Which Ford car introduced the company’s Taurus nameplate in 1986?

The Ford Taurus was the car that introduced Ford’s Taurus nameplate in 1986.

Ford launched the Taurus for the 1986 model year as a front-wheel-drive replacement for the Ford LTD. Its aerodynamic shape, rounded body, and flush styling represented a major break from the boxy American sedans common in the early 1980s. Ford developed the related Mercury Sable at the same time.

The Taurus was built on Ford’s D186 platform and offered four-door sedan and five-door wagon body styles. Its transverse V6 engine and front-wheel-drive layout helped improve interior space. The model became one of Ford’s most important products and was widely credited with helping the company compete more effectively against Japanese imports.

The Taurus name later appeared on several generations, including the high-performance SHO. Ford discontinued the name in North America after the 2019 model year. The Taurus also remained in production for some overseas markets under a later, unrelated generation.