The Ford Taurus SHO is a bit of an oddball, if we’re completely honest. It’s an American answer to the European sports-sedans of yesteryear, without any of the rear-wheel drive, effortless luxury, or prestigious pedigree typically found therein.
Nonetheless, since its introduction in 1989, the Ford Taurus SHO has been an undeniably appealing – if highly improbable – prospect. Its Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter DOHC V6 was a delightfully plucky engine in its day, churning out some 220 peak horsepower and revving up all the way to a 7,000 RPM redline. The first-generation Ford Taurus SHO shipped exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, too, favoring performance and driving fun over common usability.
By 1993, the second-generation had arrived and gotten settled, and the Ford Taurus SHO gained an optional 4-speed automatic. It’s this car that we’re shown in the MotorWeek “Retro Review” episode above, although the automatic transmission option is far from the only thing gained since 1989. The base Ford Taurus had been restyled as part of its 1992 generational-update, but the SHO took those changes a step further, adding a more aggressive front fascia, and a spoiler integrated into the rear deck lid. Finally, the car had gained some of the vestiges of a performance sedan, along with the self-shifting transmission American consumers demanded.
All told, this was just enough to cement this unlikely sports-sedan’s place in the annals of enthusiast car history.
For the full 1993 Ford Taurus SHO rundown, be sure to watch the MotorWeek Retro Review above.
No Comments yet