Ford Taurus II photos

Arriving for the 1992 model year, the second-generation Ford Taurus was an extensive redesign of the original DN5 architecture. While preserving the core unibody structure and greenhouse, every exterior body panel except the doors was reshaped to yield a sleeker front end with slimmer headlights and revised bumpers. The interior received a completely overhauled dashboard featuring driver-oriented controls. Body offerings remained a four-door mid-size sedan and a versatile five-door station wagon.

Under the hood, volume models used the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 or the torque-rich 3.8-liter Essex V6, backed by a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The high-performance Taurus SHO returned, offering either the 3.0-liter Yamaha V6 with a 5-speed manual or a new 3.2-liter Yamaha V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic. Safety standards were elevated in 1994 with standard dual front airbags and ABS. The second-generation Taurus successfully maintained its position as the best-selling passenger car in America.