Taurus debuted in 1985 in Los Angeles. The front-wheel-drive, mid-size Taurus was available only in two bodies: the four-door sedan and station wagon. The curb weight of the car was about 1450 kg with a wheelbase of 2.7 m. The futuristic shape of the Ford Taurus did not have a grille, but simply a panel in body color, where the Ford oval was located between the headlights.
Due to the large area of glass and narrow racks, the car had excellent visibility. Taurus was introduced in four versions: L, MT-5, GL and LX. Models L and MT-5 were fairly simple, equipped with a 4-cylinder engine of 2.5 liters, which developed power of 90 hp These modifications had the main difference in the transmission: the L was delivered with a 3-speed automatic transmission of the ATX type, and the MT-5 with a 5-speed manual transmission, hence the name MT-5 (Manual Transmission-5). Options GL had some features, such as mirrors and lights in the visors, cargo net in the trunk, as well as the central armrest in the backseat in a sedan.
Options LX was equipped with equipment such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, electric driver's seat, stereo radio, cruise control, etc. Due to the fact that the 4-cylinder engine was actually not enough for a mid-size sedan, the LX version and partly the GL were completed with a V-shaped 6-cylinder engine of 3.0 liters. with a capacity of 140l.s. Cars with this engine were completed with 4-speed automatic transmission type AXOD. The 1986 model had the yellow inserts of the “turn signals” in the rear lights, so beloved in Europe. Subsequently, in 1988, the rear lens lenses, with the exception of the reversing lenses, became completely red.
Luxury model LX differed electric telescopic antenna and salon switch "up-down". Also on the luxury version there were “swivel lights” - on the front bumper, two lamps with transparent lenses were flush on the side, switched on depending on the turn signal signals and illuminating the corresponding side of the road. This option lasted until 1993, inclusive. Also on the luxury version were painted silver-colored bumper and plastic cover panels of doors and wings (they were used until 1995, only began to be painted in body color). It also had an automatic headlight activation system (photo sensor); interior mirrors with lights; back cushions (up to 1999) in the front seats.
And also was available steering wheel, upholstered in genuine leather. In 1988, a high-speed sports modification “SHO” (“Super High Output”) appeared with a 3-liter V6 rated at 220 hp and four valves per cylinder. The engine was aggregated only 5-speed manual transmission, with automatic transmission were delivered only in 1993 Version «SHO» is only with a sedan. In 1988, a V6 engine appeared in the range of power units, the same power as 3 liters, but with a volume increased to 3.8 liters, which led to an increase in its torque to 291 N / m and greater tensile strength due to a decrease in power characteristics (The maximum power of 140 hp was achieved at 3800 rpm).
This engine has become optional for all Taurus except L and MT-5. In 1988, the Taurus MT-5 Wagon was removed from production . Since 1989, some modifications as an option began to install anti-lock ABS. In 1990, a standard driver’s airbag, ABS (only for sedans), a CD player, and a dashboard were slightly modified for cars as standard. It should be noted that during this period dashboards were let in of several types, differing both in appearance and in various graduations of the speedometer and odometer scales (miles or km). In 1991, the 4-cylinder engine was modified and its power increased from the previous 90 to 115 hp.
Also in 1991, came the new equipment, called the L-Plus, going for Taurus L and equipped with air conditioning, automatic transmission and central locking. From the technical innovations of 1991, it is worth noting the release of a modified four-speed automatic transmission, called AXOD-E. The fundamental difference from the previous AXOD was the electronic shift control and linear pressure, which resulted in smoother gear shifting. In 1992, after deep modernization, the second generation of Taurus appears. It is distinguished from the previous new body design, an updated interior and a modified chassis.
The body restyling was evolutionary - the overall shape was the same, however many parts of the body became new. The update consisted of narrow headlamps, modified taillights and more smoothed hull lines. The dimensions of the car remained the same, except for the total length, which increased by 10 cm to 4.88 m. The interior has been updated to a less angled, there is a backlight control of electric windows and a new design for the seats and doors. The dashboard performance has become larger and the passenger airbag has become available. In the luxury configuration LX became available keyless entry system with remote control and keys coded lock on the driver's door.
Also on the luxury equipment installed beautiful headlights with fully transparent lenses. Given the experience of the first generation, highly prone to corrosion, since 1992 began to apply galvanized body. The 4-cylinder unit disappears from the engine range. The 1992 model year Taurus was produced in three trim levels: L, GL, LX and SHO.
In 1993, despite last year’s restyling, the Taurus lineup underwent some changes. Complete L removed from production. Options LX received a new color scheme with the new center console. Bumper steel painted in body color. The SHO version gets a V6 engine with increased volume to 3.2 liters. Since 1994, a modernized "automatic" has been installed on the car. In 1995, the debut of Taurus SE.
Essentially it was a sporty version of the Taurus. Sedan equipped with new alloy wheels, ergonomic seat and console. In 1996, the model was upgraded. The third generation Taurus is coming to light. The car is offered with a sedan and wagon. The new line included the base G, the richer GL, the luxurious LX and the muscular SHO.
Other images auto Ford Taurus
