus-based sedan, the Lincoln MKS, introduced as a 2009 model.

Design overview

2010 Ford Taurus SE, rear left.jpg
Ford Taurus SE
Ford Taurus 04.jpg
Interior
2013 Ford Taurus SEL.jpg
Facelift Ford Taurus SEL

Chassis

The sixth-generation Ford Taurus is based on the Volvo-derived Ford D3 platform architecture, sharing the 112.9-inch wheelbase of the Lincoln MKS and the previous Ford Taurus (Five Hundred). As with its predecessor, the Ford Taurus features a front-wheel drive powertrain as standard with the option of an all-wheel drive configuration (standard on the SHO).

As with all other D3 sedans, the Ford Taurus is configured with four-wheel independent suspension, featuring MacPherson struts and rearward-facing lower L-arms with a stabilizer bar in the front and a multilink coilover shock setup with stamped steel lower control arms and cast upper control arms in the rear. As with the previous-generation Taurus (Five Hundred) and the Ford Crown Victoria, the sixth-generation Taurus features four-wheel antilock disc brakes. On all models, AdvanceTrac combines traction control and stability control. Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control is an option for all-wheel drive models.

A number of safety systems seen in this generation of the Taurus either saw their debut or one of their first uses by Ford in the vehicle, including BLIS, Adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support, and Lane keeping assist. As with its predecessor, the Ford Taurus is equipped with dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags.

Although previewed by the V8-powered Ford Interceptor and is a full-size sedan like the Ford Crown Victoria, the sixth-generation Ford Taurus is not available with a V8 engine. At its 2010 launch, the standard engine was the 263 hp 3.5L V6 retained from the previous Taurus, which was upgraded to 288 hp in 2013. The Taurus SHO is powered by a 365 hp twin-turbocharged version of this engine (EcoBoost V6) shared with the Lincoln MKS and MKT. In 2013, a 3.7L 305 hp non-turbocharged V6 became the available for the Police Interceptor Sedan and was unavailable on the standard Taurus. In 2014, a 2.0L turbocharged 240 hp 4-cylinder (EcoBoost 2.0) became optional on the SEL and Limited models, becoming the first 4-cylinder Taurus since 1991 (also the smallest engine ever fitted in a Taurus). The 2.0L EcoBoost engine was dropped after the 2017 model year. [15] All versions of the Taurus use variations of the Ford 6-speed 6F automatic transmission. [16]

Body

The design of the sixth-generation Ford Taurus was led by Chief Designer Earl Lucas. Many of the Taurus' design elements were influenced by the music that the design team listened to. According to Earl Lucas, "When you've got good music, it's amazing how many shapes come out". [17] The 2007 Ford Interceptor concept would also lend design influence to the grille, rear fascia and taillamps, as well as the roofline.

The sixth-generation Ford Taurus introduced many interior features not seen in its predecessor (or the outgoing Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis), including: Ford Sync, push-button start, heated front and rear seats. Multi-Contour Seats, a first in Ford vehicles when introduced in 2010, feature air cushions that pad the driver and passenger's entire back (three for lumbar support, four for lateral support and four for the seat pad). The bottom cushion features Active Motion technology, which provides a subtle continuous massage, designed to lessen back pain on long trips. [18]

In 2013, the Ford Taurus saw a mid-cycle refresh, adopting features of the global Kinetic Design language featured on redesigns of the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Kuga. While the roofline and side panels stayed the same, the Taurus was given a new front fascia with a trapezoidal upper grille (emphasized on the SHO and Police Interceptor) and restyled headlamps. In the rear, LED taillamps made their return (for the first time since the 2007 Mercury Montego) along with dual exhaust (true dual exhaust on the SHO/EcoBoost V6; split exhaust outlets on all other versions). While the interior saw fewer changes in terms of styling, a number of changes were made with its content. For 2013, Ford redesigned the steering wheel, instrument cluster, center stack, and shifter. A new interactive instrument cluster, the MyFord Touch system (which includes a new head unit with 8-inch touch screen), and heated steering wheel were optional. Other features new to the 2013 Taurus include an all new Sony sound system featuring HD Radio and iTunes Tagging, Multicontour seats with Active Motion (massage), push-button start, auto high beams, and a rear view camera. Structural improvements were also made in order to better protect drivers in small-overlap frontal crashes. For 2013, the Taurus replaced the Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis as the full-size Ford offering in the Middle East, becoming offered in that region for the first time.

For 2014, new wheel designs were introduced, with minor changes to standard and optional equipment. [19] A Lane keeping assist feature was added to the Driver Assist package. [19]

In 2017, MyFordTouch was replaced by the new Sync 3 system. 2016 models could be upgraded to Sync 3 via software update. This was the final update to the Taurus.

Variants and trim levels

The sixth generation Ford Taurus was sold to the public in four trim levels, base SE, mid-trim SEL, luxury Limited, and the performance-trim SHO. From 2013 to 2019, there was also a fleet-sales only Police Interceptor Sedan. [20]

The base SE model, designed for rental and fleet use, came stock with a 3.5 L 24-valve DOHC Duratec V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise control functions, an AM/FM stereo with a single CD player, clock, MP3 capability, and six speakers, Ford's MyKey system, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. All wheel drive was not available on the base SE trim. [20] [21]

The mid-range SEL trim level had the same engine, with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission featuring paddle activation, optional all wheel drive, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Sirius satellite radio, and a perimeter anti-theft alarm.

The top-of-the-line Limited model featured perforated heated and cooled leather-trim bucket seats, ambient lighting with choices of seven different colors, SYNC voice-activated communication and entertainment system, a premium AM/FM radio with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, chrome-accenting, heated mirrors with memory and security approach lamps, a reverse sensing system and rear view camera.

Taurus SHO

2010 Ford Taurus SHO 2010 Ford Taurus SHO -- 04-24-2010.jpg
2010 Ford Taurus SHO

The 2010 Taurus SHO was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. [22] It went on sale in summer 2009, with a base MSRP of $37,995 (including destination fees).

The SHO includes a 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine rated at 272 kW (370 PS; 365 hp) at 5500 rpm and 475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) of torque at 1500 rpm, a SelectShift 6-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, torque-sensing all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension and steering, 19-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires (Michelin high-performance tires on the optional 20-inch wheels), a decklid-mounted spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.

2013 Taurus SHO 2013 Ford Taurus SHO -- 2012 DC.JPG
2013 Taurus SHO

The SHO Performance Package includes upgraded brake pads, recalibrated electronic power-assisted steering for improved responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the Electronic Stability Control, ability to turn off the AdvanceTrac stability control system, 27mm front anti-roll bar instead of the standard 29mm front anti-roll bar for more neutral turn-in, vented front brake dust shields from the Police Interceptor, cooling package from the Police Interceptor (engine oil, transmission oil, and power transfer unit), a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration, and summer-compound 20" Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires with premium painted wheels. 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time is rated at 5.2 seconds.

Police Interceptor Sedan

Ford Police Interceptor Sedan at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Ford Taurus Police Interceptor (12488799034).jpg
Ford Police Interceptor Sedan at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show
FPIS with the Toronto Police Service responding with lights and sirens

When the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) ended production in late 2011, Ford developed two new models to replace it, as part of their Ford Police Interceptor range. For the 2013 model year, Ford introduced the Taurus-based Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (FPIS) and Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU). Co-developed and tested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police, the FPIS was a specially-designed variant of the sixth-generation Taurus. [23]

