1996-1999 Ford Taurus: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

America's best-selling car earned its first full overhaul for 1996, adopting a stunning shape. So did the similar Mercury Sable. Both mid-sizes were larger and more rounded than their 1986-95 predecessors. Wheelbase grew by 2.5 inches, to 108.5, while overall length increased more than five inches on the sedan and nearly six on the station wagon. Both the 4-door sedan and 4-door wagon came in GL and deluxe LX trim. The GL held an overhead-valve 3.0-liter V6 engine, rated at 145 horsepower. The LX got a new dual-cam 3.0-liter Duratec V6, which produced 200 horsepower. Both used a 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual airbags were standard; antilock all-disc brakes optional on all models. An oval "integrated control panel" on the dashboard contained radio and climate controls.A low-budget G sedan joined during the 1996 model year, with the same engine as the GL. So did a new high-performance SHO sedan, holding a 235-horsepower, 3.4-liter dual-cam V8 and standard antilock braking.