Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Ford Taurus III SHO 3.4 V8 32V (225 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Ford Taurus:
The Ford Taurus is an automobile that was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company in the United States from 1985 to 2019. From 1985 to 2009, Ford marketed the Taurus alongside its rebadged variant, the Mercury Sable. Four generations of the high-performance version were also manufactured from 1988-1999 and 2009-2019.
The original Taurus was a milestone for Ford and the American automotive industry, as the first automobile at Ford designed and manufactured using the statistical process control ideas brought to Ford by W. Edwards Deming, a prominent statistician consulted by Ford to bring a "culture of quality" to the enterprise. The Taurus had an influential design that introduced new features and innovations....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Ford Taurus (III). With 311 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1608 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 219 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ford Taurus III was primarily a North American market vehicle and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Its safety performance would be evaluated against contemporary US standards.
SHO 3.4 V8 32V (225 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Still a potent performer, this slightly detuned version of the SHO V8 provided robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, making it a standout in its class.
Fuel Economy
With a listed combined fuel consumption of 11.3 l/100 km (approx. 20.8 MPG), it was thirsty, but acceptable for its performance level at the time.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and spacious interior design
- • Comfortable and smooth ride quality
- • Powerful and unique SHO V8 option
- • Good value on the used market
- • Reliable base Vulcan V6 engine
Cons:
- • Polarizing exterior styling (oval theme)
- • Some interior material quality issues
- • High fuel consumption for V8 models
- • V8 SHO maintenance can be complex and costly
- • Base V6 can feel underpowered
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1993 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Taurus |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | SHO 3.4 V8 32V (225 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 225 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 66.3 Hp/l [139mm more] |
| Torque: | 311 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | SHO More details about the engine SHO |
| Engine displacement: | 3392 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.1 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.4 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.3 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 219 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 139.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1608 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 447 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5016 mm [139mm more] |
| Width: | 1854 mm [46mm more] |
| Height: | 1400 mm [26mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2756 mm [64mm more] |
| Front track: | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1560 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.8 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
Have you ever driven an Ford Taurus?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: