The 3rd Generation Taurus Page

1996 To 1999

This page is dedicated to the 1996 to 1999 Ford Taurus. This page will contain information and data regarding the best looking and performing taurus ever!

For the 1996 model year, Ford radically redesigned the best selling car in America. It was met by both proponents who loved the fresh, innovative, and head-turning look and by detractors who thought they had gone over board with the new style. Regardless the '96 to '99 Taurus is one of the best looking cars on the streets and one of the safest, claiming a five star rating. The 3rd generation cars also host the last of the SHO's which ended in '99 after a 10 year run. With the arrival of the 2000 model and it's squared off body, the 3rd generation cars will go out in style!

GENERAL TECH DATA:

Horsepower: Vulcan (3.0 V6 12 valve) - 145 @ 5,250 rpm   Torque: 170 @ 3,250 rpm
                   Duratec (3.0 V6 24 valve DOHC) - 200 @ 5,750 rpm   Torque: 200 @ 4,500 rpm
                   SHO (3.4 V8 32 valve DOHC) - 235 @ 6,100 rpm   Torque: 230 @ 4,800 rpm
*Note: During the mid 1999 model year, the duratec only was re-rated at 185 hp and 195 lb-ft due
to a change to a more restrictive exhaust system.

PERFORMANCE:

Accelaration (0-60) and Quarter mile times:  Vulcan - 10 secs.  17.5/79 mph
                                                                Duratec - 8.2 secs.  16.2/87.7 mph
                                                                SHO - 7.5 secs.  15.7/88.6 mph

MODIFICATIONS:
The modifications listed below apply to the 3.0 engines.There are not many mods available to these engines and the ones listed below are the most popular:
Superchips - single most important add on, It will increase horsepower by 15 and torque by 20 depending on the condition of your car.
Air Filters - K&N and Ford Performance Racing Parts both offer high flowing air filters. Autophysics offers a complete air intake systen.
Exhaust - Tough one. According to TCCA member June H. Han, Borla has a cat-back system which will fit with slight modifications.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR COLOR CHART

TRIM LINE, DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

3RD GENERATION TAURUS PICTURES

LINKS to other Taurus related sites:

Taurus car club of America (TCCA) - If you own a Taurus/Sable this is the club for you.Membership includes technical help,member discounts and other useful information.

Great Lakes TCCA  - Great Lakes chapter of the TCCA

Ford Taurus Performance Page - contains registry and message board, great place to learn and talk more about Taurus/Sables

The ALL Generations Taurus Page - June H. Han's site. Contains great info and pics on all Taurus. June is very knowledgable about the Taurus

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Questions or comments:
e-mail at: [email protected]

This page was created December 4,1999. This page will be updated continually, so please check back in the future.