Why was the Taurus SHO discontinued?

Ford discontinued the Taurus SHO after the 2019 model year as part of a broader shift away from passenger cars toward SUVs and trucks, citing flat sales and the higher costs of maintaining a niche performance variant. The last Taurus SHO rolled off the line in 2019, marking the end of the modern SHO era.

Background: What was the Taurus SHO?

The Taurus SHO was Ford’s high-performance variant of the full-size Taurus sedan. Reintroduced in the modern era around 2010, it paired a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension to offer a more powerful, driver-focused version of the familiar family sedan. Over its tenure, the SHO received styling and tech updates but remained a niche option within Ford’s lineup, competing with other large sedans that appealed to enthusiasts and practicality buyers alike.

Why was it discontinued?

Ford cited several factors that made continuing the Taurus SHO impractical in the late 2010s. The following list highlights the core reasons behind the decision.

• Shifting consumer demand toward SUVs and crossovers, reducing demand for large sedans like the Taurus.


• Higher development, production, and maintenance costs for a niche performance variant with relatively low sales volumes.


• Corporate strategy to focus on profitable, high-demand vehicles (trucks and SUVs) rather than car-based sedans.


• Regulatory and fuel-economy pressures that favored lighter, more efficient vehicles, making a high-performance V6 sedan less appealing in the market.


• Broader product portfolio decisions within Ford’s lineup, including winding down other traditional sedans to streamline manufacturing and inventory.

In this context, the Taurus SHO’s discontinuation reflected a broader business decision: Ford redirected resources toward segments with stronger demand and profitability, while the SHO’s niche appeal and the sedan’s declining market share made it hard to justify ongoing investment.

Context and timeline

For readers seeking a chronological view, here’s a concise timeline describing the SHO’s lifecycle in the modern era.

1. 2009: Ford signals a revival of the Taurus nameplate and introduces the SHO as a performance variant for the modern era.


2. 2010s: The SHO undergoes styling and technology updates, maintaining its position as Ford’s flagship performance sedan within the Taurus lineup.


3. 2019: Ford ends Taurus production, effectively discontinuing the Taurus SHO as part of its strategic shift away from sedan-based models.

These milestones illustrate how the SHO aligned with Ford’s broader push to prioritize high-demand vehicle segments while adapting to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments.

What happened after?

With the Taurus discontinued, Ford emphasized the Mustang for performance branding in the passenger-car space and prioritized SUVs and trucks for the mainstream lineup. The shift mirrors a wider industry trend toward versatile, high-margin vehicles rather than large sedans with niche appeal.

Summary

The Taurus SHO was discontinued because Ford restructured its lineup to focus on profitable, high-demand vehicles—especially SUVs and trucks—while consumer tastes and regulatory pressures reduced the appeal of large, performance-oriented sedans. The SHO represented a niche that could no longer justify its cost and complexity in Ford’s evolving strategy.

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. 

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 Ford bringing back the Taurus SHO?

Ford Brings Back the Taurus SHO with Powerful Coyote Engine and RWD.

Why did Ford stop making the SHO?

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.