What was the last model year for the Ford Taurus?
The last model year for the Ford Taurus in the United States was 2019. Ford discontinued the Taurus in North America after that model year as sales declined and the company shifted its focus toward SUVs and crossovers.
Context: how the Taurus evolved over time
The Ford Taurus entered the market in the mid-1980s and became a staple of American driving for decades, known for its spacious interior and modern design language. Over its many generations, the Taurus grew and adapted, transitioning from a boxier, family-oriented sedan to a more refined, front-wheel-drive platform before market trends and consumer preferences gradually narrowed the field in Ford’s lineup.
Why the model year ended
As consumer demand moved away from traditional sedans toward SUVs and trucks, Ford reassessed its car lineup in North America. The Taurus—once a flagship family sedan—saw dwindling sales, leading to its discontinuation after the 2019 model year. Production and dealer allocations ceased as the company focused on more profitable segments.
Global markets and the Taurus badge
Outside North America, the Taurus badge has appeared on different Ford models in various regional lineups. Those regional Taurus offerings are distinct from the North American Taurus and reflect Ford’s regional product strategies rather than a single, global Taurus platform.
What buyers should know if considering a Taurus today
For prospective buyers looking at a used Taurus, the model years from the 2010s offer broad interior space and a comfortable ride, though fuel economy and technology may not match newer sedans. As with any used vehicle, a thorough history and condition check are essential, particularly for aging components and electronics in older generations.
Summary
The Ford Taurus’ North American run concluded with the 2019 model year, marking the end of an era for Ford’s traditional sedan lineup in the U.S. While the Taurus badge has appeared in other regions on different models, the US market no longer offers a Taurus, as Ford has pivoted to SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.
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 Taurus?
Ford discontinued the Taurus primarily due to declining consumer demand for sedans in North America and a company-wide strategic shift to focus on more profitable trucks and SUVs. Factors like a polarizing 1990s redesign, declining sales compared to rivals like the Camry and Accord, and the high cost of developing new sedan models in an evolving market also contributed to its downfall. The final U.S. Taurus was built in March 2019.
Key reasons for discontinuation
- Shifting consumer demand: The automotive market saw a major shift away from sedans and towards SUVs and trucks, which consumers increasingly preferred for their versatility and space.
- Strategic business decision: Ford made a strategic decision to cut costs and increase profits by phasing out sedans to focus resources on its more popular and profitable truck and SUV lineup.
- Declining sales and market share: While initially a best-seller, the Taurus's sales and market share declined significantly over the years, especially when compared to Japanese competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which continued to be updated and improved.
- Controversial redesigns: A radical and polarizing redesign in the mid-1990s alienated many loyal customers and is often cited as a key factor in the beginning of the Taurus's sales slump.
- Focus on future growth: The company decided not to invest in future generations of the Taurus for the North American market, instead channeling its efforts into popular vehicles and future technologies like electric and hybrid vehicles.
Is there going to be a 2025 Ford Taurus?
The all-new 2025 Ford Taurus brings bold design, smart technology, and efficient performance together in one refined drive.
What replaced the Taurus?
The Ford Five Hundred was the initial replacement for the Taurus after its first discontinuation in 2007. However, Ford later rebranded the Five Hundred as the Taurus in 2008, as it was considered a mistake to remove the popular nameplate. The Taurus was then discontinued a final time in 2019, with SUVs like the Explorer replacing it in the lineup.
This video explains how the Taurus went from being Ford's bestseller to a forgotten icon: 1mMy Old CarYouTube · Nov 27, 2021
- Initial replacement: The Taurus was first replaced by the Ford Five Hundred in 2007.
- Reintroduction of the name: The Five Hundred was quickly renamed the Taurus in 2008 when Ford CEO Alan Mulally decided the Taurus name was still valuable.
- Final discontinuation: The Taurus was again discontinued in 2019, with Ford shifting focus to SUVs and trucks. The Explorer was a key vehicle that took its place in the lineup.
You can watch this video to learn about the Ford Taurus X Eddie Bauer, a vehicle that was part of the Taurus's lineage: 32sShooting CarsYouTube · May 23, 2022
