The Taurus SHO is the high-operation variant of Ford'due south mass-market Taurus sedan. It'due south got a long history; indeed, almost as long equally the model it'due south based on. Information technology features a host of upgrades on the base model that make it a fun sports sedan, in a difference from the run-of-the-mill base model.

You might not recognize information technology if you meet one on the street, merely information technology'due south a powerful motorcar that tin can perform. Ford discontinued the model when information technology canceled the Taurus in 2019, just later on models can offer a good bargain on a relatively new functioning sedan on the used market.

10 There Are Four Generations

taurus sho 1989
via BaT

Though the modern version might be better-known today, the SHO trim debuted on the Taurus in 1989, three years after the Taurus itself debuted. This first generation model could hit 143 mph, with 220 horsepower on tap from a V6. The second generation continued in 1992 the run with a redesign of the Taurus itself, with the same engine.

Taurus SHO 2017
via Ford

Once once more, the SHO trim continued through a Taurus redesign for the third generation in 1996, this time with an engine change. When the Taurus was once again redesigned for the 2000 model year, Ford cut the performance trim, which had been selling poorly. However, the company resurrected it for the final generation in 2010.

9 Some Sport A V8

taurus sho 1996
via Mecum

The engine change in the tertiary generation was a headline: finally, the Taurus SHO featured a V8. Even so, the setup was underwhelming. Power remained similar, with 234 horsepower on tap, and the engine came with some rare, just expensive, bug.

Beyond that, the fun gene simply didn't extend beyond the brochure. The engine wasn't particularly well-developed, peculiarly compared to previous models, and it was only bachelor with an automatic transmission that tended to bog down the experience.

viii Yamaha Developed The Engines

taurus sho v6
via BaT

The V8 just didn't live up to the fantabulous reputation of the engines in the previous generations. These were developed by Yamaha. This engine was well-fabricated, and Yamaha bikes were legendary for their reliability, something that continued in the cars.

taurus sho v6 1989
via BaT

That engine is where the SHO name comes from, too. Information technology stands for 'Super Loftier Output,' according to Motortrend, which was Ford'southward designation for the engine.

seven Reliability Meets Performance

taurus sho chassis
via BaT

Still, despite a few issues with the V8, the Taurus SHO was praised for its reliability. Compared to rivals, the Taurus SHO was more reliable and easier to maintain with its parts-bin Ford supply.

taurus sho exhaust
via BaT

And information technology wasn't boring. It outpaced the BMW E30 M3 by a gene of about 30 horsepower, reports Driving Line, making it genuinely quick for its day, period.

6 It By and large Had A Manual

taurus sho manual
via BaT

When the automatic option was added to the car for its second generation, Ford marketed information technology as a positive, making the machine more approachable to everyday drivers. As the auto has go a sought-after classic, and a modern functioning sedan, many buyers want the fun of a manual.

taurus sho interior 1989
via BaT

That transmission was largely available. The first generation was only available with one, and most 2d generation cars were sold as manual, every bit per Motortrend. However, the third generation only featured a sluggish automatic, and sales were downwards. The modern generation offered the all-time of both worlds, with a selectable manual fashion using either the stick or paddles.

5 Handling Was Optimized

taurus sho 2010
via Ford

Ford didn't just stick a big engine in and call information technology a day, though, at whatever stage. The company ever stiffened upward the chassis and added independent interruption, coupled with sports seats within for an engaging ride.

taurus sho wheel
via BaT

In 1996, the company fitted an electronic system to control the ride. This Semi-Active Ride Controller Arrangement could determine how stiff the body should be at the time: advanced for its day, and particularly considering information technology was in a Taurus. Mercedes didn't fit a similar system until years later. The final version expanded that active body control farther.

4 It'due south The Ultimate Sleeper

taurus sho 2013
via Ford

The big appeal with the SHO was merely how much information technology looked like a standard Taurus, at least until it accelerated abroad. To that extent, Ford fabricated minimal changes to the car, though it is always possible to tell the performance version apart if you're looking for information technology.

taurus sho rear quarter
via BaT

Originally, Ford added unique wheels, trim, and bumpers to differentiate the powerful cars. From 1996 onward, though, SHO cars were virtually indistinguishable, says Motortrend, minus the badge from the outside, looking like a high-specced standard Taurus.

3 Inside Is A Nice Place To Spend Time

Taurus SHO 1995 interior
via BaT

The interior was never actually the focus on the SHO. It's ultimately the standard interior from the Taurus, with a few performance touches. All generations added in sports seats and a sportier steering wheel, which was upgraded to Alcantara for the final generation.

Taurus SHO interior 2018
via Ford

Withal, the inside of a Tuaurus was still a nice place to exist. Mac Haik Ford noted the "high quality of materials" to ensure "the near comfy ride possible," which was ever the goal of the cruiser Taurus.

two Information technology's Niche Enough To Exist Rare

taurus sho 1989 front quarter
via BaT

Part of what appeals to enthusiasts is rarity, and the Taurus has enough of that while withal being available at a good cost. Enough of examples were sold: in three years, the first generation managed 15,000 sales. Withal, few are left in good condition.

taurus sho rear
via BaT

The cars pictured hither from Bring A Trailer, all in good condition, sold for no more than $12,000, and practiced examples tin can be constitute for considerably cheaper. Information technology's a car that'southward deservedly beloved, merely just by a minor group of fans. Information technology does make it a great deal for yous, though.

i It'southward The Police force Motorcar To Supersede The Crown Victoria

nypd taurus
via Wikimedia Commons

Following the discontinuation of the Crown Victoria, and thus the removal of its police spec, Ford replaced its bestselling police car with the Taurus. It offered a version of the standard machine in front and rear drive, merely the focus was on the SHO-derived all-wheel-drive version.

dc police taurus
via Wikimedia Commons

Chosen the Police Interceptor, not Taurus, information technology was the fastest police force car in America, according to Business organization Insider, with a recorded top speed of 150 mph and able to sprint to lx mph in just 5.7 seconds, faster than the competitive Dodge Charger.

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