Unlike the outgoing CVPI, the sedan was unavailable with a V8 engine or rear-wheel drive. Initially, the FPIS was offered with a standard 3.5 L naturally aspirated V6 with front- or all-wheel drive that made 288 hp (215 kW) and 254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m) of torque, as well an optional 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive borrowed from the SHO, producing 365 hp (272 kW). The EcoBoost version of the FPIS had several features that were shared with the Taurus SHO Performance Package and not available with the other engine choices such as its SHO Performance Package-calibrated electronic power steering system, and 3.16 final drive ratio. [24] From its release in 2013 to its discontinuation in 2019, the EcoBoost FPIS was ranked as the fastest police car in the U.S., with a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h). [25] Shortly after the FPIS's release, a naturally aspirated 3.7 L engine taken from the Ford Mustang (in transverse arrangement) was added to the lineup, replacing the naturally aspirated 3.5 L V6 as the standard engine. However, the naturally aspirated 3.5 L remained available as a cost-saving option. The new 3.7 L V6 was not available on the civilian Ford Taurus. Its 3.72 L (227 in3) aluminum block V6 engine weighed 40 lb (18 kg) less than the previous version. [26] It produced 305 hp (227 kW) and 279 lb⋅ft (378 N⋅m) of torque. All available engines came standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive was an available cost-saving option for the naturally aspirated 3.5 L V6 version. The naturally aspirated 3.5L and 3.7L V6 engines came standard with Ford's Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) system. Flex Fuel was an available option for both the naturally aspirated 3.5 L and 3.7 L engines, enabling them to run on E85 fuel.

Ford stated that the FPIS would match the safety record of the outgoing CVPI. The FPIS was available with a host of safety technologies not available on the CVPI, such as Blind Spot Information System, a rear-view camera, Ford SYNC, a reverse sensing system, automatic headlights, electronic stability control, and side-curtain airbags. The FPIS was designed and built alongside the FPIU; to facilitate easier repairs and user familiarity, many parts, repair techniques, specifications, and vehicle interfaces were intentionally the same. [27]

The entire FPIS line was equipped with a long list of standard features tailored to law-enforcement and severe-duty use, such as 75 mph (121 km/h) rear-impact protection; a police calibrated ECM for high performance driving and long idling; a heavy-duty cooling system that included an enlarged radiator, an engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, power transfer unit (PTU) cooler, and police-calibrated radiator fan settings; a 220-ampere alternator; heavy-duty 13-inch (330 mm) brake rotors with special ventilation and 18-inch (460 mm) five-spoke steel wheels; a police-tuned suspension with upsized sway bars and premium wheel hubs; steel deflector plates along the underbody; reinforced frame points; reinforced front door hinges with large tethers, and a specially tuned electronic stability control system set up for emergency-style driving. The interior offered heavy-duty front and rear cloth seats or rear vinyl seats, stab-proof front seat-backs, vinyl or carpeted flooring, a column shifter as opposed to a floor shifter, washable rear door panels, programmable steering wheel buttons, the ability to disable the rear door handles and switches from the factory, specialized areas to mount emergency equipment, and a certified-calibration speedometer (140 mph [230 km/h] for the standard 3.5 L, 160 mph [260 km/h] for the EcoBoost and 3.7 L versions). [28] For the duration of the FPIS's production, Ford partnered with emergency vehicle equipment manufacturer Whelen Engineering Company to offer preinstalled emergency equipment. Each purchasing police agency could choose from a variety of options when ordering the vehicle. Options included premade wire harnesses, lighting packages, and siren controllers. Ford marketed this customizable package as the 'Ready for the Road' option.

Like the outgoing CVPI, Ford offered hubcaps, additional colors, and the option to delete the model badge in order to give the vehicle a more civilian-like appearance for unmarked use. Ford offered a Taurus-based "Special Service Sedan" with some of the same features as the Police Interceptor Sedan; however, it used a 2.0 L EcoBoost four-cylinder and was designed only for detective and administrative uses. The Special Service Sedan was equipped with heavy-duty suspension, braking, and cooling components like its Interceptor counterpart. It came standard with active grille shutters, and was available only with front wheel drive. Despite being designed solely for detective and administrative uses, it became pursuit rated in 2015. [29] The Special Service Sedan was dropped after the 2017 model year.

