Description
After just four years on the market, Ford sent the Taurus' third generation into retirement, and its full-oval-shaped wagon version received a new generation.
Ford introduced the fourth generation of the Taurus in late 1999 as a 2000 model-year and claimed that it was more than just a regular facelift. Its design was different. The oval-shaped third-generation looked like someone stole all the rulers and straight edges from Ford's design department.
The new headlights swept-back to the front fenders were the most noticeable difference when compared with the round headlamps from its predecessor, but the elliptic grille shape was similar. At the back, Ford's designers couldn't resist the temptation to leave the same design as on its predecessor but enhanced here and there to deserve their payroll. The main difference between the third and the fourth generation was that there was no big Ford badge on the right lower corner of the tailgate on the latter model.
Inside, the fourth-gen Taurus featured a dashboard with a less controversial look, with the instrument cluster's upper side extended over the center console. A trapezoidal-shaped audio system replaced the previous one, which looked like an egg. It offered plenty of room for five adult passengers and a trunk to match the station wagon status. With all seats in place, the Taurus Wagon provided 38.8 cu-ft (1,100 liters), while with the rear seats folded, it reached up to 81.3 cu-ft (2,300 liters). The carmaker also added a third row of seats in the trunk area, which was only suitable for children.
For the engine compartment, Ford installed a choice of two V6 engines with a similar displacement, with power up to 201 hp. All versions were mated to a standard 4-speed auto, with a floor-mounted shifter.
