autoevolution
 

FORD Taurus Wagon Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1995
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Wagon (station wagon, estate, combi, touring)
FORD Taurus Wagon photo gallery

After just four years on the market, Ford sent the Taurus' third generation into retirement, and its full-oval-shaped wagon version received a new generation.

Ford introduced the fourth generation of the Taurus in late 1999 as a 2000 model-year and claimed that it was more than just a regular facelift. Its design was different. The oval-shaped third-generation looked like someone stole all the rulers and straight edges from Ford's design department.

The new headlights swept-back to the front fenders were the most noticeable difference when compared with the round headlamps from its predecessor, but the elliptic grille shape was similar. At the back, Ford's designers couldn't resist the temptation to leave the same design as on its predecessor but enhanced here and there to deserve their payroll. The main difference between the third and the fourth generation was that there was no big Ford badge on the right lower corner of the tailgate on the latter model.

Inside, the fourth-gen Taurus featured a dashboard with a less controversial look, with the instrument cluster's upper side extended over the center console. A trapezoidal-shaped audio system replaced the previous one, which looked like an egg. It offered plenty of room for five adult passengers and a trunk to match the station wagon status. With all seats in place, the Taurus Wagon provided 38.8 cu-ft (1,100 liters), while with the rear seats folded, it reached up to 81.3 cu-ft (2,300 liters). The carmaker also added a third row of seats in the trunk area, which was only suitable for children.

For the engine compartment, Ford installed a choice of two V6 engines with a similar displacement, with power up to 201 hp. All versions were mated to a standard 4-speed auto, with a floor-mounted shifter.

full description and technical specifications
FORD Taurus Wagon photo gallery

While some people went for the minivan segment when they needed roomier vehicles, others just went for the old-fashioned station wagons, and the Taurus Wagon was a good choice.

Ford introduced the third generation of the Taurus in 1995 in both shapes: sedan and station wagon. Neither of them was appreciated for their design since the front fascia looked, to say at least, sad. The carmaker tried to keep its crown of the best-selling mid-size sedan in the U.S., and it managed to do that for 1996 but slipped on the third place in 1997 behind the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Ford reacted as fast as it could, but it introduced the fourth generation only in 1999.

The entire design was based on curved surfaces. Ford tried to make the best bio-design-looking vehicle, but the result was not very pleasing for its customers. The round, individual headlamps for the high and low beams and for the turn-signals didn't catch its customers' attention. In the back, instead of the oval-shaped windscreen installed on the sedan version, the hatchback featured a more conventional look but with shaved corners.

Inside Ford continued the "keep-it-rounded" theme on the instrument cluster. Somehow it resembled the interior found in the Focus range, mixed with some Contour/Mondeo inspiration for the center stack. On the plus side, it offered plenty of room for five adult passengers and a trunk to match the station-wagon status. With all seats in place, the Taurus Wagon provided 38 cu-ft (1,076 liters), while with the rear seats folded, it reached up to 81 cu-ft (2,293 liters).

The Taurus Wagon kept the 3.0-liter V-6 engine available on the sedan version paired to a four-speed automatic under the hood.

full description and technical specifications