Ford Taurus 3rd Gen
The 3rd generation Taurus SHO paired controversial oval styling with a unique Yamaha-developed 3.4L V8. It's an affordable entry into 90s performance sedans, though pristine examples command surprisingly high prices.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Ford Taurus 3rd Gen ranges from $1,180 to $40,820, based on 36 sales tracked on Hypercars. 10 currently for sale.
The third-generation Taurus SHO, launched for the 1996 model year, was a radical departure from its predecessors. Ford fully embraced an oval design theme inside and out, which proved polarizing. The biggest news was under the hood, where a Yamaha-developed 3.4-liter V8 replaced the previous SHO's V6. This all-aluminum, 32-valve engine produced 235 horsepower and was paired exclusively with a 4-speed automatic transmission, a first for the SHO line.
Collector interest centers almost entirely on that unique V8 engine. It's a high-revving, complex powerplant that gives an otherwise common sedan a special character. The controversial styling also makes it a memorable 90s icon. The market is thin, with only 10 sales tracked, but the price spread is enormous. While the average sale is $15,879, this is skewed by a $39,000 result for a car with just 56 miles. Most driver-quality examples trade for well under $10,000, making them an accessible, if quirky, modern classic.
Buying Tips
- The 3.4L V8 is known for camshaft sprocket failure; verify if the cams have been professionally welded or replaced, as it's a critical and expensive repair.
- Inspect the AX4N automatic transmission for slipping, harsh shifts, or dark, burnt-smelling fluid, as they can be a weak point.
- Check thoroughly for rust, especially in the rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and front and rear subframes.
- Interior and exterior plastic trim, particularly around the headlights and on the dashboard, can become brittle and crack with age.
Prices range from $285 for project cars to $39,000 for pristine, low-mileage examples.
36 Ford Taurus 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 10 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $60,500.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ford Taurus 3rd Gen cost?
Based on 36 sales tracked on Hypercars, Ford Taurus 3rd Gen prices typically range from $1,180 to $40,820. There are 10 currently for sale.
How many Ford Taurus 3rd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 10 Ford Taurus 3rd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.