The Ford Taurus is a roomy, all-American sedan, offering a smooth, quiet ride. The Taurus SHO (Super High Output) is the high-performance variant of this model. SHO means Super High Output in Ford language. Let's delve into what you need to know before buying a Ford Taurus SHO.
The Ford Taurus is a bit old. Nearly every vehicle in its lineup is among the best in its class, offering great turbocharged engine options, nice refined interiors, and clean European-esque styling.
A 2013 Ford Taurus SHO
A Brief History of the Ford Taurus SHO
The past three generations of Ford's now-discontinued bread-and-butter mid-to-full-size sedan have been anything but cool, so it's easy to forget that when the Taurus launched in the 1986 model year, the smooth, form-fitting design proved both revolutionary and extremely popular, eventually moving over one million units in just three years.
Riding this success, Ford saw opportunity to position a performance variant of the Taurus at the top of model hierarchy, and subsequently cut a deal with Yamaha to develop an upgraded version of its staid Vulcan V-6 for the new performance Taurus called the Super High Output-or SHO. The resulting 3.0-liter V-6 was impressively stout and advanced for the era, with an iron block and aluminum heads, 24 valves, dual overhead cams, and a fascinating variable-length intake manifold that looks like a cluster of loosely organized snakes sitting atop the engine.
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Power was contemporaneously strong, with 220 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque on tap through a Mazda-designed five-speed manual transmission. During testing, the engine proved capable and durable enough for an 8,000 rpm redline, but driveline accessories reportedly couldn't handle this extra engine speed, so the redline was capped at 7,000 rpm.
To help the Taurus' working-class chassis keep up with this exotic speed, firmer dampers, stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars and harder bushings were fitted to the existing fully independent suspension, along with bespoke mesh wheels and slightly grippier tires.
Its pricey $20,000 tag and manual transmission kept it from being a sales superstar like the rest of the Taurus lineup, but the more than 15,000 sold between 1989 and 1991 convinced Ford a second-gen SHO was worth the effort.
Ford Taurus SHO Generations
First Generation (1989-1991)
The original SHO featured a Yamaha-designed 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 220 horsepower. It came exclusively with a Mazda-designed five-speed manual transmission.
First Generation Ford Taurus SHO
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Second Generation (1992-1995)
The second generation continued with the same 3.0-liter V6. Starting in 1993, a four-speed automatic transmission became available, paired with a larger 3.2-liter version of the Yamaha engine producing the same 220 hp but with increased torque (215 lb-ft).
Third Generation (1996-1999)
This generation marked a significant departure, replacing the V6 with a 3.4-liter V8 co-developed by Ford and Yamaha. The V8 produced 234 hp and was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
First, be aware that the V-8 had a tendency to blow up because of bad cams. I feel as if there’s untapped potential in that V-8.
But they still had Yamaha massage it, so the engine was built in Ontario, shipped to Japan for modification, and then shipped to Atlanta for installation into the car.
That V-8 was good for 235 horsepower, and bolted only to a four-speed automatic. Lots of tech in this motor too, and it still revved to 7,000 RPM. Did you know it even had an early adaptive suspension?
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Just 3,368 were sold in 1999, the car’s final year.
Tan leather inside. The driver’s seat looks like it got into a fight with a Saint Bernard. Original MSRP in 1996: $33,000.
Here's a quick comparison of the engine specs for the first three generations of the Taurus SHO:
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| Generation | Years | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1989-1991 | 3.0L V6 (Yamaha) | 220 hp | 200 lb-ft | 5-speed manual |
| 2nd | 1992-1995 | 3.0L V6 (Yamaha) / 3.2L V6 (Yamaha) | 220 hp | 200 lb-ft / 215 lb-ft | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic |
| 3rd | 1996-1999 | 3.4L V8 (Ford/Yamaha) | 235 hp | 230 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic |
Sixth Generation (2010-2019)
The SHO nameplate was resurrected on the sixth-generation Taurus. It featured a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Sixth Generation Ford Taurus SHO
Ford Taurus (Non-SHO) Generations
Fifth Generation (2008-2009)
Before 2008, the car that became the fifth-generation Taurus was sold separately as the Five Hundred. These models feature a 3.5-liter V6 that’s good for 263 horsepower. Compared to the previous generation, a six-speed automatic transmission improves fuel economy. Three trim levels were available: the base SE, mid-grade SEL, and Limited.
