The Ford Taurus III Station Wagon, produced between 1995 and 1999, represented a significant iteration of Ford’s full-size family car. Part of the third generation of the Taurus, this station wagon (estate) body style offered a practical alternative to the sedan, catering to families and those requiring substantial cargo space. While the Taurus nameplate was primarily a North American offering, the third generation saw continued refinement and a focus on providing a comfortable and reliable vehicle within the competitive mid-size segment. The 3.0 V6 24V variant, equipped with an automatic transmission, was a popular choice, balancing performance with fuel efficiency.
Ford Taurus III Station Wagon: An Overview
The Taurus III, including the station wagon variant, was designed to address criticisms of the second-generation model, focusing on improved build quality, a more contemporary interior, and enhanced safety features. The station wagon specifically aimed to capture a segment of the market that valued versatility and space. Though not a high-performance vehicle, the 3.0L V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The Taurus competed with other domestic station wagons like those from Chevrolet and Chrysler, as well as imports from Japan and Europe.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 1995-1999 Ford Taurus III Station Wagon 3.0 V6 24V was the Duratec 30 engine, a 3.0-liter (2967 cm3 or 181.06 cu. in.) V6. This naturally aspirated engine produced 203 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 271 Nm (199.88 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively smooth operation and respectable power output for its time. Power delivery was managed through a 4-speed automatic transmission, directing power to the front wheels. The Taurus III Station Wagon achieved a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 7.9 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 5.9 kg/Nm indicated a reasonable balance between weight and performance. The engine’s 10:1 compression ratio and multi-port fuel injection system further optimized efficiency and power.
Design & Features
The Ford Taurus III Station Wagon maintained the aerodynamic styling cues of the third-generation Taurus, with a focus on a rounded, contemporary appearance. The station wagon body style extended the roofline to the rear, maximizing cargo capacity. Inside, the Taurus III offered seating for five passengers and a spacious interior designed for comfort. Key features included hydraulic power steering, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety, and a comfortable ride quality. The large trunk space, with a maximum capacity of 2302 liters (81.29 cu. ft.), was a major selling point for the station wagon variant. While not laden with cutting-edge technology by today’s standards, the Taurus III offered a solid package of features expected in a family vehicle of its era, prioritizing practicality and reliability. The front and rear suspension utilized a wishbone design, contributing to a stable and controlled driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Taurus |
| Generation | Taurus III Station Wagon |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 24V (203 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 year |
| End of production | 1999 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 203 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 271 Nm @ 4500 rpm (199.88 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Duratec 30 |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1602 kg (3531.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2302 l (81.29 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 5070 mm (199.61 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Height | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2756 mm (108.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1564 mm (61.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | 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 | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Ford Taurus III Station Wagon, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, served as a reliable and practical family transport option during its production run. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle capable of handling both daily commutes and family road trips.
