What does SHO mean on a Taurus?
The SHO badge on a Ford Taurus stands for Super High Output, a label Ford used to denote a higher-performance version of the Taurus. The name originated with the original Taurus SHO and has appeared on later generations, signaling enhanced power and handling compared with standard Taurus models.
The meaning and origins of SHO
SHO is an acronym for Super High Output. It was created by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in collaboration with Yamaha to deliver a performance-oriented version of the Taurus. The badge signaled that the car carried more power and sport tuning than the base Taurus, along with distinctive styling and interior touches.
Early years and collaboration
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the original Taurus SHO featured engineering help from Yamaha, pairing a higher-output engine with performance-focused suspension and handling tweaks. The goal was to offer a practical sedan with sports-car-like performance for buyers who wanted both comfort and speed.
Evolution through the 1990s
During the mid-to-late 1990s, the SHO line evolved with more powerful powertrains while maintaining the performance-oriented character that defined the badge. The exact engines and configurations varied by model year, but the core idea—higher output and sharper handling—remained constant.
Modern SHO and what it signified for performance
Ford revived the Taurus SHO for a modern era with the 2013–2019 model years, using a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 (3.5-liter) and all-wheel drive in many configurations. This incarnation continued the SHO tradition by emphasizing stronger acceleration, updated chassis dynamics, and sportier styling, while still serving as a practical family sedan.
Key characteristics across generations
Across its various iterations, the SHO badge typically indicated a higher-output engine, upgraded suspension and brakes, sport-tuned chassis, and unique interior/exterior touches that set it apart from standard Taurus models. The specifics—engine type, horsepower, and drivetrain—varied by generation, but the badge reliably signaled a performance-oriented trim.
Current status and historical significance
Ford discontinued the Taurus lineup after the 2019 model year in the United States, which means no new SHO Taurus models have been produced since then. The SHO badge remains a historical marker for Ford’s performance-minded Taurus variants and is of interest to enthusiasts and collectors rather than new-car buyers today.
Takeaway
In essence, SHO on a Taurus means Super High Output—a designation Ford used to denote a higher-performance variant of the Taurus, with substantial engineering changes across generations. While the specifics changed over time, the badge consistently signified a performance-oriented version of the family sedan.
Summary
SHO stands for Super High Output. It began with the original Taurus SHO in the late 1980s, evolved through the 1990s, and resurfaced in the 2013–2019 revival with modern turbocharged power. The badge communicates a performance-focused variant rather than a separate model, though Ford’s Taurus line has since been discontinued. The SHO’s legacy endures among enthusiasts as Ford’s emblem of a higher-performance Taurus.
What's so special about the Ford Taurus SHO?
And 350 foot-lbs of torque that kicks in down low at 1500 RPM. And stays with you almost all the way to red line at 5200. RPM that's not just respectable. And that's spicy.
What does the SHO stand for?
"SHO" can stand for Station House Officer, a police rank, or Senior House Officer, a junior doctor position in the UK and Ireland. It also stands for Seattle Homeless Outreach, a volunteer organization, and Regulation SHO, a set of rules for short selling securities in the United States. The meaning depends heavily on the context.
- Station House Officer: The head of a police station who is responsible for maintaining law and order in that locality. The SHO's rank is often above a Sub-Inspector and below a Deputy Police Superintendent.
- Senior House Officer: A medical doctor in training who has completed their internship year and is working as a junior doctor, typically for 2–4 years.
- Seattle Homeless Outreach (SHO): An organization that provides humanitarian and outreach services, including food, clothing, and supplies, to people experiencing homelessness in the Seattle area.
- Regulation SHO: A set of rules established by the SEC to regulate short selling of securities, requiring brokers to have a reasonable belief that the stock can be borrowed before selling it short.
- Other meanings:
- A pronunciation spelling of "sure" or "so" in certain dialects.
- An acronym for "super-high-output" (e.g., Ford Taurus SHO).
- A monetary unit of Tibet that is no longer in use.
- A symbol in the Bactrian language.
What does Ford Taurus SHO stand for?
Super High Output
The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) is the high-performance variant of the Ford Taurus.
How much is a Taurus SHO worth?
A 2019 Ford Taurus SHO Sedan 4D has depreciated $8,827 or 29% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $20,837 and trade-in value of $19,133.
