Ford Taurus I (DN5) photos

Debuting in late 1985 for the 1986 model year, the first-generation Ford Taurus was a landmark vehicle that saved Ford from financial distress. Built on the front-wheel-drive DN5 platform under design chief Jack Telnack, its rounded, aerodynamic exterior featured an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.32 and a grille-less front fascia with air intake vents positioned beneath the bumper. Available as a mid-size four-door sedan and five-door station wagon, the Taurus immediately captured the market, winning Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1986.

Powertrain choices started with a 2.5-liter HSC four-cylinder, but the primary volume seller was the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 delivering 140 horsepower, joined later by a 3.8-liter Essex V6. In 1989, Ford introduced the high-performance Taurus SHO (Super High Output), featuring a 220-horsepower 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 developed in partnership with Yamaha and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Transmissions for standard models included 3-speed and 4-speed automatics. Production continued through 1991.