As Ford considered in 2015 whether to continue producing the Taurus in the United States, one reason to do so was the FPIS, though the Police Interceptor Utility was more popular and sales of the police sedan were down. [30] In March 2019, the Taurus-based FPIS was discontinued along with the rest of the Taurus line. It was succeeded by the second generation Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility. Its intended replacement, the Fusion-based Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, was discontinued after the 2020 model year. [31]

Ford Police Interceptor Sedan Performance Specs (based on Michigan State Police testing): [32]

EngineDisplacementPowerTorqueNotes0-60/Top Speed
2.0 L EcoBoost I4122 CID240 hp (179 kW)270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m)Special Service Sedan.0-60: 8.6 seconds. 121 mph top speed.
3.5 L V6213 CID288 hp (215 kW)254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m)N/A, front wheel drive, Ti-VCT.0-60: 7.5 seconds. 131 mph top speed.
3.5 L V6213 CID288 hp (215 kW)254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m)N/A, AWD, Ti-VCT.0-60: 7.8 seconds. 131 mph top speed.
3.5 L EcoBoost V6213 CID365 hp (272 kW)350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m)Twin-turbocharged, AWD.0-60: 5.7 seconds. 150 mph top speed.
3.7 L V6227 CID305 hp (227 kW)279 lb⋅ft (378 N⋅m)Late availability, AWD, Ti-VCT.0-60: 7.6 seconds. 132 mph top speed.

Reception

The Ford scored well in test drives, and the media were pleased with some of the new features available in the 2010 Ford Taurus. [33] Some of these features include all wheel drive, cross traffic alert, collision warning, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. [34] The Taurus shares the powertrain and many available technological options of the Lincoln MKS, which is built on the same platform and mechanical underpinnings, while having a starting MSRP of US$10,000 less than the MKS. [35]

While its predecessor was criticized for dull styling, the new Taurus was described as "big and muscular" to draw attention, albeit "a love-it-or-hate-it affair". [36] Motor Trend stated that "its broad stance, high sill line, slit headlamps, and technical grille give it a leopard look" which was considered handsome. [37]

However, despite being praised for its exterior appearance, it was still criticized for its lack of interior room and reduced sight-lines despite its full-sized exterior dimensions, [37] compared to the previous-generation Five Hundred/Taurus which was praised for its vast interior and greenhouse visibility; one reviewer remarked that while the "old Taurus' interior was cavernous; the new one just feels like a cavern". [34] [36] [38] Edmunds noted that the eighth-generation Honda Accord (which competes in the mid-size category) had superior driving dynamics and a more efficient design that yielded almost as much interior space as the larger Taurus. [39] Car and Driver described the Taurus as overweight and underpowered, with unresponsive braking and steering, while Motor Trend criticized a few aspects of the interior as evidently cost-cutting. [40] [41] [42]

Water pump issues

Water pumps on 2008 to 2019 Ford Taurus and 2013 to 2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan equipped with the 3.5L Ford Cyclone V6 V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 3.7L V6 have a tendency to fail and potentially ruin the engine. The water pumps on these engines are internally mounted and driven by the timing chain. As a result, when they fail, antifreeze is dumped directly into the crankcase; mixing with engine oil and potentially damaging the head gaskets and connecting rod bearings. Many of these water pump failures occur without warning and repairs often cost thousands of dollars as the engine needs to be disassembled or removed from the vehicle to access the water pump. In some cases, the engine will need to be replaced outright. A class action lawsuit was started against Ford as a result of this issue. [43]

Safety

2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings: [44]

Ford Taurus IIHS scores [45]
Moderate overlap frontal offsetGood
Small overlap frontal offset (driver side)Marginal (2010–2012)
Small overlap frontal offset (driver side)Acceptable (2013-2019)
Side impactGood
Roof strengthGood

Discontinuation in North America

On April 25, 2018, Ford announced plans to discontinue the Taurus (along with the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion), in order to focus more on its line of trucks and SUVs. [46] The announcement was part of a plan by Ford Motor Company to cut costs and increase profits. This was in response to a shift in perceived consumer demand towards SUVs and pickup trucks, and away from sedans. [47] On September 5, 2018, Ford ended all national and promotional advertising (including sales and special offers) for its entire sedan lineup, including the Taurus. [48] On March 1, 2019, the last U.S. Ford Taurus, a white Limited model, rolled off of the assembly line at the Ford Chicago plant. [49]