Fourth Generation (2000-2007)
Early in the 21st century, Ford redesigned the Taurus, giving it an increasingly attractive exterior style. Two V6 engines were available, one that generates 155 horsepower and the other 200 horses.
Sixth-Generation (2010-2019) Taurus Trim Levels
The sixth-generation used Ford Taurus models are divided into four main trim levels: the base SE, mid-level SEL, upscale Limited, and sporty SHO. Most will feature the base engine, a 3.5-liter V6 that’s good for 288 horsepower. You might also find this generation’s optional engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that balances speed and fuel economy.
Each of these used Taurus sedans is handsomely equipped with power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a six-speaker sound system. They compliment modern drivers with an impressive range of standard equipment, including power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auxiliary audio jack.
- SE: Base model. Starts at $27,055. Notable standard features: 6-speed automatic transmission, 3.5-liter V6 engine, front-wheel drive, cloth seats, power seats, SYNC with MyFord in-car communication system, air conditioning, power windows, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, power adjustable cloth front seats, keyless entry keypad, torque vectoring control, 17" aluminum wheels, front and side airbags.
- SEL: Starts at $29,485. Notable standard features over SE: Satellite radio, reverse sensing, dual zone climate control, perimeter alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, unique cloth bucket seats, 18" aluminum wheels, power folding mirrors.
- Limited: Starts at $34,405. Notable standard features over SEL: 19" wheels, push-button start, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting, woodgrain interior trim, memory for driver's seat, mirrors and pedals, 8" LCD touchscreen with SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car communication system, perforated leather seats, reverse sensing system.
- SHO: Starts at $40,220. Notable standard features over Limited: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, all-wheel drive, sport tuned suspension, 20" wheels, unique exhaust tips, unique exterior trim, paddle shifters, HID headlamps, perforated leather heated seats with SHO trim, unique pedals, wood/leather wrapped steering wheel.
All other Taurus trims are a bit on the bland side, but the SHO, with its sport-tuned suspension, smoked headlights, all-wheel drive, and potent 365 hp V6 takes our money. The high-performance Taurus SHO model gets its own exclusive powertrain, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 rated for 365 horses.
All Tauruses come with a multi-link rear suspension, MacPherson struts up front, and electric power steering. All-wheel drive was optional, so you just may be able to find this sporty performance gear in a used model.
Things to Check When Buying a Used Taurus SHO
If you do decide to purchase a fourth-generation used Ford Taurus, make sure to perform a thorough check for rust and other issues.
When you’re shopping for a great deal on a roomy, all-American sedan, the used Ford Taurus is a standout option.
Here are some things to look for to ensure peace of mind when buying a used Taurus SHO:
- General Condition: Check the engine bay to make sure it isn't filthy, and look around for obvious signs of fluids leaking.
- Functionality: Check tire wear, seat wear, and that all accessories work. If it has the rear sunshade, make sure that works.
- Performance: When you test drive it, go slowly with the wheels fully turned in each direction to make sure they don't make a clicking noise or feel like it is binding. No steering wheel pulling (when cruising or braking), no grinding noises, no odd shifting patterns, no misfiring cylinders, no burn fluid smells (oil, trans, power steering, etc.).
- Maintenance: See if they've had any of the fluids changed (PTU & RDU specifically).
- History: Ask to see the car fax. and look at VIN check - and body/paint for previous damage. Owner has clear title in hand in their name that can be signed over.
- Idling: When you go look at it, let it just sit there idling for 5-10 minutes to make sure it doesn't start smoking.
You may want to consider an extended FORD warranty for powertrain just before the original one expires.
Pricing was accurate at the time of article writing. All pricing is subject to change.