Did the Ford Taurus save Ford?
The Ford Taurus is widely credited with helping Ford reverse a sales slump in the mid-1980s and catalyze a broader overhaul that preserved the company.
To understand the claim, it’s important to view the Taurus as a pivotal element within a larger revival effort. Ford’s turnaround combined new product design, manufacturing improvements, and a stronger market strategy across multiple models, not relying on a single car alone.
The turning point: what made Taurus effective
These factors explain why the Taurus mattered to Ford’s fate in the 1980s and beyond.
- Design and appeal: a modern, aerodynamic look that broadened mass-market appeal and differentiated Ford from era-centrist sedans.
- Engineering and packaging: front‑wheel drive, improved interior space, and a scalable platform that supported lower production costs and flexible options.
- Market impact: helped Ford regain share in the competitive mainstream sedan segment during a period of intense competition among U.S. automakers.
- Strategic fit: served as the flagship in a broader product revitalization, signaling a new direction for Ford’s car lineup.
- Dealer and brand message: reinforced Ford’s commitment to value and quality, strengthening dealer confidence and consumer trust.
In summary, these elements contributed to rising profits and a healthier product mix for Ford, reinforcing the company's turnaround rather than being a lone rescue mission.
Broader factors in Ford's turnaround
Beyond the Taurus, several other initiatives played key roles in Ford’s recovery and long-term profitability.
- Broad product renewal: refreshed cars across the lineup, including replacements for traditional mid-size sedans, expanded appeal across segments.
- Core truck strength: sustained demand for the F-Series and other trucks provided a reliable profit engine.
- Manufacturing discipline: cost-cutting, productivity improvements, and more efficient plant operations reduced breakeven points and improved margins.
- Strategic leadership and investment: decisive actions to reinvest in profitable segments and streamline product development.
These broader reforms complemented the Taurus’s success and contributed to Ford’s resilience in the late 1980s and beyond, helping the company compete effectively as markets evolved.
Legacy and caveats
While the Taurus is widely credited as a pivotal model, some analysts argue that Ford’s revival was multifaceted. The Taurus’ success did not erase deeper structural challenges, and Ford’s longer-term trajectory depended on trucks, SUVs, and continuous product innovation.
Note on the model’s fate: In North America, Ford discontinued the Taurus after the 2019 model year as the company shifted resources toward SUVs and trucks.
Summary
The Ford Taurus played a key role in Ford’s mid-to-late-1980s revival, signaling a decisive shift toward modern, mass-market sedans and helping restore profitability. It was not the sole savior, but its success helped catalyze a broader package of reforms that strengthened Ford’s finances and set the stage for future growth. The model’s legacy influenced Ford’s strategic direction for years, even after the Taurus was phased out in North America in 2019.
Did the Taurus save Ford?
For 1986, the Ford Taurus looked like the future, and Ford's gambit paid off. This thing sold nearly two million units over a six-year production run, and is often credited with saving Ford from bankruptcy.
Do cops still drive Ford Taurus?
In 2018, Ford announced that it would be ending production of the Taurus, on which the FPIS was based. In March 2019, both the Taurus and FPIS were discontinued. The FPIS was replaced by the Ford Police Interceptor Utility and the Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan.
What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?
Top Ford Taurus Problems
- Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak.
- Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds.
- Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems.
- Camshaft Sensor Magnet may Damage Synchronizers.
- automatic lights not working.
- Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust.
Why did Ford discontinue the Ford Taurus?
Discontinuation (North America)
On April 25, 2018, Ford announced plans to discontinue the Taurus (along with the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion), in order to focus more on its line of trucks and SUVs. The announcement was part of a plan by Ford Motor Company to cut costs and increase profits.
