Ford Taurus at Launch: How Four Trims Defined the 1986 Family Sedan

When Ford introduced the Taurus for 1986, the company was still fine-tuning how it wanted to package America’s family car. Early brochures from late 1985 laid out four trims shared by both the sedan and wagon: the base L, the short-lived sporty MT5, the midrange GL, and the range-topping LX. A performance SHO variant was still three years away.

Every Taurus came with power front disc brakes, rear drums, power steering, a 16-gallon tank, and carpeted cargo areas. Beyond that, the L typically used a 2.5-liter inline-four borrowed from the Tempo, rated at 88 horsepower, paired with a three-speed automatic. A 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 with 140 hp was optional, and standard on wagons outside the MT5. The MT5 was the budget enthusiast’s pick, offering only the four-cylinder and a five-speed manual, and it disappeared after 1988.

The GL proved the volume choice, blending the same engine options with a four-speed automatic designed specifically for the Taurus and Sable. At the top, the LX brought V6 power as standard, ribbed lower body cladding, cornering lamps, a tilt wheel, power front seats, and illuminated visors, though even here a cassette stereo remained an extra. Ford also promised 15 exterior colors and five interior shades, with packaged equipment groups meant to save buyers money.