It's hard to believe Ford's Taurus and Sable, cars that helped reshape the future of the family sedan, are entering their fourth model year, with more than 1.4 million of them on the road since being introduced in late 1985.
The Ford Taurus and its fancier Mercury Sable counterpart have been heralded as signifying a new age for U.S. carmakers. Their designs were considered radical, simply because no other American family sedan boasted such a rounded, aerodynamic shape.By now, however, these six-passenger sedans and wagons have melded into the nation's roadscape as more carmakers have adopted such designs.
Ford's brace of front-drive, midsized cars also were instrumental in earning it industry-record profits of $5.3 billion last year, marking the third straight year in which the nation's second largest carmaker has out-earned industry giant General Motors.
In short, Ford's $3 billion gamble on the Taurus and Sable paid off, especially at a time when GM had no really new sedan models to offer. The new duo was even embraced by older buyers used to the squarish, rear-drive land yachts that lumbered out of Ford's factories for years.
Ford knows not to mess with a good thing. So for 1989, the Taurus and Sable undergo evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes.
Almost indiscernible tweaks have been made to their front ends and rear trim. Interior door panels have been remolded for larger stereo speakers. Ride noise has been reduced by using recalibrated engine and suspension dampers.
In 1988 Ford added a larger, 3.8 liter V6 engine as optional equipment to the base 3.0 liter V6. The 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is still standard on the base Taurus, but a 5-speed manual is no longer available.
This year, the 1989 Taurus is offered in three trim levels - the L ($12,228), GL ($12,652) and LX ($15,732). The Sable is available in either GS ($14,551) or a more fully equipped LS ($15,544) trim.
A Mercury Sable LS wagon, nearly identical to the Taurus LX, was evaluated for this review. Wagons now account for nearly a quarter of all Taurus/Sable sales, much higher than Ford originally anticipated.
With the optional third seat, they can hold up to eight passengers in comfort and are a practical alternative to minivans.
The car tested was base priced at $16,322, but a lengthy list of options swelled its sticker to $19,338, including a $426 destination fee. The larger 3.8 liter engine ($396), power front seats ($502) third rear seat ($155), automatic air conditioning ($183), InstaClear heated windshield ($250) were among the major extras, as was a keyless entry system ($202) which allows the driver to punch in a combination code instead of using the door key.
Inside, the optional digital speedometer ($351), which includes a computer to monitor fuel consumption, is well marked and legible under all conditions.
Headroom and legroom is generous all around, even in the rear-facing third seat, which holds an extra two passengers. When folded, the wagon offers 81 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which can be reached either by opening the rear hatch window or lifting the entire tailgate.
The Sable's larger 3.8 liter V6 generates 140 horsepower at 3,800 rpm, compared with 140 hp at 4,800 rpm for the 3.0 liter V6. Not that the 3.0 liter V6 is a slug, it's just that the larger engine has a lot more torque (215 vs. 160 foot pounds) which is appreciated while hauling heavy loads.
Both are coupled to a 4-speed automatic transaxle. But the trade-off is that the larger engine is EPA rated at 17 city-24 mpg highway, compared with 21 city-29 mpg highway for the 3.0 liter V6.
Access to owner-serviced items on both engines is tight because of the engine's transverse placement.
Probably the most impressive thing about the 3,100-pound Sable wagon is that it rides and handles just as well as the sedan. The key is an entirely different independent rear suspension for the wagon models, in addition to gas-filled struts and shocks.
The brakes are much improved over earlier models tested. Gone is the numb pedal feel. The front power disc brakes are very responsive, even after several consecutive stops from high speed.
The level of fit and finish, as well as materials used, were excellent on the test car.