How much horsepower does a 3.4 V8 Ford Taurus have?

The 3.4-liter V8 was used in the late-1990s Ford Taurus SHO and delivered about 235 horsepower in the early years, with output rising to roughly 250 horsepower in later years. The standard Taurus did not offer a 3.4 V8.

Beyond the headline figure, the question centers on the SHO variant, a performance-focused version of the Taurus produced from 1996 to 1999 that paired a 3.4-liter double‑overhead‑cam V8 with sportier handling and styling. Horsepower varied slightly by year and market, and this article breaks down the official figures and the broader context for collectors and enthusiasts.

Context: The Taurus lineup and the SHO

The Ford Taurus evolved from a mainstream family sedan into a performance-minded option in its SHO form. The 3.4-liter V8 was specifically developed for the Taurus SHO family, which ran during the late 1990s and is notable for its higher-revving V8 and sharper dynamics relative to the standard Taurus lineup.

3.4 L V8: The SHO engine details

Engineered for performance, the 3.4 L V8 in the Taurus SHO offered higher output than the conventional Taurus powertrains. The horsepower rating changed slightly over the model years as Ford refined the engine and emissions tuning for US-market cars.

Below is a year-by-year snapshot of the factory horsepower figures for the 3.4 L V8 in the Taurus SHO.

• 1996–1997 SHO: 235 hp


• 1998–1999 SHO: 250 hp

Notes: These figures reflect the official ratings for US-spec SHO models. Real-world results can vary due to wear, tuning, and condition of individual vehicles.

Summary

In short, the 3.4 L V8 Ford Taurus SHO delivered about 235 horsepower in the earlier years and approximately 250 horsepower in the later years of its production (1998–1999). The standard Taurus did not offer a 3.4 V8, so horsepower figures tied to this engine apply specifically to the SHO variant and its late-1990s iterations.

Is Ford's 4.6 V8 a good engine?

Yes, the Ford 4.6L V8 is generally considered a good, reliable engine, particularly the earlier 2-valve (2V) versions, known for its longevity and workhorse capabilities rather than high performance. While it has known issues like plastic intake manifolds on certain model years, and potential for timing chain problems or spark plug blowout on some variants, these are manageable with proper maintenance and repairs.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the 4.6L V8 engine's characteristics: 57sCar WizardYouTube · Jul 31, 2019
Pros:

• Reliability and Longevity: The 4.6L V8 is known for being a durable engine that can last for over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
• Simplicity: The 2-valve versions are mechanically simpler, making them easier and less expensive to work on for DIYers and mechanics. 
• Parts Availability: Parts are readily available for both repair and modification. 
• Versatility: It was used in a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, sedans, and sports cars, showcasing its adaptability. 

Cons:

• Plastic Intake Manifolds: The 1996-2001 model years had plastic intake manifolds prone to cracking and coolant leaks. 
• Spark Plug Issues: Some earlier 2-valve engines are susceptible to spark plug thread failure, though this is often repairable. 
• Timing Chain: As an interference engine, a broken or slipped timing chain can cause catastrophic failure. This is usually preceded by rattling noises, giving owners a chance to replace the chain before failure. 
• Underpowered: It's not considered a powerhouse and can feel underpowered, especially compared to modern engines. 
• 3-Valve (3V) Models: The later 3-valve versions, which introduced cam phasers and variable valve timing, are considered less bulletproof and have had their own issues, notes YouTube. 

This video explains the common problems of the 4.6L V8 engine: 50s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Dec 6, 2022
Conclusion:
If you're considering a 4.6L V8, a 2-valve engine is often the better choice for a workhorse. Be aware of potential issues like the plastic intake manifold on certain model years and address them proactively. Overall, the 4.6L V8 is a solid, dependable engine for those seeking V8 power on a budget, especially if you are willing to do the necessary maintenance.

Is the Ford 3.9 V8 a good engine?

The Ford 3.9 V8 is not widely considered a "good" engine due to a mix of performance limitations and reliability issues, particularly with the Jaguar AJ-V8-derived version used in cars like the 2002 Thunderbird. While some variants have a good reputation, the specific versions used in mass-market Ford and Lincoln vehicles received mixed reviews for being underpowered compared to their potential and for suffering from significant problems, especially in later models. 
You can watch this video to learn why the Ford Thunderbird with the 3.9L V8 engine is considered a retro failure: 55sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Sep 5, 2019
Performance and power

• Underpowered: The 3.9L V8, used in the 2002-2003 Thunderbird, produced around 250-280 horsepower, which was considered disappointing for a V8 engine at the time. 
• Limited potential: While it can be made to produce more power, some experts note that its potential for higher-performance applications is limited compared to other engines, according to Forza Wiki. 

Reliability

• Reliability concerns: The engine, particularly the Jaguar AJ-V8 version, had a reputation for poor quality and significant reliability issues. 
• Major problems: Specific issues included head gasket problems, which Ford allegedly improved in later models, and a tendency to fail, notes Reddit users. 
• V6 comparison: Some even argue that Ford's 3.8L V6 was a more reliable engine than the 3.9L V8. 

Overall

• Verdict: The Ford 3.9 V8 is generally not considered a good engine due to its lack of power and poor reliability. 
• Alternatives: It's advisable to consider other engines with a better reputation for performance and reliability, such as the 5.0L Coyote V8. 

Is there a V8 Ford Taurus?

Yes, the Ford Taurus SHO was available with a V8 engine from 1996 to 1999. This 3.4-liter V8 was an exclusive feature for the high-performance SHO model and was designed in conjunction with Yamaha. It replaced the V6 engine used in earlier generations.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO review, which features the V8 engine: 54sShooting CarsYouTube · Dec 16, 2022

• Engine specifications: The 3.4L V8 engine produced about 235 horsepower and was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. 
• Engine design: The engine was developed by Ford and Yamaha, with Yamaha handling the cylinder heads and valvetrain, and Ford manufacturing the aluminum block in Canada using a Cosworth process. 
• Engine issues: This generation of the SHO had a reputation for potential engine problems due to a known issue with the camshafts, which could fail around 50,000 miles. 
• Discontinuation: The V8 model was the only generation of the Taurus to offer a V8. Sales were lower than previous models, and the SHO was discontinued after the 1999 model year. 

How much horsepower does a Ford Taurus 3.5 L V6 have?

288 hp
Police Interceptor Sedan

Engine	Displacement	Power
3.5 L V6	213 CID	288 hp (215 kW)
3.5 L V6	213 CID	288 hp (215 kW)
3.5 L EcoBoost V6	213 CID	365 hp (272 kW)
3.7 L V6	227 CID	305 hp (227 kW)