Ford Taurus III (DN101) gallery (1996–1999)

The third generation of the Ford Taurus (1996–1999) featured a controversial radical oval design theme, the new DN101 platform, and an available V8 engine in the SHO trim.

All photos 93 I (DN5) 0 1986–1991 II 0 1992–1995 III (DN101) 0 1996–1999 IV 9 2000–2007 V (D3) 30 2008–2009 VI (D3) 46 2010–2019 VII (D568) 0 2015–2022

Introduced for the 1996 model year, the third-generation Ford Taurus represented a complete structural and design revolution built on the front-wheel-drive DN101 platform. Designed around an iconic oval theme reflecting the Ford badge shape, the vehicle incorporated elliptical styling elements in its headlights, rear windshield, door handles, and interior Integrated Control Panel. The model was offered in four-door sedan and five-door station wagon variants, featuring improved body stiffness and noise isolation.

Engine offerings included the carryover 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 and a new all-aluminum 3.0-liter Duratec 30 DOHC V6 producing 200 horsepower. The top-tier Taurus SHO performance sedan debuted a unique 3.4-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 engineered with Cosworth and Yamaha, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1998, Ford performed a minor front-end facelift with simplified lighting to soften the bold design. Production of the third generation concluded in 1999.