See also

References and notes

  1. POLICE & SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLES 2017 (PDF). Ford Motor Company. 2016.
  2. 1 2 "2009 Order Cutoff - 2010 Startup" (PDF). ARI. June 29, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 16, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  3. "The Grunion". Press Telegram. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  4. “Say Goodbye To The Ford Taurus” from Ford Authority (March 4, 2019)
  5. "New 2020 Ford Taurus launches in the GCC". Arab News. November 13, 2019.
  6. Riches, Erin (July 20, 2009). "A Product of Their Times". Edmunds Inside Line. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  7. Wiesenfelder, Joe (July 16, 2009). "2010 Ford Taurus Reviews by Cars.com Experts" . Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  8. Spector, Mike (January 23, 2008). "Ford CEO Alan Mulally Calls Fed Rate Cut a "Positive"". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  9. "2010 Ford Taurus". Jalopnik. April 8, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
  10. "2010 Ford Taurus, Redux". Jalopnik. April 9, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
  11. Ford Vehicles: 2010 Taurus
  12. Vlasic, Bill (July 29, 2009). "Revived Taurus is key to the future of Ford". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  13. "2010 Ford Taurus: A Flagship Returns". Jalopnik. January 11, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  14. Hayden, Brian (May 27, 2009). "New Taurus sedan debuts at West-Herr in Hamburg". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  15. Ford Motor Company. "2018 Taurus" (PDF). Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  16. Car Advice, Ford Taurus Unveiled in New York.
  17. Whitall, Susan (June 6, 2009). "Sharing cool music and creative ideas is what keeps Ford designers fueled". The Detroit News. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  18. "Multi-Contour Seats Fact Sheet | PDF | Massage | Car".
  19. 1 2 2014 Ford Taurus, Edmunds.com
  20. 1 2 Ford Taurus model 2010 ford.com [ dead link ]
  21. "2010 Ford Taurus First Test - Review of the new Ford Taurus sedan - Motor Trend". Archived from the original on March 26, 2013.
  22. "Chicago 2009: SHO Starter - Ford Taurus SHO kicks off Chicago". Autoblog. February 11, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  23. "Ford Police Interceptor Vehicles Clean up at LA County Sheriff's Department Tests".
  24. Performanceford.com Archived October 15, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  25. "These are the 10 fastest police cars in America". Business Insider .
  26. "Ford Adds 305 hp, 3.7-Liter V6 to the Police Interceptor Sedan's Engine Roster". September 13, 2012.
  27. "Cop-Car Walk-around: Ford Police Interceptors". October 26, 2012.
  28. "Ford Police Interceptor Brochure" (PDF). xr793.com. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  29. "Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost Police Sedan Pursuit-Rated by Michigan State Police, L.A. Sheriff's Dept". December 2015.
  30. Bunkley, Nick (August 17, 2015). "The Taurus comeback story: Is it the end for ex-champ?". Automotive News .
  31. Reyes, Roselynn (May 14, 2018). "Ford to End PI Sedan Production in March 2019". Government Fleet.
  32. "Vehicle test book 2013" (PDF). www.michigan.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2022. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  33. "2010 Ford Taurus First Drive". Archived from the original on July 27, 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
  34. 1 2 "Research & reviews". Archived from the original on December 28, 2009. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
  35. "2010 Lincoln MKS". Archived from the original on December 15, 2010.
  36. 1 2 "Cars". Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  37. 1 2 "2010 Ford Taurus Limited AWD vs. 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - Interior - Motor Trend". Archived from the original on August 5, 2010.
  38. Ulrich, Lawrence (December 27, 2009). "A Holiday From Wishful Thinking". The New York Times. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  39. "Inside Line: Comparison Test: 2010 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Honda Accord". July 21, 2009.
  40. "2022 Honda Accord vs. 2019 Ford Taurus - Car Comparison".
  41. "2010 Ford Taurus Limited AWD vs. 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Comparison - Motor Trend". Archived from the original on August 4, 2010.
  42. "Buick LaCrosse vs. Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus ES350". June 18, 2010.
  43. "Ford Lawsuit Over Duratec V6 Due To Water Pump". Ford Authority. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  44. "2010 Ford Taurus". MSN Autos. Archived from the original on November 10, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  45. "Ford Taurus". iihs.org.
  46. "Ford to kill Fusion, Taurus and Fiesta cars". USA TODAY. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  47. Carey, Nick. "Ford accelerates cost-cutting plan, will drop most U.S. sedans". U.S. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  48. “Ford stops national ads for sedans, including Fusion still in production” from Automotive News (September 5, 2018)
  49. "Ford Marks End of Taurus Production". Ford Motor Company Media. Retrieved March 3, 2019.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Explorer</span> Range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company

