Ford, Mondeo/Taurus

The Ford Mondeo and Taurus are two mid-size sedans that were produced by Ford Motor Company. The Mondeo was manufactured in Europe from 1993 to 2014, while the Taurus was produced in North America from 1986 to 2012.

First Generation (1986-1991) The first-generation Taurus was a revolutionary design for its time, introducing a aerodynamic body style and advanced features such as a turbocharged engine and anti-lock braking system. It was available with a range of engines, including inline-four and V8 configurations, and offered a spacious interior and comfortable ride.

Second Generation (1992-1995) The second-generation Taurus saw significant updates, including a new exterior design that emphasized comfort and practicality over sportiness. The car's suspension and steering system were also improved for better handling and maneuverability. New features such as dual airbags and a CD player became available.

Third Generation (1996-2000) The third-generation Taurus introduced a more rounded body style, with a focus on comfort and family-friendly features. It was offered with a range of engine options, including a 3.8-liter V6 and a high-performance SVT model. Interior amenities such as power windows, air conditioning, and a premium sound system became standard or optional.

Fourth Generation (2000-2004) The fourth-generation Taurus saw major updates to the interior and exterior design, with a more angular look and a focus on technology features like navigation and a rearview camera. The car's suspension was also improved for better handling and ride quality. A high-performance SHO model was introduced, featuring a supercharged V6 engine.

Mondeo in Europe (1993-2014) The Ford Mondeo was first introduced in 1993 as a direct replacement for the Ford Sierra and Escort, targeting a more premium audience than its predecessors. Over the years, it underwent several updates, including a significant redesign in 2000 that brought a more angular body style and advanced features like a bi-xenon headlight system and traction control.

Mondeo (2007-2014) The fourth-generation Mondeo was launched in 2007 as a more premium offering, with a focus on comfort, technology, and driver dynamics. It featured a new design language, including a swooping roofline and sleek bodywork. Engine options included a range of petrol and diesel configurations, with the top-of-the-line model featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Common Features and Trim Levels Throughout its production run, both the Taurus and Mondeo offered various trim levels, ranging from base models to high-performance variants like the SHO and ST models. Common features across the range included air conditioning, power windows, a CD player or MP3 player, and advanced safety systems such as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

Discontinuation The Taurus was discontinued in North America after 2012, replaced by the Ford Fusion. The Mondeo continued to be produced until 2014 in Europe, when it was replaced by a new model, also called the Mondeo, but featuring a different design language inspired by the larger Edge and Explorer models.

Sales Performance The Taurus sold over 3 million units worldwide during its production run, making it one of the best-selling Ford sedans. The Mondeo achieved similar success in Europe, selling over 2 million units before being replaced by its successor.