When did Ford stop making the SHO?
The SHO badge last appeared on a Ford sedan for the 2019 model year, and Ford has not revived the name since the Taurus was discontinued. In short, the SHO effectively ended with the 2019 lineup.
The SHO (Super High Output) designation has a longer history at Ford, spanning two distinct eras. The original Taurus SHO ran from 1989 to 1999, while a modern revival appeared from 2010 to 2019. Each period marked Ford’s attempt to blend performance with a family sedan, before the company shifted its focus away from traditional sedans toward SUVs and performance variants of other models.
A brief history of the SHO badge
Before listing the two main periods, it helps to establish the scope of Ford’s SHO experiments and their production years.
Here are the two distinct periods when Ford used the Taurus SHO badge:
- Original Taurus SHO (1989–1999): The first-generation SHO was a high-performance variant of the Taurus, notable for a Yamaha-designed V6 engine and a sport-tuned suspension.
- Second-generation Taurus SHO (2010–2019): The modern SHO returned with a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 in the 2010 model year, delivering substantial power and all-wheel-drive options before the model line ended in 2019.
Together, these two eras define the SHO’s production timeline up to the moment Ford discontinued the Taurus lineup, leaving no new SHO models since 2019.
End of SHO production and current status
The decision to discontinue the Taurus in 2019 also marked the end of the SHO badge for the foreseeable future. Ford has since redirected its sedan-focused resources toward other vehicles and performance offerings, including Mustang variants and a broader shift toward SUVs and trucks.
Key takeaways
While the SHO lineage ended with the 2019 Taurus, the badge remains a remembered chapter in Ford’s performance history. Enthusiasts often point to the original early-1990s SHO and the 2010s revival as the two defining chapters of the nameplate.
Summary
Ford stopped making the SHO after the 2019 model year, when it discontinued the Taurus line. There were two distinct SHO eras—1989–1999 (original) and 2010–2019 (revival)—and no new SHOs have been produced since. The badge now stands as a symbol of Ford’s past attempts to blend family sedan practicality with high-performance engineering.
Why was the Taurus SHO discontinued?
This SHO model sold in lower numbers than the previous SHO generations, with sales peaking at 9,000 units in 1997. As a result, Ford cut the SHO when redesigning the Taurus for its fourth generation. It was also the only Ford Taurus generation with a V8 Engine.
What was the last year of the Ford SHO?
Four generations of the high-performance version (named the Ford Taurus SHO) were also manufactured from 1988-1999 and 2009-2019.
Did the Taurus Sho ever have a V8?
Yes, the Taurus SHO had a V8 engine for its third generation, from 1996 to 1999. This unique 3.4-liter, 32-valve V8 was jointly developed by Ford and Yamaha and produced 235 horsepower.
- Engine details: The V8 was a naturally aspirated, 60-degree, 3.4-liter (3,392 cc) engine.
- Performance: It produced 235 hp at 6100 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm.
- Drivetrain: This front-wheel-drive sedan was equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
- Unique feature: This was a rare instance of a V8 engine being put in a front-wheel-drive family sedan.
What years of Ford Taurus SHO to avoid?
Years to be wary of include the 2015 and 2016 models due to significant transmission failures, and the early 3.5L EcoBoost years (2010-2013) which had some cam chain issues. Also, the 1996-1999 V8 models had a specific set of reliability concerns that could be expensive to repair.
2015 and 2016
- Transmission Failure: These model years are known for internal transmission failures, which can result in the loss of gears (such as reverse, third, or fifth gear).
- Repair: The only solutions are a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
This video discusses the common problems found in the 2015 and 2016 Ford Taurus, including transmission issues: 39s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Oct 29, 2025
2010-2013
- Cam Chain Issues: The early versions of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine in these model years had issues with the cam chain.
- Engine Design: While later versions of the engine were more solid, this early version had some problems.
1996-1999
- V8 Engine Reliability: The V8 engine introduced in these years had specific reliability issues that could lead to expensive repairs.
- Expensive Parts: One owner noted that the Ford parts for this model year gave them significant trouble and that repairs were costly.
- Rod Bearing Failure: Some owners reported spun rod bearings, a costly and serious engine problem.