The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford D3 platform</span> Motor vehicle platform

The Ford D3 platform is an automobile platform assembled by Ford Motor Company. In production between the 2005 and 2019 model years, the D3 platform is the fifteenth generation of full-size cars produced by Ford in North America. Marking the adoption of unibody chassis construction, a transverse engine configuration, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and the lack of a V8 engine, the D3 platform is derived from the 1998-2016 Volvo P2 architecture. Since 2008, the related D4 platform has served as a basis for crossover SUVs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Panther platform</span> 1979–2012 motor vehicle platform from Ford Motor Company

The Ford Panther platform was an automobile platform that was used by Ford Motor Company from the 1979 to 2012 model years. Following the downsizing of the General Motors B-bodies and C-bodies by two years, the Panther platform marked the end of production of sedans unencumbered by downsizing. Originally slated for discontinuation during the early 1980s, the Panther architecture was used for 33 model years, making it one of the longest-produced platforms in North American automotive history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Sable</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercury Sable is a range of automobiles manufactured and marketed by the Mercury brand of Ford Motor Company. Introduced on December 26, 1985, as the replacement for the Mercury Marquis, the Sable marked the transition of the mid-size Mercury product range to front-wheel drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Taurus SHO</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Taurus SHO is the high-performance variant of the Ford Taurus. Originally intended as a limited-production model, the SHO would be produced for the first three generations of the model line, from the 1989 to the 1999 model years. After an 11-year hiatus, the model was revived for 2010, continuing through the 2019 discontinuation of the Taurus model line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Fusion (Americas)</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. From the 2006 through 2020 model years, two generations of the Fusion have been produced in gasoline, gas/electric hybrid, and gas/plug-in electric hybrid variants. The Fusion was manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant in Sonora, Mexico, alongside the Lincoln MKZ, and formerly the Mercury Milan, both of which share its CD3 platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Edge</span> American mid-size crossover SUV

The Ford Edge is a range of crossover SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Edge is the first mid-size CUV marketed by Ford in North America; the model line is currently in its second generation. Deriving its name from a trim package of the Ford Ranger, the Ford Edge is positioned between the Ford Escape and the Ford Explorer within the Ford product line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Cyclone engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Cyclone engine, also branded Duratec, is Ford Motor Company's latest DOHC family of gasoline V6 engines introduced in 2006. The Cyclone succeeds Ford's previous V6 engine families, including the Canadian built Ford Essex engine introduced in 1981, the Ford Vulcan engine introduced in 1985, the original Duratec V6 introduced in 1993, and the Ford Cologne V6 engine, whose design dates back to 1962. The first version of the Cyclone engine, a 3.5 L V6, appeared in the 2007 Ford Edge and the Lincoln-badged luxury variant, the Lincoln MKX, as well as the Lincoln MKZ. Mazda badges its versions of the Cyclone MZI as it did with its versions of the Duratec V6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln MKS</span> Motor vehicle

The Lincoln MKS is a full-sized luxury sedan that was manufactured and marketed by the Lincoln subdivision of Ford from 2008 to 2016. First shown at the LA Auto Show in November 2007, the MKS began production for the 2009 model year at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant in May 2008 with sales beginning a month later. The MKS was the second Lincoln to adopt the "MK" nomenclature and the first model to wear it through its entire production run. With the discontinuation of the Lincoln Town Car in 2011, the MKS at 205.6-inches in length became the longest production sedan sold by an American automaker through 2016.

