Rare Rides Icons: The Ford Taurus, Modernizing Family Transportation (Part V)TheTruthAboutCars.comCorey LewisSat, September 19, 2026 at 1:09 AM UTCAdd us on Googlerare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vAfter a lengthy and costly development period while Ford's finances were nearly underwater, the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable debuted to great fanfare in 1986. On their exteriors the two models had more differentiation than one might expect, and shared only doors and a roof. There were differences between the two models on the inside, too. Almost unbelievably, Sable owners looked at a different dashboard than Taurus customers.Note: Miraculously we have two very clean and similar vehicles to compare today, painted the same exterior color. The Taurus is a 1987 in GL trim, while the Sable is a 1988 GS from Canada. Undoubtedly reader MaintenanceCosts will tell us exactly what those trim levels mean.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vUpon sliding behind the wheel of the Taurus, customers of the brand new midsize saw an instrument panel entirely encased in black plastic (color matched on LX). It stood out in contrast particularly on beige examples such as the one pictured. Upmarket visuals were provided by some reddish wood tone trim that was repeated on the door panels. The two-spoke steering wheel had a simple shape and was leather-wrapped in some trims. It also optionally featured cruise control buttons set into the wheel.AdvertisementAdvertisementAnalog gauges were the standard equipment, though a digital display was optional. With a high-tech type layout, the digital package featured a multifunction trip computer operated via a vertical row of buttons to the right of the gauges. Readouts were on the left side in green, above a large system monitor indicator.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vWarning lights were standard fare along the lower edge of the gauges, while RPMs were indicated on an angled bar in green. Segments filled in the green space and indicated the current revs. Under the bar was a large speed display, along with a digital odometer. Oddly, the fuel display was an analog needle.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vTo the right of the gauges was a stack that included climate control knobs, a digital clock, and radio controls. All were tilted toward the driver, and presented in a pod that extended outward considerably. The dash curved and recessed for the passenger, who had little to look at beyond a piece of wood tone that also served as a warning chime speaker, and a glovebox.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vThe Sable had a completely different dash design that was more organic and rounded, much like the Mercury's exterior. A two-spoke wheel carried slightly more design elements than in the Taurus, and reflects here how even in the Mercury cruise control was optional equipment. There was limited use of black plastic on the dash of the Sable; a walnut-effect wood trim was contained entirely within the instrument panel and found nowhere else in the interior.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vAdvertisementAdvertisementGauges were simple in analog configuration, and displayed revs, speed, temperature, and fuel level. In stark black, the Sable's gauges showed how much blank space was actually present. To the right were climate controls in a similar position to the Taurus, but with clock and defroster controls above.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vThe radio and other auxiliary controls were contained in a rectangular section of the dash south of the wheel. The instrument panel was much less driver oriented, and was nearly vertical rather than tilted toward the driver. Overall the dash shape was more of a clean horizontal line, and did not sweep toward the cowl in front of the passenger. Unlike the Taurus, the Sable had a small model plaque near the window. There was no wood trim in front of the passenger, though the glovebox was recessed under the dash for a cleaner appearance.The Taurus and Sable took different approaches to their door panels, too. The Taurus had a warmer and more traditional look. The Taurus featured a model logo inset into some faux wood and trimmed in chrome plastic. The grab handle also served as a mount for side mirror buttons. Beyond it was a chromed door pull, and power window switches.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vThough a basic example is pictured, the Sable went more minimal in its door panel design. It had less trim overall, and a tweedy material covered the top half of the door panel. The lower half of the door panel was molded with a vinyl-look material, and lacked the upholstery found on the Taurus. Notably, the original buyer of this Canadian wagon even opted against power windows. The door pull was plain black plastic, no metal trim in sight.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vOn the subject of seats, the Taurus went for a more cushioned, plush appearance. Seat back fabrics were lightly ruched, and ribbed into five large sections that were mirrored on the bottom of the seat. The material shown here is a soft looking velour.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vAdvertisementAdvertisementSable opted for a more sculpted look, perhaps intended to look more European. Seats were covered in a tweed fabric, with a similar velour to the Taurus in the middle sections. Ribbing was narrower and tighter, and there was no ruching to be found. The Sable's seats also wore a strong central double stitch on the seatback that was not found on Taurus seats.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vRear seat passengers of the Taurus had some more visually interesting things to look at than in the Sable. There was wood on the door panel and a chrome door pull, just like the front. Window switches were set into a large vertical panel. Overall the rear area of the Taurus looked slightly more inviting.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vIn contrast, the Sable's seating environment was more stark, and looked a bit more organized and upright. Reminding rear passengers how their driver purchased few options, this particular Sable went without map pockets. In the 40 years since their debut, it's easy to see the Taurus interior has aged a bit better than the Sable because of its more conventional looks. The exteriors carry the exact opposite distinctions.rare rides icons the ford taurus modernizing family transportation part vIn our next installment we'll review the various trim levels offered on the Taurus. There were quite a few at launch. Ford also offered many optional Preferred Equipment Packages, or "PEPs" as referred to internally. Would you like dual remote control mirrors but not a tilt wheel? There's a PEP for that.[Images: BaT, BaT]Become a TTAC insider. 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