The Ford Taurus I Station Wagon, produced between 1987 and 1991, represented Ford’s entry into the increasingly popular mid-size station wagon segment. As part of the first generation Taurus lineup, it aimed to modernize Ford’s offerings and compete with established rivals like the Chevrolet Celebrity Wagon and the Dodge Aries Wagon. The Taurus I Station Wagon, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, offered a practical and spacious alternative for families seeking a comfortable and reliable vehicle. It was a key model in Ford’s strategy to revitalize its passenger car lineup and move away from the boxy designs of the past.
Ford Taurus I Station Wagon: An Overview
The Taurus I Station Wagon was a significant departure from previous Ford wagons, embracing a more aerodynamic and contemporary design. It was built on Ford’s FN10 platform, which also underpinned the Taurus sedan and Mercury Sable. The station wagon body style provided increased cargo capacity, making it a popular choice for families and those needing to transport larger items. While not a high-performance vehicle, the Taurus I Station Wagon prioritized comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency for its time.
Engine & Performance
The primary engine offered in the Ford Taurus I Station Wagon was a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 142 horsepower at 3800 rpm and 292 Nm (215.37 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2200 rpm. This engine, equipped with multi-port fuel injection and naturally aspirated, provided adequate power for everyday driving. The engine’s transverse front-wheel-drive layout contributed to improved space efficiency within the cabin. Power was delivered through a 4-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle achieved a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The weight-to-power ratio was 10.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 5.1 kg/Nm. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l).
Design & Features
The Ford Taurus I Station Wagon featured a sleek, aerodynamic design for the late 1980s, a significant shift from the more angular designs of previous Ford wagons. The five-door body style offered easy access to the spacious cargo area. The interior was designed with comfort in mind, offering seating for five passengers. Standard features included a basic audio system, cloth upholstery, and power steering. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock braking system (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on American vehicles. The station wagon’s rear suspension utilized a double wishbone design, contributing to a relatively comfortable ride. The vehicle’s dimensions were 4874 mm (191.89 in.) in length, 1793 mm (70.59 in.) in width, and 1400 mm (55.12 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2692 mm (105.98 in.). Trunk space ranged from a minimum of 481 liters (16.99 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 2290 liters (80.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Taurus |
| Generation | Taurus I Station Wagon |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 V6 (142 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 22 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 26.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.3 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 142 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 37.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 292 Nm @ 2200 rpm (215.37 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 3797 cm3 (231.71 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96.8 mm (3.81 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 481 l (16.99 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2290 l (80.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4874 mm (191.89 in.) |
| Width | 1793 mm (70.59 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2692 mm (105.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1562 mm (61.5 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.13 m (39.8 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Ford Taurus I Station Wagon, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a crucial role in Ford’s efforts to modernize its product line and offer a competitive option in the mid-size family vehicle market. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and reasonable fuel economy made it a popular choice for many American families during its production run.