The GM–Ford 6-speed automatic transmission is an automatic transaxle originally designed for transverse engine applications in cars. With design work having begun in 2002, General Motors and Ford Motor Company jointly committed to investing US$720 million in their manufacturing plants to support the new transmission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor</span> Police car variant of the Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is a four-door, body-on-frame sedan that was manufactured by Ford from 1992 to 2011. It is the police car version of the Ford Crown Victoria and was the first vehicle to use the Ford Police Interceptor name.

Full-size Ford is a term adopted for a long-running line of Ford vehicles with a shared model lineage in North America. Originating in 1908 with the Ford Model T, the line ended in 2019 with the Ford Taurus, as Ford withdrew from the full-sized sedan segment in North America. Across 111 years, 15 generations, and over 60 million examples of the model line were produced across over 50 model nameplates. By contrast, the longest-running single nameplate worldwide is the Chevrolet Suburban, in use since the 1935 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Freestyle</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Freestyle is a crossover utility vehicle that was sold by Ford from 2005 to 2009. Largely marketed as the successor to the Ford Taurus station wagon, the Freestyle was the CUV counterpart of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego four-door sedans. Sharing the Ford D3 platform with the Five Hundred and Montego, the Freestyle was produced with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations and six- or seven-passenger seating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln MKT</span> Motor vehicle

The Lincoln MKT is a full-size luxury crossover SUV with 3-row seating that was marketed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company; a single generation was produced from the 2010 to the 2019 model years. Slotted between the Lincoln MKX and the Lincoln Navigator, the MKT shared its Ford D4 chassis with the Ford Flex CUV and the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Taurus (first generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The first-generation Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are automobiles produced by Ford as the first of six generations of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Launched on December 26, 1985, as a 1986 model, the front-wheel-drive Taurus was a very influential design that is credited with saving Ford from bankruptcy, bringing many innovations to the marketplace and starting the trend towards aerodynamic design for the American automakers in the North American market. Ford of Europe had launched the 1980s move to aerodynamic design for the company with the 1982 Ford Sierra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Taurus (second generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The second-generation Ford Taurus is an automobile that was produced by Ford from 1991 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 believe that the second-generation was simply a facelift of the first-generation Taurus. However, this is partially true because 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Taurus (fifth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The fifth generation of the Ford Taurus is an automobile that was manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for the 2008 and 2009 model years. Marking the return of the nameplate after a hiatus of less than a year, the revived Taurus is a midcycle revision of the Ford Five Hundred full-sized sedan. After its retail withdrawal following the 2007 model year, the Crown Victoria was replaced by this generation of the Taurus, making it the flagship Ford sedan for the first time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford EcoBoost engine</span> Series of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines

EcoBoost is a series of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines produced by Ford and originally co-developed by FEV Inc.. EcoBoost engines are designed to deliver power and torque consistent with those of larger-displacement naturally aspirated engines, while achieving up to 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% fewer greenhouse emissions, according to Ford. The manufacturer sees the EcoBoost technology as less costly and more versatile than further developing or expanding the use of hybrid and diesel engine technologies. EcoBoost engines are broadly available across the Ford vehicle lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford police vehicles</span> Police vehicles manufactured by the Ford Motor Company

Ford police vehicles constitute the automobiles manufactured and sold by the Ford Motor Company for use as police cars and other car-based emergency vehicles. Though Ford has been producing police-oriented fleet vehicle variants of their full-size Ford sedans since the 1950s, the primary nameplate used by Ford for police vehicles since 1992 has been the Ford Police Interceptor, consisting of existing Ford models modified and sold for frontline police and emergency service use. A similar nameplate, the Ford Police Responder, was introduced in the mid-2010s, consisting of special-duty police vehicles not intended to be used in frontline roles.